Chapter 58 Let Them
Let Them
Connor
“Gah! Don’t eat them all!” Brock whines as Hunter grabs the last Antonio’s breadstick.
We ordered delivery to celebrate surviving our first practice back after break.
Sure, we only took two weeks off and were expected to keep up with training during that time, but it still kicked our asses.
So much so that I’m on the ground, foam rolling my literal ass.
Hunter and Brock are thumb wrestling for the last breadstick on the couch, and Tyler is sitting quietly on the leather chair in the corner, eating his pasta in peace.
I’m so thankful to live with these meatheads.
I’ve heard horror stories about freshman roommates, so the fact that we all get along the way we do—even if we fight over bread and give each other shit—means something.
One day, we’ll be far apart, doing god knows what.
But for right now, we get to be together like this. I don’t want to take it for granted.
“I’m thinking about quitting swimming,” I blurt before I lose my nerve.
Tyler’s fork drops onto his plate, then clatters to the ground. Brock and Hunter stop mid–thumb wrestle and stare at me.
“What?” they say in unison.
I rub my hand over the back of my neck. “I…I’ve been thinking about it and talking about it with my therapist, and…I don’t know. I’m thinking about it.”
Tyler speaks first. “We’ll support whatever decision you make.” A man of few words, but you better believe he makes sure the ones he says count.
I give a tentative half-smile. “Thanks, man.”
“Why do you want to quit?” Hunter this time.
“I don’t love it. I’ve been going through the motions for a long time.
Plus, it’s all tangled up in my shit feelings about my dad.
” I eye Brock and Tyler, who don’t know anything about my dad, but they don’t appear judgmental, just waiting to see what else I have to say.
“I’ve had a lot more fun at the meets I’ve had to sit out.
I love cheering you all on. But I gotta admit, I’m scared shitless about what me not swimming would do to our friend group. I don’t wanna lose you guys.”
Brock barks out a laugh. “Good one. You’re stuck with us, big guy. Doesn’t matter an inch whether you’re in the water with us or not.”
Tyler nods in agreement, and Hunter’s eyes bore into mine with an intensity before saying, “We all want what’s best for you, bro. Plus, I’m sure there would always be a place on the team if you changed your mind.” Hunter, always the practical one.
“We’ll miss your big-dick energy in our relays, but we’ll survive.” Brock cackles at his own joke, and even though he’s so…him, you can’t help but love the guy.
Hunter’s voice breaks through the laughter. “What if you tried student coaching?”
My eyes widen, but before I process fully, Brock says, “Yeah! I mean, shit, that would mean you’d be the one telling me to get my ass moving. I might hate you at practice, but don’t worry, I’ll still love you out of the water.” He hits me with an over-exaggerated wink.
“I think you’d be great at that,” Tyler adds.
The idea snowballs in my head. “Huh. I think…I’d really like that. You think Coach would go for it?”
Hunter takes a moment to ponder it fully before saying, “I don’t see why not. Worth a shot to ask him.”
“Yeah, I will. Thanks, man.”
“Sure.” He shrugs like he didn’t just give me life advice that could change the whole trajectory of my future.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and when I see who it is, a goofy smile spreads across my face.
It’s been less than a day since I told Maize I love her, but I feel so much better.
To have her know, to have those words out there instead of rattling around in my head.
And she didn’t run away. Didn’t tell me to get lost. It hasn’t ruined anything.
Sure, she didn’t say it back, and that stings a little, but I’ll keep waiting and praying she comes around the more I prove my trustworthiness.
“What is that look for!” Brock berates my smiling face.
“Maize texted, that’s all.” All the guys know how I generally feel about her, but Hunter is the only one who knows I told her I loved her.
“I think it’s nice,” Tyler cuts in. “You deserve to be happy.” Then he finishes the last bite of pasta, cleans his dish in the sink, and walks away without another word.
“You do deserve to be happy, man,” Hunter reiterates.
Brock scoffs. “You all have fun with yourselves and your little girlfriends; I’m going to the bar. Anyone wanna join?”
“Sure, why not?” Hunter shrugs again. He’s always such a calm and casual guy. Must be nice not to deal with inner turmoil over loving someone who’s allergic to relationships. Plus, the whole my-dad-being-a-prick thing. Maybe I’d be more casual, too, if I grew up the way Hunter did.
I shake the thoughts from my head. Comparison is never good. I learned that from my mom early on.
When they leave and the front door closes, I pull my phone back out to check the message from Maize.
Love: Guess what
What?
Love: We’re going to a sock hop!
Seriously?? That sounds amazing. When?
Love: Saturday.
Love: It’s going to be our first real date
My heart flutters, picking up pace. She’s doing it; she’s trying. I’m so damn proud of her and elated for myself all the same.
You know everyone there will think we’re courting ;)
Love: Let them ;)
Can’t wait <3
Love: Me either :)