Page 57 of Catching Kyle (Football Heartthrobs #1)
Kyle Weaver
Jogging off the field for half-time, I should feel relieved—eager to relax and play hard in the next half, especially since we’re kicking off to the Vanguards.
But I’m more tense than ever.
This is where all my plans over the last few weeks are coming to fruition. If one thing goes wrong, then this whole thing could blow up in my face. And then I’m not sure if I’ll ever get Michael back ever again.
Just before I reach the locker rooms, Ezekiel pulls me off into an industrial hallway filled with dozens of workers with headsets and random equipment that has the vague structure of a stage.
“Kyle,” Ezekiel says, taking me around a corner. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Sloane Michaels.”
I reach out to shake the all but retired R&B singer’s hand. “It’s an honor and a pleasure.”
He squints at me and shakes my hand. “You’re the gay football player I’m helping out?”
I smile and put my hands on my hips. “That’s me.”
“I’m still reeling that you agreed to do this,” Ezekiel says. “And to think this might lead to a new album. ”
“Hey, no promises,” Sloane says, his salt-and-pepper beard widening with a smile.
“Is everything set?” I ask.
Sloane nods. “I’ve been given full creative control of the half-time show. Those were the only terms I would accept. So, even if you were to run on stage and sing himself, the NFO couldn’t do anything as long as I approve. And I definitely approve of two fellow gays getting together.”
I laugh. “Thank you so much,” I say. “I don’t plan on singing though.” I pause, my mind beginning to race. “Unless that would persuade Michael…”
“Hey man,” Ezekiel says, putting a hand on my shoulder. “The plan’s perfect. Let’s not change it now.”
I pat his hand. “You’re right.”
“Security will come get you from the locker rooms when it’s time,” Ezekiel says, putting his hands on his hips. “And then Sloane will give you the signal when it’s time to come out.”
I nod, recalling the plan in my head. “And they got Michael?”
Ezekiel shrugs. “That was Jessica’s part. We’ve been on the field this whole time, so I don’t know.”
My stomach flutters, and I start chewing on my lips. If she flaked, or if they didn’t get him, then…
“Hey, easy,” Ezekiel says. “It’s gonna be fine.”
“I gotta go,” Sloane says as a manager pulls him away. “I’m sticking to the plan!”
“Come on,” Ezekiel says. “Before coach starts asking where we are.”
The locker room is chaos. Players are scarfing down bananas and chugging water.
The majority of us opt in for a fresh change of warm, dry underclothing.
It’s chilly out there, especially with the snow.
The offensive coach pulls offense aside, while the head coach talks to us defense.
I’m trying to focus, but it’s hard to be in two places at once.
Because pretty soon, rather than being in here, I’m gonna be out on the field enacting the final step of the plan.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the security guard just outside the locker room gesturing for me to follow. It’s time.
All of my fresh gear on, I slip out the locker room. Coach doesn’t notice because he’s mostly talking to our linemen .
The security guard ushers me into the main hallway, and I can hear Sloane Michaels talking into his mic from here.
“Before I perform,” Sloane says. “I have something special to present to you tonight.”
The guard walks me out onto the field, and confused cheers echo around me.
“Kyle Weaver,” he says from the quickly built stage in the middle of the field. “I believe you have something to tell us.”
My heart threatening to break through my shoulder pads, I ascend the stage and take the mic from him.
“Thank you,” I say. “And I do.”