Page 53 of Off the Clock

“Oh.” He sucked in his cheeks for a long moment. “Suppose that’s common enough these days. Our Mary and her Diane just welcomed another little girl.”

“You don’t think my bisexuality will be an issue if I want to coach?” I pressed.

“Not with me. Some of the parents might be the type to squawk, but you’ll keep it under your hat. It’ll be fine.” He nodded decisively.

“You mean don’t be out,” I said flatly.

“Out or in? Does it matter? I support you, Capo. Doesn’t matter who’s in your bed, but there’s no need to go shouting about it.”

“Yeah.” My voice came out wooden and defeated. “Wouldn’t want to rock the parent club boat.”

“Exactly.” Coach Willard appeared to have missed my tone entirely. “Now, you think about my offer. There’s no one I’d rather recommend, and you don’t need to answer right now. Think about it.”

“I will.” I gave a robotic nod. Hours later, though, my brain continued to swirl. I sure as hell had a ton to talk to Caleb abouteven before my phone dinged with an incoming message from him.

Caleb

We need to talk.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Caleb

Me

We need to talk.

There. I’d finally texted Tony. I’d waited a couple of days past Sean’s visit for the courage, timing, and right words to talk to Tony. None of which happened, so finally, I’d simply forced myself to type. And, of course, my heart thumped the whole thirty seconds I had to wait for a reply.

Tony

I was thinking the same thing. Where do you want to meet?

Oh crap. I should have been relieved that Tony was also looking to talk, but instead, my heart pounded harder and sweat rolled down my back. The only thing worse than not being on the same page wasbeingon the same page.

I glanced through my open door, down the hall to the living room, where the sounds of a loud car chase blared.

Me

Not here. Scotty, John, and Cosmo are watching a movie in the living room.

Tony

Ha. Similar situation here. Rowan has what looks like most of the drama club over for 80s night. Just finished cleaning up dinner with Jonas, so I can sneak away. Our favorite make-out point up the old quarry road?

Me

I said talk, not fool around.

I regretted the pissy text almost as soon as I sent it, but the last thing I needed was the temptation to screw instead of say what needed to be said.

Tony

Might be a first, but we can talk there too.

Tony didn’t include the eye-roll emoji I undoubtedly deserved.

Tony

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