Page 53

Amos

“I’m taking the gig…”

I said when Erissa called the next day.

“Amos, think first… you’ve got such an amazing career. You have so many years left to be a professional.”

“No, I had several years left. Now, I have a reputation as a drag queen, I’ve been released from my contract because of that, and there’s a very good probability a book that tells all will be coming out too.”

Erissa groaned quietly. “I just hate this has happened to you…”

“And I think it all might just be the best thing that could’ve happened.”

“Huh?”

she asked, sounding surprised.

“Erissa, I’m so tired of hiding who I am.

I’ve done that for so long it feels like I’m wearing clothes that no longer fit.

I feel like I might suffocate almost all the time.

Besides, how many of my teammates do you think have reached out to me? None.

Not even one, Erissa, and I’ve been playing with these guys for almost half a decade.

I don’t belong there, and I think Tommy’s book being stolen is the universe telling me that… well, that, and then actually landing a fucking Broadway show! I’m going to be on fucking Broadway, Erissa… Fuck…ing Broad…way!”

I stretched the words out as long as I could.

Erissa chuckled.

“It’s too much to even think about.

But, I’m a sports manager, not an agent for musicals.

If you are really sure, I’ll reach out to some of my New York contacts.

I know a couple agents, and one is really great… if he’ll take you on.

Well… just promise me this, okay?”

“Okay,”

I said under my breath.

“You don’t do this just because it looks too hard to make it in football.

LGBTQIA people are pulling ahead.

The league will get a black eye over this… either way.

Your team is full of jackasses, and I have no doubt they’re going to be in trouble when this all comes down.

Besides, I talked to another team who wants you… I mean, they’re taking advantage of your situation and will negotiate your fee way down but… they are legit.”

“This is what I want, Erissa.

I think it might’ve been what I’ve always wanted.

I also want my team to pay out their ass for this.

If we can make it hurt financially, they’ll think twice before going after another gay player, but for me… this is the right choice.”

She sighed deeply into the phone, and I knew she was finally coming to terms with what was happening.

“Okay, I’ll get in touch with my friend in New York, see if he’ll take you on… then I’ll let you know.

Either way, you’ll owe me big time.”

“Already do, Erissa, but you know… I can save you tickets.”

“You better,”

she said chuckling before she hung up.

Now I felt my own smile brighten my face.

I was about to chase down one of the best moments of my life.

And fucking God help me, I was about to be a star on fucking Broadway!