Page 142 of Catching Kyle

“I love you, too,” I say, loud enough for the whole room to hear.

* * *

Kelley sets up a table for Michael to sign copies of his book after the whole proposal is done. He sits down to sign, and I step off to the side. The first woman comes up and greets Michael.

“Thanks,” she says, once he does. “But I was also wondering… can he sign it to?” She’s pointing at me.

Michael gives me a look that says I totally should.

“I didn’t write the book,” I say.

“Okay,” Michael says. “But you are kinda the reason the book exists—helping me write better, inspiring me with all your fantasy books. Besides, you’re like still famous. I don’t see why people wouldn’t want your signature.”

I let out a laugh. “Alright,” I say, sitting down at the table. And now Michael and I are both signing hardcover copies of his book. I thought this would be tiring at first, but seeing all the different people who have already read Michaels’ book greeting him like he’s the Pope—I am enlivened by the unique energy that each person brings.

As the signing line gets shorter, the store gets quieter, and some of the booksellers begin their closing routine. Ezekiel and Susan are talking to Michael’s friends about what they write, and he’s eating it up. And at the far end of the line, I think I spot someone familiar, though I can’t tell from here. But when it’s finally his turn, my stomach jumps to my throat.

“Tanner Bash,” I say, standing up to hug the man.

Michael flashes me a curious look.From Miss U?He mouths.

I nod to him. Yes, that Tanner—one of the players I fucked on and off in college. But I don’t have any feelings for the guy now. We’ve seen each other enough over the years for me to know we’re just friends. And Michael knows enough about him not to be jealous. Plus, it’s Michael. I don’t know anyone who’s worked harder to have a level head.

I put my hands on my hips. “What are you doing here, big guy?”

He laughs shyly, scratching the back of his head.

He was a center at Miss U, and now he’s playing for the San Diego Seals. He’s an inch shorter than me, standing at 6’4’’. He’s wider, but, dare I say, he’s gotten more muscular since I last saw him. Almost more muscular than me. He’s blonde with a boyishly handsome face that’s only grown more rugged over the last ten years.

He looks at us, then around at the people left. It’s just us, our friends, and the booksellers.

“Congrats on your proposal,” he says to both of us. “And that stunt you pulled at the Championship Game—that was awesome.”

“Thanks, man,” I say. “It’s good to see you.”

He nods, then looks around again, more nervously this time.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Do you two have time to talk to me?” he asks, looking between me and Michael. “I—I’m—” He clears his throat.

Michael watches him intently. I think I know what’s coming next, but it looks like Michael’s certain. It’s like he pulls these confessions out of people. I mean, look how he did it to me.

“I think I’m gay,” he says in the most intense whisper I’ve heard. “And I don’t know what to do about it. I have one year left in the NFO. I need help—someone to talk to.”

There’s a million things I want to say, ask, and do right now, all things I’ve been learning in therapy. But while I’m paralyzed by all the things I could do, Michael just stands up, walks around the table, and wraps my old friend in a bear hug. When I hear Tanner sniffling, I know that Michael made the right move. And I can’t think of someone better for Tanner to trust just as he’s coming out. I’m still impressed by the respect Michael showed me when I did.

Michael pulls away from him and looks at me, asking a question with his eyes only. We’ve gotten good at communicating with no words. I nod.

“We’d love to talk more,” Michael says. “Why don’t you join us at our house tonight? We’ll make you dinner.”

Our house.God, hearing him call it that makes my chest tingle. Because it is our house. And seeing how kind and tender he is with someone he could easily dismiss if he was jealous, there is no one I’d rather share it with.

Tanner nods and wipes his red eyes. “I’d like that,” he says. “Thanks guys.”

“It’s an honor,” I say, putting my arm around my old friend. “Come on, I’ll take you there. Let’s give you some of the peace that I’ve found.”