“Oh, well, let’s see. We were in the office a couple of weeks ago and I made a comment about the two of you. He didn’t do or say anything to indicate you are together, but I see the way you are around each other and I assumed. When I mentioned it, Evan got worried and tried to deny it. I kept pushing and he finally asked me not to say anything to anyone. I agreed. When I saw you two on Saturday, it didn’tseem like you were trying to be discreet, so I told you you’re a cute couple.”
“Shit. I messed up. Badly.”
“Have you talked to Evan?” Hope asked.
“Not since Saturday.”
“He’s a mess. Go talk to him. You clearly love each other and being apart is hurting you both.”
“Thanks, Hope.”
“Bye, Mom.” Carter ends the call. “What are you going to do?”
“Make things right with my boyfriend. I’m sorry about the way I acted this weekend. It won’t happen again.”
“You can’t keep this secret for long. It’s going to be better to come out before the media gets ahold of the story. You hold all the cards right now and can come out on your own terms. As obvious as the two of you are, it isn’t going to take a genius to figure it out.”
“You’re right. I need a little more time, but I won’t wait long. Now, can you get me back to my car, so I can go see my boyfriend?”
Thirty minutes later, I’m parking in front of Evan’s apartment. It’s been a crappy few days. I miss Evan so much. Not long after I left his office, before I even made it to the bus, I got one simple text asking me to please talk to him. I ignored it. I’m regretting everything that’s happened the past two days, especially hurting Evan.
In the short time we’ve been together, Evan has learned to trust me and let go of some of the shit Mike put him through. Instead of taking my own advice and trusting the man I love, I treated him like crap and blamed him for something hedidn’t do. Honestly, I don’t deserve his forgiveness, but I hope he gives it to me.
It takes longer than it should for Evan to answer the door and I start to think he isn’t going to let me in. I know he’s home. His car is parked in his space. I’m about to knock again when it swings open.
When his eyes lock on mine, they are full of hurt and fear. It shatters my heart. I did this to him. After he opened up to me about how much Mike hurt him, I fucking hurt him, too.
“Can we talk?” I ask when Evan doesn’t say anything. He remains silent, but steps aside and motions for me to step in.
Reluctantly, I reach for him as he closes the door behind us. Evan steps back, putting a chasm of space between us. It hurts, but I deserve it and more. I run a hand through my short hair. Where do I even begin?
“I’m sorry.” It isn’t much, but it’s a start. Evan continues to stare at me.Say something.He doesn’t respond to my silent plea, so I dive in. “I’m sorry I hurt you and called you a liar and gossip. I should have listened to you. It may not matter, but I spoke to Hope today and she told me what happened. What you tried to tell me on Saturday. You can thank Carter and Tyson for calling me out on my shit and forcing me to pull my head out of my ass.”
“You told them?” he questions.
“Yes. They already suspected. Apparently, I’m not as discreet as I think I am. They said my feelings for you are very obvious when I’m around you.”
“I didn’t mean to tell your secret.”
“You didn’t. Hope told me she figured it out on her own, and you tried to deny it. I appreciate you having my back.”
“I’ll never do anything to betray your trust.” Evan’s eyes fill with tears as he speaks.
“I know. I was a jerk. I did the one thing I promised not todo. I hurt you and I’m very sorry. I love you so damn much.” I take Evan’s hand and lead us to the couch, wincing a little when I turn toward him.
“Are you okay? I watched the game. Seeing you lying on the field scared the shit out of me.”
“I’m fine. It’s a couple of bruised ribs. Nothing that won’t heal in a few weeks.”
“Can you play?”
“No. I can’t practice this week and it’s doubtful the doctor will clear me for this week’s game. It will probably be closer to two or three weeks before I can get back to it.”
“But your family is coming for the game. They won’t get to see you play.”
“They’ve seen me play more times than I can count since little league. It’s more important that I heal properly. It’s my own fault. I was pissed and playing dirty. In a way, I got what I deserved.”
“I’m sorry you got hurt, but you were playing like a jerk.”