He decided to text him.Hey. Just got home. You staying here tonight?
It took a few minutes to get a reply.
Kip: No. I’m home tonight. Family stuff.
Kip hadn’t mentioned any family stuff. Scott had the distinct impression that he was being blown off.
Scott: Oh. Sorry to hear that.
He waited.
Kip: Congrats on the win last night.
Scott relaxed a little. That wassomethingat least.
Unless Kip was being sarcastic…
But that would be ridiculous. Right?
Scott: Thanks.
He tried to think of something to add that wouldn’t sound pushy or angry or desperate or paranoid or…
Scott: Hope to see you soon.
Ugh.
Kip: Ok.
Whoa. That wasn’t good.
Scott: Are you home now?
Kip: Yes.
Scott chewed his thumb, trying to decide what to say next.
Scott: Are you coming to the game tomorrow night?
Kip: If you want me to.
Scott: Of course I do! Are you mad at me?
There was a long pause, and then:
Kip: No. I’ll see you at the game.
Scott’s brow furrowed. He had no idea how to deal with this. He was used to having the freedom to focus on his team and his game, on his own health and fitness, and his contract and business agreements. He had never focused on his ownhappiness. And having someone else’s happiness be affected by him was just…terrifying. Probably a recipe for disaster.
He had no idea what was going on, or how to fix it. What hedidknow was that he really didn’t need any distractions right now.
* * *
Kip hadn’t been lying about the family stuff. His sister and her boyfriend were joining them for dinner, so he’d made sure he was there too.
The meal had been fine, with a lot of talk about the puppy Megan and Andrew were hoping to adopt. Kip had been worried that the conversation would be focused on him, and that he would have to lie to his family even more than he already hadbeen. As a result, he asked way more questions about the puppy than he normally would.
It was after dinner when Megan cornered him. Andrew went into the kitchen to help with cleanup, and she grabbed Kip’s arm and pulled him upstairs.