Page 76 of Catching Kyle

“Robyn,” she says. “Reporting with ESB. I’ve been trying to reach…”

“Ah, yeah, sorry,” I say, remembering how Timmy told me to be expecting to hear from a reporter about my experience with the Tigers. But I was too busy with therapy and handling my feelings for Michael that I didn’t notice.

“Figured I’d bring her along,” Timmy says. He steps inside, uninvited. “She can ask her questions once I meet this mysterious girlfriend of yours.” He leans toward me. “And her article will definitely help your image.”

I hold back a grimace and invite Robyn inside. At least she has manners, unlike Timmy.

I bring her into my living room where Timmy’s already greeting Amani.

“You must be the long-awaited girlfriend,” Timmy says, reaching out to shake her hand. He does so aggressively.

I can see Amani resisting a grimace. “Nice to meet you, Timmy.”

Robyn introduces herself, and I sit down with Amani while the other two sit on the opposite side of the couch. I lean back and put my arm around Amani,and she leans into me. Just like we’ve been rehearsing. It’s more natural to hold Michael this way, but I don’t have that luxury.

“So you’re a writer,” he says, almost skeptically.

“I am,” she says. There’s some defensiveness there, but I don’t blame her. I’ve told her enough about Timmy for her to understand how he can be.

“I also work as a software engineer in the daytime.”

“We got a brainiac here,” he says, laughing. “You might be able to provide for Kyle if he doesn’t end up getting re-signed. Make him a housewife.”

Amani stares at him, almost scowling, while I shift uncomfortably. Just one more season of doing this. I can survive.

“Anyways,” Timmy says, unperturbed. “Glad to see you’ve finally found someone. If I can just snap a picture of the both of you, I can leak it to my contacts. Then we’ll get the whole sports world talking about the two of you. Enough of that, and the Tigers will be convinced you’re no longer a threat.”

“Great,” I say, trying to unlock my jaw. “Well let’s get a move on.”

Timmy pulls out his phone. Amani and I pull close, and I try to put on the biggest smile that I can. Also another thing we’ve practiced. It’s not that I don’t like Amani, but we both think this whole thing is ridiculous. Why can’t the world just accept me for who I am?

Timmy snaps the picture, and I try not to pull away from Amani too fast so it doesn’t look contrived.

“Perfect” he says. He stands up and brushes himself off. “Robyn, be sure to mention the two of them in your article.”

Robyn nods and then looks at me.

Amani pulls on my arm and gives me a quizzical look. “I can’t stay for this,” she says. “I’ve got errands to run.”

“That’s more than fine,” Robyn says. “I know I’m a surprise. I just need to interview Kyle though. You’re free to leave.”

“Wonderful,” Timmy says. “Kyle, we’ll be in touch.”

“I’m sure we will,” I say.

Amani waits until Timmy’s left. She then stands up. I tug on her, remembering that we need to act like a couple when we’re around others. She kisses me on the cheek, and I kiss her back. Then she makes her way to my garage.

“See you soon,” she says. Which isn’t really true. I don’t know when I’m seeing her next. But Michael will be coming over tonight. Thank God.

“Love you,” I say. I don’t really feel that now, but I’m sure by the end of this thing we’ll mean it. I know how much going through hell can bring people together.

“Thanks so much for your time, Kyle,” Robyn says, crossing her legs. “As Timmy may have told you, I’m interviewing lots of the key players on the Tigers. Trying to paint a picture of the team.”

“Yeah,” I say, remembering Timmy’s explanation. “What do you want to know?”

“Well, I’m hoping we can get it all done in today’s session,” she says. “But I may come back for more. I wanted to talk to you about your upbringing, how you got into football. Then we can go into the most recent Championship Game and your hopes for next season.”

My heartrate increases steadily. I take a deep breath through my nose. Neeti has been trying to get me to talk about my upbringing, but I get too nervous. I end up turning the conversation a different direction each time.