Chapter 10 Isaac
TEN
ISAAC
On my last Sunday before the season starts, I open my eyes and smile.
Not any smile, a big, goofy grin spreads across my face as I remember where I am and what happened last night.
Waking up on Evan’s couch is the best way to start the day.
We talked and kissed until after two in the morning, but I feel great as I stretch and roll out my sore muscles then head for the bathroom.
The couch is definitely too small for me, but I wasn’t about to take him up on the offer to sleep in the bed while he took the couch, and it’s too early in our relationship for me to share his bed.
Relationship? Why the hell did I think that?
We don’t even know each other. Sure, we made out most of the night and hands wandered a little the more bourbon we drank, but I stopped myself before it went too far.
I’m not one to jump in bed with someone I don’t know.
That’s not entirely true. I have no problem with meaningless sex, but I like Evan and don’t want to jeopardize what might happen between us by jumping into the sex part right out the gate.
A few minutes later when I emerge from the bathroom, Evan is in the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee waiting.
“Good morning,” he says with a smile that matches mine.
“Mornin’,” I return, leaning in for a quick kiss. “Thank you for making coffee.”
Evan pours each of us a mug and points to the cream and sugar he set out on the counter. After adding a little cream, I drop into one of the kitchen chairs.
“Any big plans today?” I ask.
“No. I’m going to force myself to relax. There is plenty of work to do and I probably should go into the office, but I’m trying to make myself take at least one day a week off.”
“Good. You can’t work constantly. You need a break.”
“Do you have practice?”
“Not today. I have a workout session in an hour. After that, I’m free for the rest of the day. Do you want to do something together? I’d love to show you around Miami.”
“Like a date?” He looks at me skeptically.
I think about that for a few seconds, letting the word date settle. This is what I want. I hope I’m not moving too fast. “Yes,” I finally say. “I want to take you on a date.”
“I would love that.”
“Great! I’ll be back around eleven to pick you up. We can grab a quick bite at one of the food trucks near the beach.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“See you in a few hours,” I say after kissing Evan on the cheek and placing my empty mug in the sink.
Memories of last night flood my mind on the drive home.
The first thought that hits me is his story about the way his ex treated him.
Anger immediately courses through me. How can anyone treat sweet Evan that way?
I wish I could have protected him from experiencing such a bad relationship.
I take a calming breath. That man is in Evan’s past and there’s nothing I can do about it except make damn sure I never do those things to him.
If I ever meet his ex, I will tell him just what I think of him.
Moving away from thoughts that are pissing me off, I switch to our upcoming date and a smile plays at my lips.
Now that I’ve invited Evan out for the afternoon, I need something besides yesterday’s clothes.
I always keep extra workout clothes in the car, but I’m down to my last set and they’re going to smell disgusting by the time my workout is over.
Fortunately, my neighborhood is between Evan’s apartment and the gym, so I make a quick stop and rush back out the door. Since I’ll be with Evan later and won’t have time to call my parents, I decide to make the call now. Sunday is always our day to talk no matter how busy the week gets.
“Son, good to hear from you,” Dad answers the landline they insist on keeping. “Putting you on speaker phone,” he tells me as if I don’t know they do this for every call.
“Hi, baby,” Mom adds. “Why are you calling so early?”
“I’m on my way to the gym and have plans this afternoon, so I thought I’d call now.”
“What kind of plans?” If I could see her face, I’d likely see a smile and wink.
“Mom,” I reprimand. “It’s just plans. Don’t get too excited.”
“Okay, okay.” Mom chuckles. How does she always know? I said nothing to give her the impression my plans are of any significance. “Does he have a name?” she prods.
“Gloria, leave that boy alone,” Dad scolds.
“It’s okay, Dad. She isn’t going to let it go until I give up the information.”
“See, Jose, I know my boys. Now, let’s have it, mijo.”
“His name is Evan and we met yesterday. He works at the stadium. Last night, we had dinner and after my workout I’m showing him around Miami. That’s it. He’s a friend.” I say pointedly, but it doesn’t matter. Mom jumps on the little info I provide.
“Is he cute? Is this a date?”
“He’s gorgeous and yes, today is a date. I don’t know where this is going, but I like him,” I admit.
Mom is the one person I can talk to about anything. She and Dad are both good listeners and give great advice. I don’t have a problem talking to my dad about dating, but I’m more comfortable with Mom when the subject comes up.
“Oh, mijo, I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to hear all about your date.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. We just met.”
“Too late,” Dad says with a laugh. “She’ll be planning your wedding by tonight.”
“That’s not true!” Mom responds. “I’ll wait until after the second date.”
“How’s New Jersey? What game are you coming to this season?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.
“Things are great here. We got Aiden moved back to school. Katie started kindergarten and loves it,” Mom gushes.
There’s a quick pause and I hear some papers shuffling in the background.
“Here it is,” Dad mumbles. “Okay, we’re coming to the Dolphins/Jets game the last week in October.
We fly in on Thursday afternoon and fly home Tuesday morning.
The extra days will give us some time to spend with you.
Aiden doesn’t have any classes on Friday this semester, so he will be with us from Friday to Monday.
Owen and the girls are coming, too,” Dad explains.
“Oh, wow! It will be like a mini family reunion! I wasn’t sure Owen and Aiden would make it down this year.”
“They aren’t going to miss a chance to see you,” Mom says.
“I’m at the gym. I need to go. Send me your arrival times and I’ll either pick you up or send a car, depending on practice.”
“I’ll send it this afternoon,” Dad agrees. “Bye, mijo. I love you.”
“Love you, Dad. Bye, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, baby.”
I end the call, grab my gym bag and head inside. Most of the team is already here. I’m not late, but I’m pushing it. I rush into the locker room and change quickly before doing some stretches.
Memories of last night flood my mind as I warm-up on the treadmill.
I enjoyed being with Evan. We think a lot alike and have a few things in common.
The best part was the kissing. It’s been a long time since I kissed someone like that.
The last few years have been about sex and taking care of my needs not relationships.
There’s little talking or kissing involved.
I prefer talking and kissing. It’s more intimate.
After thirty minutes on the treadmill, I hit the weight machines. Tyson has been eyeing me for the past several minutes with an odd look on his face. What is that all about? When I drop the dumbbell, barely missing my left foot, he jogs over to me.
“Are you okay?” he whispers.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Because you almost tripped on the treadmill twice and that dumbbell you dropped missed your foot by centimeters. You can’t afford a broken foot. You seem off.”
“I’m not off,” I snap. Then take a calming breath. It’s not his fault I keep my sexuality a secret and now I’ve got to figure out how to approach whatever is happening between Evan and me. “Sorry. I’m tired. That’s all.”
He eyes me warily for several seconds before nodding and returning to his weight bench. He doesn’t believe me, but he also knows if I need to talk, I’ll come to him. I appreciate him giving me some space.
The rest of the workout goes a little smoother with no more near mishaps. After a quick shower, I’m heading back to Evan’s and getting more and more excited with each passing mile.