Page 20 of Off Sides

I’ve been doing much more, but I can’t say that to her.

The horn sounds and it’s kickoff. We press ourselves to the window, watching the game. The fortune are receiving so Dasher is rushing out to the field. He jumps up and down before lining up. First play, Jester snaps the ball, Dasher kicks back, looking for an open man. He finds Tyler down field and launches it. Tyler runs into the endzone. They scored in the first five minutes. That’s fantastic.

Dean and Susan watch as proud parents and they should be, their son is amazing in his zone.

The game goes back and forth, almost a nail biter with the Fortune kicking a last-minute field goal to win the game. We all cheer and high five, even Derek gets excited.

I turn to his parents, “let’s go see your boy.” Derek gives me a wink, and I wave him off. I don’t know how his parents feel about two men being together and I don’t want to cause issues.

We take the elevator down and stand near the exit as the players come out of the locker room, looking for their loved ones. Tyler passes by and gives me a strange look, but I brush that off. When Dasher exits, loud cheers erupt as he gives his interviews. He then sees his parents and runs toward us, crushing them in a big bear hug.

He lets go, “what are you guys doing here?”

Dean shrugs, “we thought we’d surprise you. Sounded like you were having a rough week.” Dasher glances at me for a brief second, “Raine has been super helpful.”

I let him have that. We haven’t established what this is. And truth be told, I have helped him out a lot.

“How about we head to my place, and I order us a bunch of food. I have a guest room you can stay in, a pool you can check out,” I say to his parents, and they agree readily.

Dasher gives me a grateful look. One I hope means he will repay me later. I’m hopeful at least.

26

Chapter 26

Dasher

The win was crucial for us. Everyone was hyped up after the game, nearly tackling me in happiness. On the outside I’m grinning from ear to ear, on the inside I am a nervous wreck. I was the whole game. The Saints were brutal. One of our veteran players was taken out during the third quarter. Absolutely brutal.

What made this win better is seeing my parents. And I’m glad that Raine let them stay with him.

What isn’t helping is Poppy blowing up my phone still. I’ve told her that we’re done and that she needs to find a new place to live. She isn’t handling it well. Her bad. She betrayed me.

She keeps asking if I’m sleeping with Raine. I am, but she doesn’t need to know that. She insists I’m cheating on her. I’m not since we’re not together. And when I don’t give in and takeher back, she calls me a few choice words including some slang that I won’t repeat.

“How’s Ruby?” I ask Dad as we pull into Raine’s garage. Ruby’s one of the horses and Mom told me she was pregnant. She’s such a sweet mare and I can’t wait to see her baby.

Dad smiles, “she’s doing great. Hopefully after the season you can come be there for when she gives birth.”

I will be spending a lot of time at the ranch before camp starts again. I miss home. Though thinking about it does hurt a little bit since Poppy and I had great times there. But that ship has sailed.

“We invited Raine to come out and ride a horse,” Mom states and I laugh. I can’t imagine Mr. Suit on a horse, but I didn’t think a lot of things about him. He’s been enriching my mind every day.

Raine dryly comments, “I’m not sure how I would do on a horse, but I’d love to see the ranch.” I want him to see my ranch. I want a lot of things that he can give me.

Fuck it if Poppy is correct and I like her boss.

“Mom, Dad. Raine and I are more than friends,” I say slowly. As I finish, Raine slams on the breaks, jolting us all forward. Good thing we’re here.

Everyone is silent for a few moments until Raine clears his throat, “umm maybe we should go upstairs and continue this conversation.”

Dad speaks first, “are you together?” His face is blank and I’m not sure how to interpret that. But I nod, hoping they’re happy for me. I didn’t want to put a title on this and for now they are the only people I will tell.

Mom’s eyes light up as we exit, “I’m happy for you, son.”

“Don’t tell anyone yet. We haven’t made it official.”

Raine chimes in, “lots of things to consider for Dasher and his career. But I do care for your son.”