Sweet Spot: Homeruns #4 (23 page)

“You know, I should be a dick and tell you guys I’ll keep your secret if you let me watch,” Clint teased. Only, when I turned to look at him, his eyes were fixated on my boyfriend and he wasn’t smiling the way he did when he was playing around.

“Wait, are you…” With as guarded as I’d been about my sexuality for a long time, it felt like an intrusion to ask Clint about himself. But he had just implied he wanted to watch Cody get me off, so that made it fair game.

“Yeah, Captain Obvious, I am,” he verified. “If you want, you guys can come over to my place after the game so we can talk more. I kinda feel like I owe you an apology.”

Cody let out a squeak that caught both of our attention. “What’s so funny?”

“I was just thinking about this team. You do realize most of the gay guys are pitchers or catchers.”

“Yeah, and…” I looked at him like he was the insane one. Then it hit me. “Ohhhh. You are such a fucking kid sometimes.”

I bent over to kiss him since it was apparent Clint wouldn’t mind. When our lips parted, I whispered in his ear. “You do realize I’m going to get you for this later, right?”

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

D
uring the top
of the ninth, I tossed out my ice bags and got dressed. I checked myself out in the mirror to make sure Cody hadn’t left any visible marks when we’d been making out like teenagers.

The team was riding high when they came barreling down the tunnel into the clubhouse. Somehow, they’d managed to pull out the win despite my efforts to leave them in a hole. Jason pulled me into the center of their celebration, congratulating me on not making a bigger ass of myself in my debut game. That helped ease the sting from earlier. Cody was hanging out somewhere, camera back around his neck to do his job. I wished he was there in the thick of things with me. I wanted to share the accolades I was receiving with him.

“Stone, you ready?” Stu called out as the guys started to make their way to the showers.

Hell no, I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to be the main attraction at the press conference. I wanted to stay here and get to know my teammates. My sullen mood from earlier had disappeared and I was looking forward to going out for a drink with the guys, even if it did mean putting off my personal post-game celebration.

“Ready when you are,” I answered with a fake smile plastered on my face.

Stu led me to the pressroom. My dad and Rebecca were waiting on us to arrive so we could walk in together. He gave me a simple nod and a wink, his subtle way of reminding me of our talk earlier.

Rebecca introduced us and opened the floor for questions. Stu was the man of the hour, at least at the beginning. The Mavericks had turned around a lackluster start to the year and everyone wanted to know how he planned to continue the team’s domination. I only half listened to his answers, because what he was telling the media didn’t mean shit inside the clubhouse. My dad kicked me under the table about fifteen minutes into the inquiry and I wondered if I’d dozed off. If I had, I’d explain it was because I couldn’t sleep last night, knowing tonight would see my dreams become reality. Yeah, that’d be a great soundbite for them.

“Nick.” I perked up at the sound of my name being called out and tried to see where it was coming from. I raised my chin when the middle-aged reporter stood to ask his question. “I think it’s safe to say your performance tonight was a bit underwhelming. What do you plan to do differently in your next start to prove you’ve earned your place on the team?”

While his pompous attitude pissed me off, I’d had almost half the game to prepare myself for guys like him. I noticed my father stiffen in his seat and I bumped my foot against his, a silent plea for him to stand down.

“You’re absolutely right,” I agreed with him. There was no sense denying what was clear to the entire world. “And believe me, the fans aren’t the only ones I need to prove myself to. But I have a great group of guys in the clubhouse with me, and the first thing I’m going to do is listen to them when they tell me I can’t let tonight drag me down. Was it the game I hoped for as a little boy? Not by a long shot. But I got to do something tonight that only a minute percentage of all players get. I made my big league debut with the Mavericks.”

More than a few people nodded appreciatively. Even Rebecca seemed impressed by my composure.

Another reporter stood. I leaned forward and folded my hands on the table while I waited for him to speak. “Is it the fact you started a major league game or that it was with your father’s team that means the most to you?” Again, I was prepared and Dad was the one who looked ready to lose his temper.

“Honestly, I’d have been happy with any team that picked me up and gave me this opportunity,” I told him. I sat straighter in my chair, realizing the questions about the game were done. Now, it was time for the media’s scrutiny of me to begin. “The fact that I got to do it here just made the night that much better.”

“There’s been chatter over the past few days regarding your fast track from Double-A to the majors,” a younger female reporter pointed out. “Some are saying you’ve had an unfair advantage due to your father’s role with the team.”

“Now wait just a damn minute,” Dad spat at the same time Stu said, “If anyone questions his ability, they can come to me.”

It felt good to have them wanting to stick up for me, but this was my battle. Unfortunately, Dad didn’t see it that way. He stood to address the entire room.

“I’ve heard the gossip you’re referring to,” he said, looking directly at the young reporter who was cowering away. Having been on the receiving end of that glare, I couldn’t say I blamed her. “One thing my son will never tell anyone is there was a time when he would’ve rather been anywhere but here.”

“Dad,” I hissed under my breath. I could almost picture tomorrow’s headlines. Rookie’s Mistakes Swept Under the Rug by GM Dad. Don’t Throw Stones in Glass Houses. That one made me chuckle.

“No, Nick,” my dad shot me down. “I know you’d rather handle this on your own, but if these folks want a story to run tomorrow, this is the one they need to hear.

“When Nick’s name was called out during the draft, I was as shocked as everyone else,” he admitted. “My scouting team had asked if I’d have an objection to them pursuing Nick because of the stats he put up during his years at Vanderbilt. I told them it was fine by me, but I wouldn’t be a part of the selection process because I felt it’d be a conflict. Still, I was as proud as any father could be to hear his name called out by my staff.”

He then went on to provide details of my resistance, the insecurity that had plagued me because I expected these rumors to overshadow my career. The entire time he spoke, I fought the urge to slouch back in my seat, sinking lower as more of my life was exposed. “It wasn’t until this past spring that he started to believe everyone who told him he’d earned his spot on the team. And that’s when he really began to grow as a pitcher. If you have any doubt regarding his stats, I’m sure Rebecca would be willing to fill any requests. The numbers don’t lie. Nick is a damn good pitcher, and his talent has very little to do with the name on the back of his jersey. In fact, I feel confident saying the success he’ll have in the future is in spite of my name, not because of it.”

When he finished, the room erupted in a series of follow-up questions. Rebecca quickly reached for the microphone and told everyone we were out of time. She led us into the back hallway, where Cody was waiting for me.

“That could’ve been worse,” he said as he threw his arms around my neck. I wasn’t sure I should kiss him in front of everyone, but it was Stu who stepped up and patted me on the back.

“That one’s a smart one,” he said. “You’ll be a better man both on and off the field if you manage to hang on to him.”

“Yeah, that’s the goal,” I responded, wondering what in the hell he’d meant by that. My dad, Stu, and Rebecca quickly said goodbye and walked down the darkened hallway. “What did he mean? I never thought Stu would be your number-one fan.”

Cody looked nervous. That couldn’t be good. “You love me, right?”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Yes, but if you keep doing shit that leads you to need reassurance, I might have to rethink my answer.”

I was kidding, but only partly. Cody always had my best interests in mind, even if he could be a bit sneaky at times.

“Well, that circus in there,” he began, pointing back to the pressroom. “I might’ve suggested it.”

“You what?!” My shriek echoed off the concrete walls.

Cody snuggled closer to me, resting his hand over my heart. “Until the media got to ask their questions, you weren’t going to let down your guard,” he told me. “It’s been your biggest fear since you were drafted. So, when you and Stu were talking the other morning, I pulled your dad aside and suggested taking care of it in a controlled environment. That way, Rebecca could step in if need be, the media could satisfy their curiosity, and now you can go out there for your next start without the doubt lingering in your mind.”

“You’re pretty damn amazing,” I gushed. I sealed my mouth over his and pushed him back against the wall. His mouth opened to me when I bit his lower lip, his tongue darting out to soothe the stinging skin. I deepened the kiss, tasting the remnants of cherry Coke and cinnamon mints. It was the flavor of love. Yep, totally cheesy, but I was cool with that.

“Don’t you forget it,” he responded when we came up for air. “Now, let’s get the hell out of here. Drew already texted to tell me we were going out with them, no two ways about it.”

“You’re cool with that?” I asked, knowing tonight was supposed to be our night.

“Why wouldn’t I be? They’ll get you for a few hours, but I’ll get you for the rest of my life.”

Even at the beginning of spring training, the idea of coming home to the same man every night terrified me. Now, it sounded like the best game plan ever. Eventually, baseball would fade away, but that’d be okay as long as Cody was still by my side.

“
I
seriously don’t understand
how you have so much shit,” Nick grumbled as he loaded all my gear onto a cart. “Seriously, couldn’t you have left some of this at home? Between the two of us, it looks like we’re moving to Phoenix.”

“It’s not all mine,” I protested. Nick gaped at me and then stared down on the cart.

“You’re right,” he conceded. “I have my equipment bag, one suitcase, and my carry-on. Should we do a count?”

Okay, so I might have overpacked, but I couldn’t help myself. This year, I wasn’t the lowly intern for the Mavericks, I was the team photographer. And there was a hell of a lot of work to be done over the next six weeks. No way was I going to risk not having something I needed.

“No need.” I dismissed him and quickly said goodbye to Bryce. He and Eric weren’t going to be able to come down for spring training this year because of scheduling issues at Secured Hope. It was weird to be getting ready to go down there without them.

“You’re going to do great,” Bryce assured me as he gave me a quick hug. “Just remember, you’ve done this already. The only difference is now you’re getting paid closer to what you’re worth.”

I didn’t agree, but I also didn’t argue. Last year, I’d been the guy who had to keep himself busy most of the time and got stuck with the crap jobs nobody else wanted. This year, the images I captured would not only be going up on social media, but they’d be displayed throughout the year on advertising campaigns. And the programs. And the Jumbotron. Fuck, just thinking about it made me want to hurl.

The line at the ticket counter was out of control. It seemed everyone in the state was running away from the brutal cold snap. I laid my head against Nick’s back, contemplating a quick nap while we waited.

“Cody.” I jumped back at the curt tone of an all-too-familiar voice. It was only a matter of time before our paths crossed. In a way, I was surprised it’d taken this long.

“Father.” I did nothing to disguise the hatred in my voice. Mostly, I hated that he still had an effect on me. I finally had a family who loved and accepted me for who I was, and yet I was keeping distance between myself and the man I loved. I was allowing my father’s disgust to flood back to the forefront of my mind.

Nick reached for my hand and tried to act like it didn’t bother him when I didn’t take it. I couldn’t. My parents would see that as flaunting my gayness in their faces. As much as I’d told myself over the years that was exactly what I would do if I saw them on the street, I didn’t want any confrontation here.

“You look well,” my father said stiffly. He eyed Nick and I waited for the slurs to come.

“No thanks to you,” Nick spat. This time, he grabbed my hand and didn’t allow me to pull away. “Cody, we have to hurry if we’re going to make our flight.”

I should want to kick Nick’s ass. His tone lifted just slightly at the end of his statement, reminding me exactly why we’d been running behind. Knowing we were both going to be run ragged over the next few days, we’d spent some extra time in bed this morning. And now, that was the only thing I could think of. Luckily, he did exactly what he’d set out to do, because now I wasn’t panicking about facing my father for the first time in almost seven years.

“Cody, I know it’s a bad time, but I’d like it if we could sit down to talk,” my father told me. I wondered if the time we’d been apart from one another had softened his heart a bit. I looked behind him and realized he was alone.

“Where’s Mom?” I asked. She held plenty of the blame for me winding up on the streets, but I’d always known it was my father who pressed her to remain silent.

“That’s part of what I want to talk to you about,” he told me. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with you for a long time.”

“Did you follow me here today?” I asked accusingly. My father shook his head. “Well, as much fun as this is, Nick’s right. We have a flight to catch.”

“Cody, please,” he pleaded, his tone thready with emotion.

I counted the number of people who were still ahead of us in line and ducked under the ropes. Nick tried to stop me, but I told him I needed to do this. I’d been waiting years for closure from the pain. And part of me wanted to throw it into my father’s face that I’d achieved every goal I’d set for myself and I had a damn good life. Both were things he’d assured me would never happen.

“You have about two minutes,” I warned him. “I’m not missing my flight for you and Nick’s waiting on me.”

“Is that…” My father seriously looked ill just thinking about Nick and me being together.

“My boyfriend? My partner? The man I live with? The man I hope to eventually marry?” I rattled off, only stopping when I ran out of titles for him. “Yes, he’s all of that and so much more. It’s a pity, really. If you hadn’t kicked me out like trash, you might know that. You might understand what an amazing man he is and be happy for me for having someone who loves me the way he does.”

“Cody, I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I know I said some things I shouldn’t have. But you have to understand— “

“No, I don’t have to understand a fucking thing,” I hollered, a bit louder than I’d intended. So much for not wanting drama. “I understand you were so disgusted with me that you kicked me out of the house with nothing but one bag of clothes. I understand that, even when it was below zero, you couldn’t be bothered to answer the phone and when I showed up at the door begging you to let me back in, you slammed it on my face.”

“You’re right,” he said somberly. “I shouldn’t have done what I did. But I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

“Have you?” I scoffed. “That’s funny, because unless I’m mistaken, you weren’t there for my high school graduation. You never tried reaching out to me. Actions speak far louder than words, and your actions suck.”

“Cody, we’re next,” Nick called out.

“Where’s Mom?” I asked, needing to wrap this up.

“She left,” he told me. “She blamed me for you being out of our lives and it destroyed everything. But I think that’s a good thing, because is made me sit back and think about what I’d done.”

“Well, at least something good came out of it.” I glanced over my shoulder as Nick approached the ticket agent. “I have to go. I’d say it’s been great to catch up, but it really hasn’t.”

“Can we meet up when you get back from wherever you’re headed?” my father requested. For a split second, I thought about agreeing. His expression was hopeful. And then, in a totally shitty move, I crushed that hope.

“No, I think you and I have said all there is to say.” I turned and walked away from him, this time on my terms.

Nick and I were silent through check-in and while we were ushered through the pre-screened area of security. It wasn’t until Nick had a huge cup of coffee in his hand that either of us dared talk about what’d just happened.

“You okay?” Nick asked me. He motioned toward a table at the back of the coffee shop. I sat across from him, and thought back to the last time we’d sat like this. Different cafe, but that day had changed my life almost as much as today had.

“Yeah, I think I am,” I assured him. “My mom left him.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Nick asked. I should be happy about it, but I wasn’t. If she’d left and still hadn’t tried to contact me, there was a chance she’d simply used me as a convenient excuse to get away from my father’s manipulation. If she’d wanted to find me, there were ways.

“Yeah, I think she’ll be happier now that they’re not together,” I said, avoiding the rest of my musings. “You know, I’ve thought about this day a lot.”

“What do you mean?” Nick urged when I didn’t continue.

“I used to think about everything I’d say to my parents when I eventually saw them again,” I admitted.

“And did today live up to your dreams?”

“Yes and no.” I tore off a piece of my chocolate croissant and shoved it into my mouth. “When I was standing in front of him, it dawned on me that the family I have now is so much more than he could’ve ever been. And then, he gave me this halfhearted apology for what he said, as if his words were what caused me to leave. Almost like it was my choice to go.”

“Maybe it was easier for him to think of it that way,” Nick suggested.

“Maybe.” I shrugged.

“So, I might’ve heard part of what you said.” I rolled my eyes, because if I’d wanted him to hear everything, I wouldn’t have stepped away. “What? It’s not like you were using your indoor voice. I’m pretty sure people at the other end of the concourse heard you.”

“Valid point,” I conceded.

“So, did you mean what you said?” Nick asked, reaching for my hand.

“About what?” I’d said a lot and didn’t remember half of it.

“If I asked you to marry me, would you?” Nick’s cheeks pinked with embarrassment. The corner of his mouth quirked up and he wouldn’t make eye contact with me.

“No,” I responded instantly. Nick tried to pull away and I realized I’d fucked up. He was being serious, even though I’d thought he was joking. But I was serious, too. I wasn’t ready to settle down and get married. We had a good thing as it was, we were young, and I saw no need to change that. I thought Nick felt the same.

“Babe, I’m not saying I’ll never want to get married,” I backtracked. “And when I’m ready, you’re the only man I’d want to be with for the rest of my life. But first, I think we should focus on our careers. This is a huge year for both of us.”

“I guess you’re right,” he said.

“I’ll make you a deal,” I quickly added, needing to get him back in a good place. And maybe, give him a goal to shoot for. “If you stay in the Bigs all season and it’s a winning year, we’ll have this talk again before next season.”

Nick offered me a weak smile, as if he didn’t believe me. “Yeah? You do realize I can’t carry the whole team, don’t you?”

“I know. But I also know you’re capable of just about anything when you put your mind to it.”

“You’d better get ready,” he warned me. “Because the next time we have this talk, I’m going to expect you to make good.”

“It’s a deal.” Our flight was called over the intercom. I took Nick’s hand in mine as we walked through the terminal. “So, how do you feel about this year?”

“A lot better, now.” Without worrying about who might be watching with their phone in hand, ready to snap a picture, Nick spun me in front of him and wrapped his hands around my waist. “I feel like I’ve finally found my sweet spot.”