Page 108 of Fair Catch

Quinton and Oakley meet us somewhere in Greenwich Villageafter they’re done with practice, texting us the address to this queer-owned rooftop restaurant for an early dinner, which is closed in sort of like a greenhouse for the winter. Of course, with it being an early dinner, we also get a fucking stunning view of the sunset going down over the Manhattan skyline that I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of.

Oakley, on the other hand, doesn’t seem too thrilled about his boyfriend’s choice in dinner venues.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into coming back here,” Oakley mutters, taking another swig from his drink—his second of the night.

“Did you not like the food or something the last time?” I ask, frowning.

“No, he’s afraid of heights,” Quinton supplies, grinning when he looks at his boyfriend. “But don’t worry, baby. I’ll make it up to you later.”

I glance over the edge of the building, noting that we’re not eventhathigh up. It’s not like we’re having dinner on top of the Empire State Building or something, but I choose not to comment on it.

Hayes, on the other hand?

“And nowIthink I’m gonna hurl, and it’s definitely not from the heights,” Hayes mutters before sipping on his own drink.

I shoot him a look, hopefully reminding him to play nice with his best friend’s guy. From the way he smirks and rolls his lips inward, he definitely gets the message.

Quinton, on the other hand, ignores him entirely, instead focusing his attention on me. “So I hear you’re planning to make yourself eligible for the Draft now that the season is over.”

“Yeah. I mean, that’s the goal, assuming the combine goes well.”

“And securing that invite was the next step to making that goal a reality,” Hayes reminds me now, aiming a gentle smile in my direction.

My heart stumbles in my chest at the sight of it.

“Well, shit. That’s definitely the right direction,” Oakley says, looking a little calmer than he was earlier.

I nod. “It’s just waiting and training now, which I think is the hardest part. But I just keep telling myself it’ll be worth it. And from the looks of it, I’m right. The two of you seem to be loving the pro-athlete life.”

“It definitely has its perks.” Oakley agrees before shooting a look at Quinton. “Do you happen to have someone representing you already?”

Wincing, I shake my head. “I haven’t made it that far, unfortunately.”

“Well, if you’re looking, we can definitely refer you to Louis,” Quinton chimes in. “He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s good at his job.”

“You’rethe pain in the ass, babe,” Oakley says, arching a brow. “You’re the loose cannon he’s constantly worrying about, which is why he’s always harping on you.”

Quinton literally shrugs Oakley’s comment off. “I’ve yet to get in a fight since I signed with him.”

“Yet, being the operative word,” Hayes says, grinning at his best friend.

He shoots me a wink after, but I’m too occupied by Quinton’s offer to flirt back.

“I’d absolutely be open to meeting with him if he’s looking to take on any new clients.”

“Louis is nevernotlooking for new clients, no matter what he tries telling you at first,” Oakley replies with a laugh. “We’ll put the two of you in touch.”

“I’d really appreciate that,” I tell them, a little bit of hope rising in my chest.

Louis Spaulding is something of a legend when it comes to professional athletics, and having him in my corner would make things a helluva lot easier, should things go the way I’m hoping. Not to mention the amount of queer athletes he already represents outside of Quinton and Oakley.

The rest of dinner goes by rather quickly, though I think that’s more for Oakley’s benefit than anything. Both Hayes and I noticed he was looking a little green by the time the waiter came with the dessert menu, and we quickly asked for the check.

And I have to admit, it was nice to watch Hayes lose the battle on paying to Quinton.

Once we get Oakley back to solid ground—his words, not mine—the four of us walk back to Quinton and Oakley’s condo a few blocks away. And boy is Oakley a man on a mission to get home, leaving the three of us behind while he damn near power-walks down the street.

But what surprises me is when Hayes presses his lips to my cheek before calling for Oakley to wait up for him.

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