Page 11 of Serve (Men of Hidden Creek Season 1, #5)

Chapter Ten

Chip

“One set, that’s it. If she can take one set off me, she’s hired.” Tyler said. Chip rubbed Tyler’s shoulders, not knowing what was going on, but hated seeing him so worked up. Tyler was changing into workout gear in his bedroom.

“Well, they seem nice. I recognize one of them. Do they know my aunt?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I know nothing about any of this. In fact, I didn’t even know they were coming over today. I feel like they’re ganging up on me to tell you the truth.” Tyler glanced up at him, then placed his hand on Chip’s and squeezed it.

“Thanks for being here. I know Dixie and Sania want what’s best for me, but sometimes they treat me like a kid.

Part of their job is to protect me, to filter stuff down, so I only deal with the most important issues.

They forget I’m an adult, that I make my own decisions.

” He stood and stared at Chip, then pulled him into his arms.

“I’ve got your back.” Chip said. Tyler pecked him on the cheek and left the bedroom.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and wondered for the first time if he could handle this. He’d been alone for so long, and now he was enmeshed in the life of a very busy sports star. He fell back on the bed and closed his eyes.

“You’ve got this.” He whispered to the air.

“What just happened?” Chip asked. He was sitting with Aunt Dixie, Tina, and Sania by the tennis court. A tight match between Tyler and Emm was in progress.

“Tyler scored a point. Boy, if you’re going to go out with Tyler, you’d better learn this shit quick.” Dixie punched him on the knee. Sania leaned over and whispered in her ear. The two of them stood and walked back toward the house.

Tina smiled at him, then scooted over to talk. “How long have you two been an item?” She asked. Tina was in her early thirties, very fit, with lots of blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail.

“How did you know? I guess it doesn’t matter. Not very long, though it feels like I’ve known him forever.” He said. She smiled, and he realized she was in the same boat he was. She was married to Emm, a famous athlete, and knew what that entailed.

“Well, in a way you’re lucky. He’s on the tail end of his career, so you won’t have to travel as much.” She said, then turned her attention back to the tennis match.

“Well, I have a job, so I don’t think I’ll be able to do much traveling. I’d love to see the world, though. Paris, London, all those neat places.” He said. Tina gave him a strange look and burst out laughing.

Emm was about to serve, and gave her a pissy look for her outburst. Once the game restarted, Tina leaned over, and whispered, “Trust me, it’s not fun.

All you learn about is how crappy the area around Wimbledon is, and that Parisienne food is overrated.

I thought the same thing once, how glamorous it would be to fly around the world, but it’s not.

Make sure you love him, otherwise you’re in for a lot of crappy food, and pretending to be a member of his team. ”

“What do you mean? Pretending to be a member of his team?”

“I don’t mean this to sound cruel, but you need to know the facts.

He’s not out, so whenever he gets asked about you, he’ll pretend you work for him, or you’re just a friend.

He has to. The other players will eat him alive if they find out he’s gay.

Sucks for you guys.” She shook her head, then turned her attention back to the match.

Chip watched Tyler and Emm pound the ball back and forth. It amazed him how fast they were. The few matches on television he’d seen were nothing like this. He glanced at Tina, who was looking at him with a concerned expression. She leaned over and whispered to him.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why? What are you sorry for?” He asked.

“I barely know you and I’m scaring you off.

Look, Emm and I are out, and everyone knows about us, but it’s different for women on the tour.

If you’re a lesbian, it’s cool. But for the men it’s different.

Toxic masculinity is why men stay in the closet.

They’re taught no one will respect them, unless they are this super-stud on the field and with women.

There’s never been an openly gay male tennis star. ” She said.

“Why? I don’t get it. Why are the women treated differently than the men?”

“I don’t know. I’ve seen both sides of the closet.

When I first met Emm, she wasn’t out. The first year we dated, I spent a lot of time hiding in motel rooms. When people asked me who I was, I claimed to be a trainer.

Most people knew the deal, but it was hard lying all the time.

Finally, I said enough was enough. I couldn’t do it anymore.

” She sighed and patted me on the shoulder.

“Emm was at the end of her professional career, and we knew it would not hurt her much. We got married right after they made it legal, held a press conference, and that was that. It’s different for the guys though.

I don’t think the press will have a problem, I think it will be other players.

But, I think once a male player comes out, it won’t be such a big deal any more.

Somebody’s got to step up to the plate though, and it’s not something most players are volunteering for. ”

“Damn it!” Tyler yelled from the court.

Chip and Tina turned their attention back to the match.

Emm had a smile on her face, while Tyler rubbed his chest, grimacing in pain.

Emm was buff. She had broad shoulders, and little body fat.

She looked formidable, her arms rippling with muscle.

Chip asked him earlier whether or not it was a smart idea to play a match while he was still injured.

He’d said it would be no big deal, that he doubted Emm could push him around the court. Looked like he’d underestimated her.

“Are you okay, dude? We don’t have to finish if you’re injured.” Emm called out to Tyler. He smiled at her, his ribs obviously still hurting.

“I’ll be fine. My first time playing another pro was going to hurt. Glad it’s at home instead of in a proper match.” Tyler smiled, and shook his head, frustrated.

“Who’s winning?” Chip asked Tina.

“They’re tied, one set a piece.” Chip could tell she was holding back a smile. Suddenly her face grew dark, and she turned to him, and whispered. “Has Sania spoken with you? I mean, has she been nice?”

“We haven’t spoken much, but she’s been polite. Why?” He asked.

“Because, she has a lot to lose if things don’t work out. She’s paid according to his earnings. If he comes out, that can hurt not only his winnings on the court, but the money he earns off the court through endorsements.” Tina eyed him for a moment, as if she couldn’t believe he could be so dense.

“Sorry, but I…”

“You mean nobody has spoken to you about any of this?” She looked blown away, then her eyes darkened. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then shook her head and turned her attention back to the match.

He didn’t even understand the way you kept score in a tennis match, much less the politics of being a tennis pro’s boyfriend.

Chip watched Tyler on the court, impressed by the way he moved and hit the ball.

But, it was more than that. The man underneath the competitive athlete attracted him.

It was hard to reconcile the realities of being a closeted gay athlete with the man he knew.

But, he had to remind himself that they had just met.

Did he really know him at all?

Tyler and Emm shook hands at the net. Chip wasn’t sure who won, but he could see Tyler wasn’t happy.

“Good match, Emm. I think you’ve proven yourself. I’m a man of my word, so I’m formally offering you the job as my coach, but I want it to be on a trial basis. Let’s see how it works out over the next few weeks?” Tyler said, then sat next to Chip.

Emm placed herself next to Tina, and spoke.

“Sounds good to me. I already know what I want you to work on. Also, I think you need more matches, even if they’re not on a grass court.

You lost today, because you haven’t played a pro in a long time.

You need to become match tough. I have a suggestion, but I’m not sure you’re going to like it. ”

“What’s that?” Tyler said.

“Play the U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston. It’s in a couple of weeks, but I’m sure they’ll let you compete.” She said.

Tyler looked puzzled. “Why on earth would I want to get ready for the grass court season by playing a clay court tournament?” Tyler asked.

“It’s as I said, I think you need matches. Of course, I want you to win it, but even if you crash out in the early rounds, you’ll have played a pro. Plus, it’s only an hour away. It’s easier than flying halfway around the world for your first match back.” Emm said.

Chip watched Tyler’s face as he mulled over the idea. He looked up into the sun and squinted his eyes, then gave Emm her answer.

“I’ve tried doing it my way since the beginning, and it’s no longer working. It’s freaking hard to let go, but I’m going to try. Let’s do it.” Tyler held his hand out for Emm to shake. She took it and smiled.

Tina stood, gesturing for Chip to come with her.

They went into the house, leaving Tyler and Emm to hash out their plans.

He turned back once, unable to keep from gazing at Tyler.

Emm was still holding his hand, and talking earnestly to him.

Tyler’s face was like a greek statue, made of stone and unreadable.

“C’mon, they’ve got work to do, and we need to talk.” Tina led him inside, only to find Sania and Dixie waiting for him.

“He’s not talked to you about his life much, has he?” Aunt Dixie asked.

He sat on the big leather couch next to her, and answered. “No, not really.”

“Well, sweet pea, let’s talk about this now. I know you two haven’t proposed to each other, or anything like that, but you need to know what you’re getting into.” She said. Sania leaned forward and spoke next.

“Let’s cut to the chase. He’s a celebrity, one that’s perceived to be straight.

In sports it’s very difficult for men to be open about their sexuality.

He can lose a lot of money, and a lot of matches.

Other players will pick on him, and we’re unsure how the crowds will react.

Are you prepared for this, because in order to be with him, you must hide your relationship.

” Sania’s words were direct. The three sat in silence while Chip struggled to find the right answer.

Finally, he replied. “Why do I hear about lesbians playing sports and not gay guys? I mean, Tina and Emm aren’t hiding, are you?”

Tina shook her head no, and started to speak, but his aunt interrupted.

“Because the world’s a shitty place, Chip.

The straight guys feel threatened by gay players.

They couldn’t give a rat’s ass about lesbians.

Hell, it probably turns them on.” She shook her head, then continued.

“You’re the only family I have, Chip. When I see you with Tyler, I’m torn.

I want you to be happy, I really do. I can see the two of you making something of this.

But I also see heartache and pain just waiting around the corner.

The first time you two slip up and hold hands in public without thinking about it could cost Sania and Tyler a lot of money.

It could also make your life miserable.” Aunt Dixie said.

“Wait a minute, Dixie. Don’t put words…” Sania began, but Dixie cut her off.

“Please, you know I think the world of you Sania, but if these two are caught, it affects your pocketbook. Hell, my paycheck comes from the same place. Chip’s got to know everything, including who stands to benefit from them not being caught.” Dixie shook her head.

“Honey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Tyler’s thirty years old.

He’s only got a year or two before he retires.

After that he can come out if he wants to, on his terms. So you can either stick with him knowing it’s only for a short time you have to be discreet, or you can back out now and save yourself some heartache.

What’s it going to be?” Dixie asked him.

“Yes, Chip, what’s it going to be? Are you going to listen to them, or are you going to talk it over with me first?” Tyler stood at the entrance to the living room, his dark eyes glaring at the scene in front of him.