Page 21 of Rocking the Receiver (Austin Troopers)

CHAPTER 21

RAN INTO YOU

Rupert

8 months later

The waft of a barbecue makes my stomach rumble. A look of approval washes over my freckled face at the female voice that can be heard from the stage. As expected on this early spring Saturday night, the place is packed, but the vibes are intact.

“Wow! Smells fantastic,” my best friend exclaims as soon as the door of The Rusty Spurs closes behind us, and we weave through the crowd in the direction of the quiet end bar that takes most of the left-hand side of the place.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet. You’re in for a treat… my treat, actually,” I confirm. “We should have done that way back. The two of us.” In great need of liquid courage, I can’t wait for the round of draft IPAs we ordered while I made small talk with Frank, the barely legal bartender; a nice, witty, and quirky kid. Strike that, he must be Elliot’s age, so definitely not a kid. With our backs to the door, we can see the stage better, and we can refrain from shouting and the risk of patrons eavesdropping.

When Elliot was released from the hospital, we preferred to take Elliot’s family to the Hand Wing. Tim’s been there a few times over the years, even before Elliot got drafted, and loves it. The Troopers go there a lot and even have a reserved space in the back; it’s not so secret nowadays, but at least, the whole team can gather in a somewhat private setting. A team that was completely unfazed by Elliot’s revelation, well, the sexual orientation part, but they demanded to meet me; apparently, some of them were huge fans!

As for Elliot’s family, they took the news well, but Elliot’s health took priority, and we didn’t give them time to question further, giving them space to process it instead. Needless to say that at first, they didn’t fully grasp what it meant for their son, being such a rising public figure, to share his life with a somewhat famous artist like myself.

For now, Caitlin Cole confirmed that nothing’s leaked to the media. Who’d care about two friends spending some time together? But you can never be too careful. That’s why Caitlin gave us some clever advice to remain under the radar. Granted, Elliot and I reached an agreement, so it won’t be long before word gets out.

Two worlds colliding, and as soon as it becomes public, we trust social media to spread the news like wildfire, at least enough to make us the flavor of the week. So, we had to prepare both of our families for the aftermath.

Our drinks land on the counter in no time, then discreet Frank scurries away. The staff here is as friendly as the food is amazing, and I’m not saying that because I’m a regular. It’s just their trademark.

This particular bar has become one of our favorites to hang out and lay low, that is when I’m not performing here. It’s also where I bumped into Elliot and his college teammates a while back, and that Dillard guy, who’s a huge fan. After my performance that night, Dillard asked for an autograph and introduced me to the team, including Elliot, who eventually blurted out that we were actually friends—not a total lie—and others complained that he kept that a secret. All the while, Elliot and I did our best to plaster poker faces on, mutely sharing our amusement.

Much later that night, I (finally) caved, making him 100% gay, aka I topped, which was a first for both of us. Satisfied, I grinned when a sweaty, sore, and sated Elliot confirmed that it didn’t compare with finger-fucking and suggested that we should do it more often if I was on board with it. I am, on occasion. I love everything with him. Everything… and I didn’t even blink when he brought toys in the mix. Versatility became our new normal. He asserts that I’m the reason for his insatiable sex drive. I’m flattered, but believe it has more to do with finding an outlet for his career-related stress. Either way, I couldn’t be happier.

I scold my dirty mind for drifting to sex with Elliot while I’m around his older brother. “I’m sorry,” I add sheepishly, staring at my beer. Not sure if I’m apologizing for my thoughts or my silence.

“There’s no need to be sorry, my friend. I get it. We all have our lives, and pushing you was never the idea. Cheers!” Tim’s brown eyes follow my every move. I can tell that he’s been waiting for the right opening for the long overdue heart-to-heart since Elliot broke the news about our relationship. But then again, last time my best friend was here, his brother was in the hospital, so the attention was focused on Elliot’s recovery. This is Tim’s first time back.

“Cheers. I’m happy you’re here, mate .” Oops, British English. It’s been a while…

We clink our glasses to the long overdue reunion.

Tim purses his lips. “Listen, I’m really glad that business brought me back here. Can’t believe you live in Texas now! When music took the forefront after your modeling career, I told you I was surprised you chose country music… Not quite Brit pop or punk!” We chuckle at that. “Well, The Barrels and some of your other collabs are more country rock, but still… Texas suits you.”

“Thanks, Tim. I missed you, man. It’s been ages since we had the opportunity to see each other… just us, I mean.” Well, in a bit, we’ll be joined by Elliot and Chris, his former teammate and roommate and current best friend.

“Indeed.” He takes a sip of his IPA and looks me straight in the eye. “I missed you, too… along missing out on quite a few developments.” After we parted ways last time, things were up in the air. Nobody in the Lefevre family asked questions or had a clue about how Elliot and I became a thing. It must be why I hear a hint of pain in his voice, unless I’m imagining it. “What I just said about Texas, I also meant that my brother suits you. I’ve never seen you look happier.”

See what I was saying?

“Thanks, I really appreciate the support and, yes, I am very happy.”

“Good for you… One thing’s nagging me, though…” He hesitates. “My mind’s been reeling. I want to make sure that our friendship is solid, and I’m honestly not sure it is.”

“It’s all my fault…” I avert my gaze, trying to find inspiration in my glass. I eventually add, “I like that you don’t waste time skirting around… issues, though. I’ve done that for too long.”

“Your secrets were never an issue. At least, not to me, Rupert.” Yeah, that’s the whole point; my secrets have been my own issues all along. “I’m surprised you think this is about me, though. I don’t blame you… I mean, I was hurt you kept a big part of your life from me, but my ego quickly recovered.” He stops and takes a long pull of his beer. “If you insist, we can play Twenty Questions,” he taunts. “I don’t want to pry, you know that… if you don’t feel comfortable with this conversation… It’s not my business anyway.” He downs what’s left of his beverage.

“Listen, this one-on-one,” I point my index finger between us before mimicking him, “It’s about time… Elliot said he wanted you and me to have a chance to discuss things first before broaching the subject with you. As for the years of silence on my part, well… guess I was a coward, and after Elliot’s coming out, I convinced myself that talking to you in person would be best… a few more months wouldn’t make much difference, you know. But to be honest, I was buying myself time… again. I was worried you’d blame me and end our friendship.”

“Blame you?” His voice sounds high-pitched for once. “Was I ever your enemy?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. Why don’t we start over, huh?” He juts his head forward, and I explain, “I’m just… tense is all. To this day, I don’t really talk about my sexual orientation. I never wanted it to define me. Of course, it’s part of who I am, like being an introvert, a redhead, and a musician, you know. I wish it would be a random fact. Even the idea of coming out is unnerving to me. Can you imagine actually confessing ,” I emphasize the word, “or formally announcing to your parents, loved ones, and fans that you’re straight? Sounds silly, doesn’t it?”

Sighing, I shake my head and flag down Frank to order another round and some mozzarella sticks out of reflex. It won’t ruin my appetite anyway. “Loving who you love matters. But it should only matter to you because it’s your life. It’s not a choice, so it shouldn’t matter to others. The thing is… when you’re gay, it does. It’s just not fair...” I trail off, taking a pull of my fresh beer, then lick the foam from my top lip with the tip of my tongue. “Are you gonna ask me why then?”

“Why what?” He eyes the appetizer, patiently waiting.

“You know what ?” I snatch one, burning my fingertips, but munch on it anyway. “Why didn’t I confide in you about being gay?”

Handing me a cocktail napkin, he shrugs. “Truth is, even after Elliot said he was gay, I had no clue how you identified. I figured you were straight because of Sally, then assumed you were bi because of Elliot. But you just said you’re gay… Not that it makes a difference to me, but were you ever in a relationship with Sally or did you make that up?”

I wince. Hearing her name doesn’t hurt as much as it used to; I’m not quite over it. “I never lied to you, ever.” Another gulp of liquid courage. “Well, I lied by omission and led you to believe what was convenient for me at the time. I am gay. Always have been and always will be.” Memories of Elliot’s declaration of love at the hospital come to mind, and my heart fills with warmth.

“So… you and Sally…”

“I loved Sally with all my heart, only not in a romantic way, and sex was never part of our fake relationship that benefitted both of us.” Tim’s eyes narrow. From the sudden hurt flashing in his eyes, I can tell he’s ascertained that I confided in her while keeping this from him. Nothing I can do about it now, so I continue, “Her reasons are not mine to share… I will always love her.” Now, things take a different turn. “Look, what you should hear from me is the naked truth: I am in love with your brother.”

“I can tell.” His fingers run through his dark hair.

“My sexual orientation isn’t a choice, and I didn’t plan to fall for him. But every time we met, we… clicked.” I shirk his scrutiny for a moment, mulling over how to phrase it. He waits. “Maybe there are things he should tell you himself, but basically, he saw through me and shared his own orientation with me. He was very determined to give us a try.” Remembering how persistent Elliot’s been, the corner of my lips quirks up. “I fought my attraction to him for a long time, but then Sally died…” My throat tightens. “Fucking carjacker.” Anger seethes. Deep breathing helps take the edge off. “I was a wreck, and your brother was nothing short of amazing.” I pause, watching him do the math that I’m not eager to spell out for him. He doesn’t have to know the specifics.

“Can’t say it’s a big surprise. He might have been… impulsive growing up, but he’s also much more mature than I am in so many ways.”

“What can I say?” I chuckle as we exchange memories of our drunken teenage nights. A couple of anecdotes resurface, and we burst out laughing as I steal another mozzarella stick from the small plate.

The previous conversation isn’t over, so I redirect it to the more pressing matter. “Anyway, Elliot and I are out of the closet for good, one step at a time. Earlier this year, once football season was over for the Troopers,”—I deliberately steer clear of dwelling on how bummed Elliot was that they didn’t make it as far in the postseason as he’d hoped—“Elliot was reunited with some of his college teammates and came out to them. Their former coach threw a massive dinner party to celebrate marrying a waitress who he used to work with. Some couldn’t make it, but Elliot made do, involuntarily stealing the show.”

“Yeah, he told me. That says a lot about how open Elliot is about it now. It brought back memories of him saying that the college quarterback was constantly saying derogatory things that he ached to report but didn’t. Learning my brother was gay only made it worse. I wanted to punch the guy. But Elliot was right, the asshole shouldn’t have said those things, whether there was a gay player around or not. It’s just plain wrong.”

“True… That said, Davis apologized in front of the team, and so did his wingman, Jones. Elliot said they looked like they meant it, and since then Davis has been trying to make amends. They’ll never be friends, but it’s a truce.”

As if on cue, I spy my man stepping into the bar alongside Chris. It brings a barely hidden proud grin to my face. I spy patrons recognizing him. It makes my heart swell with pride. I spy Tim wiggling his eyebrows at me in amusement. It looks like he easily guessed who’s strolling our way.

My phone buzzes in my jean pocket, and I read Elliot’s text.

Let’s do this!

Game on, then. I bite the inside of my cheeks to stop my Cheshire Cat smile from ruining our plans.

With Chris in his wake, Elliot whirls around the patrons. His eyes don’t leave mine, even when he passes his brother, acknowledging him with a “Hey, bro!”

In the blink of an eye, my driven, hot as fuck, and talented man stands in front of me. I don’t budge from my stool as his long fingers tighten around the back of my neck, his nose rubbing mine. This tender gesture has my dick thickening in my pants. “Missed you, sweetheart.” His hot breath is enticing.

A sideways glance proves we have an audience. Perfect.

One of my arms snakes around his powerful body. “Likewise, babe.” My free hand cups his cheek, and he bridges the unbearable distance between us. His heart thumps in his chest, just like mine, as he shoves his skillful tongue inside my willing mouth for what we both longed for. For a searing kiss. For the world to see.

At last.