Page 64 of After Hours Lectures

Me: I’ll let you know

I glanced back up at Coop. “It’s not only LGBTQ+ players.”

He thought for a moment. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, and trust me; I wouldn’t do that to you.” I didn’t need to elaborate on whatthatwas.

“Maybe I should ask some of my teammates.”

“I’m sure the fraternity would love that.” I’d mentioned it to Tyler before, but I was going to let Coop think it was his idea if it put his mind at ease to have straight guys he knew playing with him.

He pulled out his phone and typed something on the screen. “I just texted a few.”

“Cool, thanks.” I took a sip of beer. “Are you doing okay with … everything?”

He tilted his head to the side. “You mean what I shared last time we were here?”

“Yeah.”

“No progress.”

“Do you want there to be some?”

“Can’t until I retire.”

“When is that?” I wondered.

“I have two more seasons on my contract.”

“And then you want to retire?”

“I’m not sure.” He spun the fake candle on the table. “Just … tired.”

“Tired of playing?”

“Tired of …” He paused again. After a few moments he admitted, “Tired of being lonely.”

“If you want, you can go to the club with me. I met Jonah at one.”

“But what if I hook up with someone who tells?”

“It’s not ideal, but Jonah had me sign an NDA. Just do that.”

“Really?”

“Yes, plus I think guys will understand because not everyone is out, you know?”

“Right, but I don’t know. Seems too risky. Someone might take a picture of me.”

“There’s always dating apps,” I teased.

“Dating apps?”

“Yep. Some people don’t even use their face. You can hook up with someone without names and shit.”

“For real?”

It was shocking Coop didn’t already know these things. Had he never hooked up with someone? Ever? I was tempted to ask, but instead, I replied, “Yeah. You can even do the NDA thing once you meet them in person, in case they recognize you.”