Page 15 of Changing the Play

“Can you get to the point, man? What’s going on with you?”

I let out a breath. “Okay, so my tutor was watching football with me.” I leave out the part about why, but I’m sure that’s not relevant. “And when they left, they said, ‘the pants are a bonus. I like them’.”

He cocks his head to the side. “Alright, given the context, I’d say it’s an attraction thing.”

About a million and half things fly through my mind all at once, but the first thing that comes out of my mouth is, “Darcy’s gay?”

Benson’s easy expression melts away, something dark and angry flashing in his eyes. “And if he was? Is that a problem?”

“No!” I put my hands up in defense. “Not at all! No. I just—” I cut myself off so I don’t fuck up and say the wrong thing. “I just didn’t know if… if he was or not. He never said either way.”

Ben crosses his arms over his chest, watching me like he’s trying to decide if he’s going to shove me against the locker and beat my ass. “Why would he? Not everyone has to go around telling everyone their sexuality, Hale.”

Fuck. “I’m not saying people should. The idea surprised me. That’s all.”

He watches me for a few more minutes, then an easy grin spreads across his face. “Cool. So what were you doing in here? Checking out all the asses to see what was up with football pants?”

My face catches on fire. “No,” I sputter.

Ben laughs. “Bro, let’s go. Practice is going to kick our asses today. I can feel it in my bones.”

I sigh, thankful for the subject change and his easy acceptance of my strange behavior. Truly, what in thefuckis going on with me?

The second we step onto the field, the heat about takes my breath away. Fuck.

Coach’s shrill whistle pierces the air. “Line up, boys. Conditioning day.” A collective groan ripples through the team. “Ten-yard sprints to start. Keep at it until you hear my whistle.”

Ben nudges my side. “Told you, bro. Felt it in my bones.”

Twenty minutes later, I’m drenched in sweat, hating myself for the carbs and cookies I devoured last night. “Pick it up, Hale. You’re supposed to be the leader out there!” Coach shouts.

Gritting my teeth, I push harder, pumping my legs until my muscles are screaming and my chest is burning with each breath. I catch Ben’s eye, and he’s pushing just as hard, matching me in speed, flushed red, sweat dripping down his face.

By the time practice is over, I’m spent and ready to go home and collapse straight into bed. I shower in the locker room in a daze, my legs barely holding me up. Between being up so late reading, my already late night with Darcy, and today’s practice, I’m ready to keel over.

When I step out of the shower, I half dry off and get dressed, immediately regretting not drying fully when I instantly start overheating from my clothes clinging to the wetness on my skin.

The walk up to my apartment is awful, considering how much my legs feel like Jello. I’m going to be sore as hell tomorrow. I drop my ass onto the couch and stare at the ceiling. It doesn’t take long for my mind to wander to Darcy. What’s he doing right now? Is he gay? If he’s not, what could he have meant by his remark about the football pants? Would it be weird to ask him?

Yes, West. It would be weird to ask him.

I groan, rubbing my eyes, digging my fists into my eye sockets until everything goes a little fuzzy and I’m seeing spots.

I wonder if he would find it odd if I texted him. Not to ask if he’s gay. Just to say hey. See if he wants to hang out again. Although, I already mentioned hanging out, and he shut it down pretty quickly—so maybe not that.

Ugh. Fuck it. Before I can think better of it, I grab my phone and send him a message.

Me

Practice kicked my ass. No more carbs and cookies before practice days.

I’m not expecting a response. Not really, but I still get a little swoopy feeling in my stomach when my phone buzzes almost immediately.

Darcy

Oh my. Well, I can’t say I relate. I’ve been daydreaming about those cookies since last night. Next time, I’ll bring plain, non-seasoned chicken and broccoli.

Next time?Next time.Pained muscles forgotten, I sink deeper into the couch and text him back.

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