Page 26 of Hidden Plays

I furrowed my brow. “How about using a server for photos?” Was Arden right? Did JJ, in his odd way, like me? But I had given him some confusing vibes at the gay bar. It might be good to clarify the situation with him on Thursday.

“Why not go with me, so I don’t look stupid being alone?”

“Okay, I’ll go.” I had nothing else to do on Thursday night, so we could stop this. Would it piss him off to end it, though? I didn’t want to hurt him. An ache floated through my heart.

“Wait, you’ll go?” His breath hitched. “Why?”

“Because you asked me to.” He didn’t need to know any more. I tipped my head back and stared at the ceiling fan centering the room. I’d keep it under control.

“Okay, great. I’ll see you at practice in the morning.” He snickered. “Keep the texts coming.”

“Sure.” I bit the side of my lip. Even if I were bi-curious, JJ was the last guy I should experiment with. We had too much history. Plus, I didn’t even want to know that part of myself.

“Bye.” JJ ended the call.

I dropped my phone onto the bed. Nope, when this ended, I’d go back to normal and forget any of this had happened. Did it make me homophobic? Fucking JJ. What the hell did he do to me?

The next evening,I finished my studies. Sitting at the dinette, I shut the laptop and scrubbed my face. The texts with JJ had beena little out of hand, but his performance in the gym and on the field had improved. So, my routine was working.

I picked up my phone, resting next to my laptop, and opened the text messages, reading through them again. I had to figure out how to end this on Thursday.

JJ

Good morning, sweetheart. Can’t wait to see you.

Holden

Me too. I dreamt about you all night, kissing you and holding you.

JJ

We need to have a sleepover.

Holden.

Too bad you have an away game, or I’d invite you to my place this weekend.

JJ

Next weekend, then? I can come over after the game.

Holden

Sure. Can’t wait.

I reread the last text. Fuck, if he showed that to his friends, would he ask to stay here next weekend? What the hell would I do with him, and how could I explain it to Arden? He’d think I was nuts.

My phone rang with a photo of my mom on the screen. I startled, blew a long breath, and answered. “Hey, Mom.”

“Holden, I was wondering if I’d ever hear from you.” She chuckled.

“Oh, sorry. I’ve been a little busy.”Having a fake boyfriend, ajob and studying.Planting my elbow on the table, I rubbed my forehead.

“Too busy to talk to your mother. I see how you are.”

“No, it’s just…” Can’t tell her about JJ. “The training job with the football team is taking a lot of my time.” I slid my laptop away from me.

“How is it? Are you making an impact on the team?”