Chapter - Carter
Carter
Idon’t know why I’m stressing myself the fuck out.
I’m seeing Charlie in thirty minutes, at the same gay bar Paul works at.
It’s called Spiral, which doesn’t exactly scream gay bar, but that doesn’t really matter.
It’s early October, so the weather is brisk, which is why I pick Spiral’s great indoor bar vibe.
I like going there because it’s low-key; it helps that I get to see Paul’s chipper face. It’s not a sports bar, so no one ever really comes up to me. It’s the kind of place where I don’t have to look over my shoulder wondering, am I about to get caught?
I suggested it to Charlie just because it’s a chill option. Saturday midday means typically it should be quiet.
Right now, I’m spiraling on the couch while Nate’s getting dressed in the bedroom. I think he can tell what kind of mood I’m in, because a minute later, he walks out completely naked, hard as a rock, and says, “Need a distraction?”
I grin and nod. Truth is, I’m not really in the mood for anything sexual, but I’ll take anything that gets me out of my own head.
Nate walks over, standing in front of the couch as I lean back. “Let me do all the work,” he says.
I open wide. He slips into my mouth and starts moving slowly in and out. I gag a bit as he pushes deeper, and I pull away quickly.
“Not that deep, silly,” I say, smirking. “I’m not a pro like you.”
He laughs. I wink, and he gets the green light to continue.
He continues for a few minutes before finishing in my mouth. I look up at him, licking my lips, and say, “Guess I need to brush my teeth again.” I flash a grin and head for the bathroom.
He’s not wrong. It helped. I feel a little more relaxed now.
As I’m brushing, Nate calls from the other room, “Carter, you have nothing to lose. You don’t even know what this is about. He probably just wants to catch up. Talk about retirement or whatever.”
He’s right. Charlie and I only texted briefly about where to meet. We never talked about why we’re meeting. And last I checked, he still lives in Chicago, which, sure, is gorgeous in the summer, but a full-on icebox come wintertime. Why is he even in New York?
By the time we’re ready, it’s close to three. Nate’s wearing a light blue T-shirt, typical, and I’ve got a red polo on. Pretty sure every item Nate owns is some shade of blue, which totally contrasts with his warm brown eyes.
We hop in an Uber, which should take about fifteen minutes to get to Spiral.
Once we arrive, I check my phone. Missed message from Charlie: Running 15 mins late. Sorry, bro.
I'm okay with that; it gives me more time to get a buzz on.
Nate and I walk in and spot Paul already deep in conversation with some short, balding guy. Nate nudges me. “Paul’s looking very flirtatious. You think he’s into that guy?”
I squint. “Honestly? Kinda seems like his type. Wild, right?”
We both laugh.
“He’s cute,” Nate adds.
“Shut up,” I say with a smirk.
The guy wanders off just as we approach. I nod at Paul. “So, who was that?”
Paul grins. “Jeff. He’s a regular. And no, he’s not my boyfriend.”
I raise a brow. “He looks exactly your type.”
Paul rolls his eyes, then looks at Nate. “Guys. I’m not a slut. I’m easy, but not that easy.” We all crack up.
Paul claps his hands. “Alright, what are we drinking? I’ll sneak you two a free round, but it’s well drinks only. None of that luxurious top-shelf shit you’re used to. Carter, at least.”
He slides over two vodka sodas with a grin.
Then he looks directly at me and says, “So, I can’t believe Charlie Dodds is coming here.”
“He’s extremely cute. Do you think he’s single? Do you think he’d be into me?” Paul asks, not even pretending to hide his excitement.
I glance at him, amused. “Oh, Paul. This has nothing to do with you. We’re here to meet. I’m gonna tell him I’m gay. I’m gonna introduce him to my boyfriend. And then, we’ll see where it goes.”
Paul dramatically gasps. “Don’t lie to yourself, it’s always about me. And I will get in his pants. Mark my words. I need that football player butt ASAP.”
Ten minutes later, Charlie strolls in like, with such confidence. Long blond hair, striking blue eyes, Abercrombie face, and a body like a wide receiver; tall, lean, and cut.
He spots us by the bar. Paul smiles widely, but Charlie barely glances at him, expression unreadable.
Paul jumps in first. “Hi, cutie. What are you having?”
“Bud Light. Thanks,” Charlie says, flatly. No follow-up. No smile. Nothing.
He turns to me, then does a double take when he sees Nate beside me. “Who are you?” Charlie asks.
Nate freezes. “I—I, um…I’m Nate. I’m a friend of Carter’s.”
I lean over and kiss Nate on the cheek, hoping to ease the awkwardness. Charlie definitely notices. His face shifts with surprise, then curiosity.
“Oh,” he says. “So, you’re part of the club. I had a feeling. I mean, you were texting me all those years ago. I know it could’ve just been a fanboy thing. Or maybe it was because I came out, and you were curious what that was like.”
“It was more the second one,” I admit with a small smile. “I wanted to ask how it went, because honestly, I think I was jealous. I am jealous now.”
Paul jumps in, loud as ever. “Just come out already, dude. No one’s gonna care.”
Charlie shoots him a glare, and Paul gets the message, mumbling something and walking off to pour a drink for someone else.
Charlie turns back to me. “Who is that guy? Is he your friend or just an annoying bartender?”
“He’s harmless,” I say, laughing. “Annoying, sure, but Paul’s a good guy. He is just a lot sometimes.”
Charlie smirks, then gets serious again. “I was planning to come out on my own terms, but that didn’t happen. Got caught kissing my secret boyfriend in an alley. Some creep took a photo. Like, who does that?”
I glance at Nate, who’s gently rubbing my back. He can feel how tense I am.
Charlie shrugs. “Being out’s been easier than I expected, honestly. Yeah, there are douchebags on social media, but not many in the league. My team in Chicago? Mostly great. There were a few ass holes on the team, but keeping to myself helped.”
He pauses, then adds, “I’m single as fuck, though. Not looking. If I could do it again, I’d come out on my own timeline, just to prepare.”
“That’s literally what I’ve been thinking,” I say quickly. “It’s not even about making an announcement. I just want to be myself. Maybe if I weren’t constantly on edge, my football performance would improve. I could focus and be more consistent.”
Charlie tilts his head, studying me. “Is that why you played like shit last week?”
I blink.
“You played against the Chicago Avalanche, my team. We beat you by twenty. I watched most of it, and you looked nervous. Your cuts were off. You got tackled at the line frequently. Dropped passes.”
I nod, embarrassed. “It wasn’t my best game. I only had 40 yards, total. I think I was just in my head. I knew I’d be seeing you. Don’t ask me why, but coming out to you, or anyone, is nerve-wracking as fuck.”
Charlie gives me a sympathetic nod. “It happens to all of us, but nothing to be nervous about. I’ve been there. I’m here for you now, and I will be there for you later, if you need me.”
I look at Charlie and smile.
We move to a high-top table. Nate relaxes a bit and starts talking about his move to Newark, his chaotic siblings, Mel, and their band, as well as his dreams of a music career. He mentions how we reconnected, how the timing felt like fate. We both keep rambling, low-key obsessing about each other.
Charlie smiles. “You two are cute. Maybe someday I’ll meet a cute, messy-haired singer, too.”
I grin, but shift the focus. “No way you came all the way to New York just to catch up and give me a pep talk about coming out.”
“You’re right,” Charlie says with a knowing smile.
“As much as I love catching up, and I really do. I actually came to visit the Hawks. Things are changing. I’m only thirty-two, and yeah, I thought about staying retired, but…
I think I want to come back. I’m feeling around the league to see if I can get a one or two-year deal for next season. ”
Nate’s eyes light up. “You were so good in Chicago. Some of your catches were insane. And thirty-two’s young!”
Charlie laughs. “Stop buttering me up. I’m football old, but thanks.”
I glance at Nate again, practically glowing with obsession. I love that he knows the game and loves it as much as I do. I might be the one playing it, but he’s the one who knows all the stats, the players, the history. No wonder he kills it in fantasy football.
Just as I’m soaking in the moment, with Charlie laughing, Nate glowing, and me finally not drowning in my thoughts, Paul reappears, holding four rainbow-colored shots and looking entirely too pleased with himself.
“Okay, everyone shut up,” he announces. “I just made some very gay shots called ‘Spiral Surprise.’ It’s tequila, cranberry juice, and something blue I didn’t bother identifying. Cheers, queers!”
Charlie blinks. “Is that even on the menu? Is it safe?”
“No,” Paul says proudly. “But it should be, and who knows?”
He shoves one into my hand, then Nate’s, then Charlie’s. Charlie just stares at the tiny glass like it might bite him.
“I’m not drinking this,” Charlie says flatly.
Paul gasps. “Oh my God. Are you one of those gays?”
Charlie raises an eyebrow. “One of what gays?”
“You know. Hot but humorless.”
Nate chokes on a laugh, turning away. I cover my mouth, trying not to lose it.
Charlie looks at Paul like he might toss the shot at him, then, surprisingly, throws it back in one gulp.
Paul’s jaw drops. “Okay, Daddy.”
“Never call me that,” Charlie says flatly.
Paul shrugs. “Fine. Zaddy. Better?”
Charlie glances at me, amused now despite himself. “Is he like this all the time?”
“Only when he’s awake,” I say.
Paul leans against the table, smirking. “You’re welcome for loosening up the vibe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go flirt with the guy over there. Toodles!”
He swans off, leaving the three of us speechless.