Page 63 of After Hours Lectures

“We can hope.” I took a sip of the beer. “What are your plans for the off-season?”

“Just relaxing. Maybe go somewhere tropical.”

“Tropical is always nice.”

“Yeah. Do you have plans for the summer?”

“My friend Charlotte is getting married in June and then I don’t know.” It was on the tip of my tongue to mention Tyler and how I hoped to spend time with him, but I didn’t because I wasn’t sure if Tyler was going back to California right away after graduation or not. I liked to assume he wasn’t, but if he didn’t have the fraternity house to live in, where would he stay? With me? Surprisingly, the thought didn’t scare me.

“That’s cool.”

“Speaking of plans, do you have any next Sunday?”

He arched a brow. “Next Sunday?”

“Do you like softball?”

Coop blinked. “What?”

“I know you’re good with a stick, but what about a bat?”

“What are you talking about?”

I chuckled. “How would you feel about playing in a celebrity softball game?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, a fraternity at the college I teach at is hosting one. It’s benefiting LGBTQ+ youth programs, and I figured since—”

“LGBTQ+?” He held up his hands. “Hayden …”

“What?”

“I can’t play in an LGBTQ+ softball game.”

I balked. “Why not?”

“You know why.” He gave me a stern look.

I lowered my voice and said, “Just because you play in one doesn’t mean people will know.”

“Are only gay guys playing?” he asked in a whisper.

“I don’t think so.” I shook my head, but I wasn’t sure if that was true. Tyler had said his stepdad, Chase, and his friends Aron and Drew were all game, but when I mentioned asking Coop, Tyler didn’t ask if he was gay. So, did Tyler assume Coop was, or was it open to anyone?

“But what if it is?”

“Hold on.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and texted Tyler.

Are only members of the LGBTQ+ community playing in the softball game?

He replied right away:

No why?

Me: Just wondering. I’m asking Coop now

TS: Is he going to do it?