Page 16 of Serve
Chip hugged Tyler’s pillow to his chest and closed his eyes, wishing the older man would hurry. He was chilly and wanted to feel the other man’s warm skin on top of his own. He heard Tyler walk into the room, then the peace of the earlier part of the evening vanished.
“What the fuck?”
Chip opened his eyes as Tyler sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at his phone.
“All hell is breaking loose online.”
Chapter Nine
Tyler
“Sania, I hate finding out I have a new coach without actually knowing who it is. Aren’t I the one doing the hiring and firing around here?” Tyler bitched into his phone, pacing in front of the window. Sports sites across the web were reporting he had a new coach without giving a name. Chip watched from the bed, a worried look etched into his features. Tyler stood still for a few seconds listening with his mouth open, then barked into the phone.
“How are these leaks happening? How can I trust you when all you are doing is confirming rumors I’m seeing online? You never left town? Be here tomorrow morning at nine. We need to talk.” Tyler disconnected the call and threw himself on the bed next to Chip.
“Do you want me to go?” Chip asked in a quiet voice. Tyler turned to him, his face softening.
“Oh no, please, I’m sorry about that.” He sat up against the headboard and opened his arms. Chip nestled in and pulled the blankets up.
“It has nothing to do with you, and I want you to stay. I’m sorry, I’m usually not... I don’t know, so angry.” He leaned his cheek against the top of Chip’s head. “Having you here is more important. My career has always been my top priority, but I won’t allow it to rule my life anymore.” He kissed Chip’s hair and sighed.
“I’ll stay, but only if you want. I don’t want to intrude, or anything like that.” Chip said softly. His arm encircled Tyler’s waist, and he pulled himself closer into his lover’s body.
“I want…” Tyler took a deep breath and continued. “You’re not intruding. The world is intruding. This is my time, and it’s precious to me. In fact, let’s not even talk about it. I want to know more about you.”
“My life is boring. Nothing going on except you, and taking care of Aunt Dixie.” Chip chuckled.
“I call bullshit on that. There’s nothing boring about Dixie. Look, my life is crazy busy, and it seems big and important. In the scheme of things though, it’s not. I’m an athlete, that’s all. Doctor’s, scientists, world leaders, they all have more important things going on. You do more good every day helping people than I do smacking a ball around a tennis court. Seriously, I want to know what you are all about.”
He really did. Tyler’s life was insulated, protecting him from everything except hitting a tennis ball and making money. It was a lonely existence, and the closer he got to Chip, the more he was exposed to the outside world. He stroked his hair, waiting for the younger man to speak. Chip stiffened, nervous about opening up. Tyler asked a question to get the ball rolling.
“Why did you become a paramedic? Or is it an EMT?” He asked. Chip sat up, and took Tyler’s hand in his.
“My parents were killed in a robbery at the saloon they owned. Aunt Dixie must have told you about that. That first year was horrible. I was only sixteen when it happened, and Aunt Dixie and Sue took me in. Without them, I’m not sure I’d be sitting here talking to you.” Chip glanced down, and a shadow briefly crossed over his features.
“I’m so sorry. I remember when it happened. Dixie and Sue put me up whenever I played in Houston, along with a couple of other players. That year they couldn’t, because you took over the bedroom we normally stayed in. The tournament scrambled to find another family for us to bunk with. Sorry, I’m talking about myself again. Please, tell me more.” Tyler said. He meant it too. He was sick of talking about himself, and he wanted to really know Chip, not just his body.
“My bedroom was decorated in that cheesy tennis motif. It’s all your fault.” Chip laughed and gently punched Tyler in the arm. “After I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives. I thought about being a doctor, but the thought of spending a decade or more in school turned me off. Then I wanted to be a social worker, but I ended up becoming an EMT. I like it, though it also sucks sometimes. Believe it or not, when I first started the sight of blood made me retch. But, I think most jobs have their bad points, know what I mean?”
Tyler nodded and kissed his cheek. He was going to experience the bad side of his job in the morning. All he wanted now was to feel Chip’s smooth skin against his own. He stretched, then pulled Chip in tight and yawned.
“See, my life is boring.” Chip teased him.
“I like boring.” Tyler murmured, and fell into the most peaceful sleep he’d had in years.
“Don’t go.” Tyler said. He felt refreshed. Normally he was exhausted, even upon waking. Despite knowing he was in for a rough morning talking business, he felt peaceful and relaxed.
“Won’t I be intruding? I mean, your agent is going to be here soon, and I don’t want to get in the way.” Chip pulled his t-shirt over his head, then sat on the edge of the bed next to Tyler.
“You don’t have to leave on my account, and honestly, I’d rather be with you. I heard Dixie in the kitchen. Why don’t you hang out with her while I’m talking to Sania.” He looked the other way, embarrassed. He didn’t want to come across as needy, but that was what he was right now, needy and insecure.
Tyler felt better knowing Chip was close by. He knew it was his day off, and Chip probably had other things to do. He felt lost though, and Chip’s presence was reassuring. His strength was tennis, not business. Making decisions about his future scared him. Plus his manager never flew back to Los Angeles, and her silence about it worried him. Obviously she could come and go as she pleased, but the feeling she was hiding something was eating at him.
“The only thing on my agenda today was checking in on my Aunt. Since she’s here, you’re making my life easier. I’ll stay.” Chip nuzzled him below his ear. Tyler smiled and arched his neck to give him easier access. For a few brief moments he forgot all about the meeting with Sania, then reality intruded when he heard the doorbell.
“I guess that’s my cue to head to the kitchen.” Chip pecked him on the lips and walked to the door. He turned around for one last glance, a look of longing glued to his face.
“You gonna be all right?” He asked.
