Page 36 of Tight Spot

“Yeah. They all craved the city life, and Portland’s easier for Charlie and he loves it out there.”

“Easier?”

She twirled her wineglass in her hands, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. Almost hesitant. “Things are changing, but it’s not always easy to be a gay man in the South, you know?”

Well, I didn’t know. Hadn’t known her brother was gay, but I guessed with how she approached it, she’d assume I’d mind. Or had people in her past who’d minded a hell of a lot. “Don’t give a shit who people love, Hailey.”

But maybe it had nothing to do with me at all… “Your parents okay with that?”

“I don’t know if they were, originally, maybe sad for him or something, but he’s Charlie. Their son. They love him, so yeah, might have taken a hot minute, but they love him just the same.”

“That’s good. Good you have that.”

I sure as hell didn’t, and it never had anything to do with my sexual orientation.

Talk about a conversation stopper. Fortunately, I was able to redirect the conversation when Margo appeared.

She set down a plate of a variety of meats and cheeses and crackers.

“Thank you, Margo,” Hailey said and snagged a chunk of cheese.

She chewed on it and closed her eyes, making a humming sound that shot straight to my gut. Goddamn. The way this woman ate. She didn’t hide her enjoyment and hadn't done it the other night either. She dove right in and showed her appreciation for every bite of food she enjoyed like it was the last meal she’d have for a month.

Hadn’t ever realized how sexy eating could be, until I enjoyed a meal with her.

“Anything else?” Margo asked, grinning at me.

“We’re good. Thanks. You send your husband that pic yet?”

“I’m surprised he isn’t here yet, breaking every stoplight in town in order to get to you.”

I shook my head, chuckling. Funny how grown men turned into boys when surrounded by professional athletes. At our core, we were still men.

She laughed. “Our little boys are already asleep, so he won’t be here, but he’s pretty damn bummed he missed you.”

“Did you put it on your social media yet?” Hailey asked.

She was dropping a dollop of mustard onto a cracker and covered it with prosciutto.

Margo’s brown eyes turned the color of saucers. “Is that okay with you?”

“Yeah. It’s all right. Mind waiting until we leave though?”

“No. Of course. But well, thanks. I hadn’t considered you’d be okay with that. Normally I don’t, out of respect, you know…”

“It’s cool, Margo. People will see us eventually.”

“Will they?” Margo teased, glanced between us.

“Yep. I think he likes me.” Hailey popped the cracker into her mouth and chewed.

She was not wrong.

“Does he?” Margo’s question was asked to me.

“Yeah.” I grabbed my glass of wine. “I just might.”

Which wasn’t a lie, and I wasn’t quite so mad about it.

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