Page 87 of The Road to Home Base
“The rumors are true,” I said, my voice as clear as a bell. “I am gay.”
An eruption of questions. The words left my mouth almost like a battle cry, daring anyone to come at me. They gave me strength. Emma quieted the crowd so I could continue. “Always have been. Always will be. You guys have come to know me well enough that I keep my private life private. I will continue to do so, but given the rumors, the unfortunate reaction of otherteams, and recent personal issues that have made the tabloids, I felt it was time to come out so we can be done with talking about my personal life, and focus on the greatest game there is.” I sighed, nodded, and leaned back. “I’ll take a few questions.”
Emma had prepped me on the questions likely coming my way. We walked through the best response for each, but she encouraged me to speak from the heart and off the cuff, if I could.
To the question about performance impact, I answered, “Hopefully I’ll be playing the same way I was when you guys didn’t know about my dating life. My focus on the field is unwavering. I don’t expect any impact.”
Logically, the next question was one I had to sidestep. I said, “I’m not here to talk about how and why the fight with the Brawlers happened.”
Which only led to another, similar question. I answered as I pressed the pad of my forefinger onto my split eyebrow. “If you think this is bad, you should see the other guy.” That got me a round of laughter. I looked at the camera and winked, knowing Alex would see it. How could I not borrow that awful joke he made when we first met?
The crowd moved on. A stupid question next. Close-minded and bigoted. Before I could answer, my coach jumped in and said, “The whole team knows about Romo and nothing has changed with their dynamic. The locker room is still the same locker room it always has been. Nobody has changed the way they react around him. Next question.”
I liked the next question. I answered, “I hope I can be a role model for a lot of baseball youths out there who are struggling the way I did. I want them to know that baseball is about the game, first and foremost. You should focus on your skill as a player. I never let my closeted life get in the way of my success and I know being out won’t change a thing.”
For once, I didn’t mind talking about my family with the next question. “My family is the greatest support system I could ever ask for. They’ve known, ever since I was a teenager. Morettis don’t tell, so I know they always have my back, no matter what. The coaches have been incredible and Emma has been a rockstar. I have every support system I could ever need. I’m really lucky. Really.”
A question about the fans had me pause in consideration. “If I lose fans because of this, that’s on them, not me. I’ll still hit postseason with the same exuberance and lightheartedness you’re used to seeing from Romo. I think the fans will be okay with it, to tell you the truth.” I shrugged. “And if I hear them all singing ‘Roam’ the next time I step up to bat… well, I’ll know for sure, then.”
Then, the inevitable question. “No, you guys know I’m not comfortable getting too far into my personal life. Yes, I have someone. No, I won’t talk about him out of respect for our privacy.” Beside me, Devin moved slightly. These clips would be viewed and reviewed a hundred times. Any indicator from him would be scrutinized.
Someone returned to asking about the fight with the Brawlers. They got out their question before I could answer, specifically asking if a Brawler used a homophobic slur.
Emma finally stepped in to end the questioning. I thanked everyone for their time, shook my coach’s hand as well as Devin’s, and left the room. I floated out of that place. I don’t think my feet touched the ground as I glided effortlessly. My phone was ringing before the door closed.
“I did it,” I said to Alex. “I did it.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Alex
TEARSWELLEDMYeyes from mind-numbing pain by the time I crawled off of the couch and stumbled down the hall to the office. Rome’s baritone rumbled through the house and he only cracked the door instead of shutting it entirely. I could hear every word he spoke into the phone to his agent. I ran on empty by the time I shoved inside, sweat slicking my brow, all blood drained from my face. Rome looked horrified for a split second before rushing to get me.
“No,” I grunted as I used the doorframe to prop myself up. “Iwill notlet you do this.”
“Hold on,” Rome said into the phone. “Actually, let me call you back.” He hung up before waiting for a response. He was at my side in a flash, helping me three steps into the room and into my desk chair. I was out of breath by the time I sat down. My chest burned with unimaginable pain, but I fought through it so we could talk.
“You can’t, Rome,” I said pleadingly. “This is everything to you. I won’t let you do this.”
He blinked in bewilderment, then wheeled over his gaming chair to sit in front of me. He bracketed my knees with his. “How much did you hear?”
“Enough.” I leaned forward and put my hands on his knees. “Rome. Please. Don’t do this.”
His eyes were as hard as blue granite. I knew that determination. I had seen it so often. Nothing I could say would change his mind, but damn it, I would try anyway.
“Taking care of you is more important to me than playing a few postseason games,” Rome said with careful enunciation. “I’ve already filed for absence.”
I shook my head. “That’s a lie.” The way I spoke. The way he winced. Shit, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “I looked it up, Rome. I knew you’d do this. The Family Medical Emergency List is good for up to fourteen days. That isplentyof time for me to recover. What you’re trying to do is get out for the rest of the full season!” I coughed, then groaned from the pain of it. My heart rate shooting through the roof and breathing quickly to compensate didn’t help. “Why would you leave completely for the rest of the year?”
Finally, he blinked and looked away. I hadn’t caught him in a lie, but I caught one of omission. And it was to himself.
I willed myself to calm down. “Do you want to quit completely?” I asked quietly. “Are you done with baseball forever?”
He couldn’t bring his eyes to me. “No. I just…” He bit his lower lip. “I’m looking into the future. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself but that’s just how I play the game of life.” Rome turned his head and our eyes met. “I don’t like being away from you. It kills me when I have to travel. And knowing you’re still recovering while I’m flying around and you’re stuck here?” He sighed. “And then next season. Heck, even spring training. That’s a lot of back and forth flying and it would be inconsiderate of me to expect you to move down to Florida.” He scooted the chair forward, as if he could get any closer. “You’re more important than all of that. I finally found something to love andcherish. I’m not gonna let it slide. Even for my career.”
Endorphins, amorous and fearful alike, flooded my system. Everything around us faded. All I could see was Rome and the aura of our love swelling between us. He’d give up baseball for me.For me.
Just like I gave up my career for him.
