Page 29 of Fluffing the Stallion

Beside me, Tommy barks a laugh that he covers with a cough. I give him an evil glare and he bounces his eyebrows up and down. I stomp his foot under the table.

Dean asks, “Do you like being a trainer? I’m looking into it as a possible career path, like Clay wants to do.”

Smiling, Yuri nods. “Yeah, I like my job. It’s um … very fulfilling.”

I groan, putting my head in my hands. I’m glad only Tommy knows what he’s talking about. If my parents really knew what he did …

When our food is placed in front of us, we dig in, only sharing a word or two around our chewing. It’s delicious. The night is even better because my family is here with me, meeting Yuri, who I’m pretty sure I’m hopelessly in love with.

They seem to like him as well. Well, I think they all do. I can’t get a read on Jay and why he’s not joining in the conversation. He looks pale now, not looking up from where he’s picking at his food.

I don’t get chance to bring attention to it before my mother nudges him. “Jay. It’s time to tell your brother the good news. Tell him why we’re here.”

For the first time since we got to the restaurant, Jay looks up and grins. His cheeks turn pink, bringing some color back to his face, and he rubs the back of his neck. “I uh … I got a scholarship for school. Full ride. I’m going to be playing baseball in Texas.”

Excited beyond belief, I whoop and come around the table, pulling Jay from his seat into a hard hug. “Oh my god, Jay! That’s fantastic news.” I pull back so I can look at him, seeing his excited grin. “As soon as you get your game schedule, I want it. I want to be there for your first game.”

He laughs, ducking his head. “I haven’t even graduated high school yet. Give me a minute to settle in first, you dork.”

Laughing, I hug him once more, tousling his hair.

From across the table, Yuri speaks up. “Congratulations, Jay. Clay told me that you’re really good. I’d like to join him for your first game.”

Jay swallows hard, then meets Yuri’s eyes. “Thank you.”

“What position do you play?”

Looking at me with wide eyes, then in the direction of Yuri—since he doesn’t meet his eyes—Jay mutters, “Short stop.”

I sit back down beside Yuri, laying a hand on his thigh under the table. I’m truly the happiest I’ve been in years. I know how much it means for Jay to get this scholarship. He’s been working his ass off for years, eating, breathing, and living baseball. He deserves this.

fourteen

CLAY

After dinner, I tell Yuri I’ll meet him back at his place later, and head back to the Airbnb to hang out with my family for a bit. I really missed him last night and seeing him at dinner wasn’t nearly enough.

I spend the next couple of hours talking and catching up with my family. I’ve missed so much since I’ve moved so far away. I wanted to see what life was like outside of Maine, but I missed seeing my family every day. I’m not sure I’ll ever move back to Maine, but I’m hoping once I get my career going I can afford to visit often.

One by one, everyone takes their leave, going to bed since they had a long flight from Maine. The last ones in the living room are me and Jay.

“Man, you got a scholarship,” I say in awe. “That’s amazing.”

He smiles, freer with them now that we’re alone. “Thanks, man. I don’t know if I want to play MLB or anything, but Mom and Dad not having to worry about paying for school is a good feeling.”

I agree. They weren’t able to help me much, only able to give me enough for about half a year of tuition—I had to find the rest. I did pretty good, taking out a loan for my first year and working my ass off the rest of the time until I got my partial scholarship. Knowing that Jay can get a quality education while doing what he loves makes me happy.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out, smiling at the text from Yuri.

Yuri: I miss you in my bed, baby. When will you be here?

Me: About thirty minutes. Don’t fall asleep.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket and look over at Jay. His face is red again and he’s picking at his fingernails—a nervous habit he’s had since I can remember. “Where did you really meet Yuri?”

“Huh?” I ask, not knowing where he’s going with this.

Keeping his voice low, he asks, “How did you meet a gay porn star?”

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