Page 4 of Their Perfect Daddy

Finn and Raymond show up next, their voices excitedly calling out for my brother and Danny. I’d be irrationally jealous if I didn’t know the two men were tied down to my teammates.

Speaking of which, they’re tagging along right behind their boys. I grin at them. They completely ignore me since they only have eyes for their boyfriends. I’m invisible when they’re around.

Not that I mind. The only set of eyes I want on me that way haven’t stopped giving me glances since I approached him and my brother.

I ask how the two Littles know my brother, which brings up a discussion of the game. I’m about to draw Micah into it; however, I notice him looking at someone across the room. It’s a look I haven’t seen from him. I suspect I know what it is.

My brother has a crush. And I’d bet anything I know just who has caught his eye. The only guy standing over there who fits his type would be my teammate.

“Jett! Come meet my brother,” I yell before I can think better of it.

I feel Micah tense for a brief moment. Jett comes over, greeting me and then the others he’s familiar with.

He’s always kept to himself more than anyone else on the team. If it’s not the game itself or talking about trains, he has no desire to be involved.

While others find it off-putting, I appreciate the guy for knowing what he wants and doesn’t want. Besides, I think he might be neurodivergent, and I’m not going to judge him for it. We are who we are. People come in all shapes, sizes, skin tones, and mental processes.

When the guys share that Jett mentioned I’d be the best fit for the plays I ran during the first half, I can’t help the way my jaw drops open.I got that playtime because of him.How fucking awesome is that?

“Man, if you liked hugs, I’d hug the fuck out of you. Thanks for believing in me.”

“Nothing to believe in. Your stats show you’re an excellent tight end. While the percentage of completed touchdowns between Bellamy and Aries is higher due to their compatibility on the field, you’ve shown great improvement through the years.”

There’s nothing I can really say to that. I don’t have the words when he gets all big brain intellectual on me. And again, he’s not a hugger.

Before I can suggest anything else as a way to show thanks, I hear chanting come from the other room.

“MO! MO! MO!”

With a reluctant smile, I tell the group, “Hosting duties call. Have fun!”

I take off to join the others. I don’t really want to leave the group I’m with; however, I refuse to ever be called a bad host. These guys depend on me to deliver a good time.

That’s exactly what I intend to do.

When I reach the rowdy group, I find it’s the usual crowd. They’re all single guys around my age or a bit older who love to party when given the chance. Since we spend so much time being‘on’for our careers, the chance to let loose is one we all take.

“What’s up, guys? Getting started without me?” I grin as I shake my shoulders at them.

That earns me some chuckles and slaps on the back.

Chadwick, one of the offensive linemen, nudges me with his elbow. “You’ve been absent for a bit. We had to summon you before we start another round of cornholes.”

I laugh. “You wanted to get me wasted at my own party? I’m already buzzed. Cornhole shots are going to have me plastered in a few rounds.”

“That’s the point, my friend. It’s not like you have to drive home or anything.” He waves his hands around to prove a point.

I mean, yeah, he’s right about that part. I could pass out drunk anywhere in this place and no one would bat an eye.

It’s more that I don’t want to get to that level. Especially not with my brother here.

Micah makes me want to do better. He makes me want to be the best so he can be proud of me.

My therapist, Dr. Soto, might call that people pleasing. I’d have to give her a gold star for that evaluation because she’d be a thousand percent right.

While I know it’s not the healthiest habit, I can’t seem to help myself. We’re unpacking it in my sessions. It’s a work in progress though.

“Don’t be a party pooper. Time to get drinking. Who’s ready to get the game going?” Chadwick asks the crowd around us.

---