I nodded enthusiastically. “Sounds good. Can we have them without the flaxseed?”
“But they’re so good for you. They’re high in nutrients and a great source of Omega-3…”
I followed her downstairs, feeling lighter than I had in years. At least in this house. I wasn’t under any false impression that my mom would ease up and embrace my gayer side once and for all, but I’d set a heavy burden from my shoulders and laid it bare for her to see. We weren’t perfect. We were as messy on the inside as anyone else. And that was special in its own way.
My phone buzzed as I entered the gym a couple of hours later. I glanced at the screen and rolled my eyes.
Where are you? My life is falling apart. Call me. Stat.
I stepped into the corridor outside the locker room and scrolled for her number. “What’s wrong, Soph?”
“Everything! Elliot sabotaged my campaign, Gus is mad, the photographers have nothing interesting to shoot, and you’re nowhere to be found. You’re supposed to be here,” she said in a panicky voice.
“I have practice.”
“I thought you took the weekend off. This is a huge tournament. Your friends need you. Can you just get here and talk to Elliot? Maybe he’d listen to you.”
“What did he do?”
“He sent Drew away. He said he didn’t want his ex there. Now I have one half of a story, and it’s not even a good one. Anna is so not into Gus and…people are so uncooperative.” She sighed theatrically.
“He sent him away,” I repeated.
“Yeah, he must be into someone else. Do you know who it is? You’re friends and roommates. He must have mentioned someone or brought them around or—”
“Leave him alone, Soph. Let him play ball.”
“Ugh. Just get here. I need your help, pronto,” she pleaded.
“No, you don’t. Bye, Soph.”
I disconnected the call and stared into space as my teammates filed out of the locker room. The urge to jump into my car and drive to Long Beach was strong. But I had an obligation here, and I certainly wasn’t going to show up to give Sophie the other side of a story.
Good luck today.
Elliot texted back immediately.
Thanks. Three dots lit, then played across the screen for a full minute. He was either composing the longest message ever or writing and erasing. Fuck, I missed him. I looked for a funny gif to send, when a new message popped up. Come to the game tomorrow if you can. I could use some good luck.
I wanted to give him hearts and flowers and tell him I’d finally set the heaviest load of my burdens aside, but I wouldn’t do it via text. I went with a lame volleyball gif and a thumbs-up sign, then added, I’ll be there. Don’t get out on the serve.
Dealing with LA traffic on a Friday afternoon after a two-hour practice was no one’s idea of a good time. I was antsy as hell to get to Manhattan Beach. And when I finally neared the ocean, I had to deal with the daunting task of finding a place to park. I ended up handing over all the cash in my pocket and still walking a mile to get to the event.
Elliot sent me a follow-up text with his schedule and told me to let Tucker know when I arrived, so he could give me VIP access. Tucker greeted me at the entrance with a bro hug.
“Glad you’re here. They crushed it in their first match, but the next one is gonna be tough. Want a water or something to drink?” he asked, ushering me through the crowd to a middle court facing the boardwalk.
“No, I’m good.”
“This way. We’re the rainbow group.”
I smiled at the sight of the enormous Pride banner staked into the sand and noted that a lot of the fans milling around were wearing Elliot and Gus’s sponsors’ T-shirt. A good-sized fan base boosted morale at events like this. Every rock star needed some love, I mused, bracing myself when Karma pounced on me.
“Where the fuck have you been?” She smacked me upside the head, then kissed my cheek. “I made a sign for you and everything.”
“You made me a sign?”
“Yeah. I can’t break it out till later, so don’t ask me about it. You good?” she asked, chomping her gum noisily as she looked me over.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. I know close to nothing about what’s happening here. The rules are ridiculous. And needlessly confusing. That’s the problem with everything these days. If you ask me, you gotta keep it simple. That’s the way everything in life should be…perfectly simple.” She pointed toward the net meaningfully. “Oh! There he is. Elly! Kick some ass, baby!”
Elliot glanced our way and froze. Then he tossed the ball in the air and grinned. It was a radiant, warm smile…equal parts cocky and vulnerable. And in the funny way two old friends can speak without saying a word, I knew we’d be okay.