Page 15 of Double Play
“We don’t have to tell him right now, or ever, if that’s what you want.Mi sol, for all I care, he can find out on the internet or on TV when he watches you play and I kiss you in front of everyone.” Andres tilts his head and I can already tell the thought going through his mind. “Actually, I like the second option; I bet he would throw something at the TV.”
“Dre!”
“What, that homophobic bastard would deserve it, and you know it, Jackson. After the way he treated your sister when she came out, he deserves whatever comes his way.”
Facts.
We finish up, box up the leftovers, thank the owner, and head back out onto the street. Andres pulls me to a stop, turning me to face him. “I love you, Jackson. Everything is going to be just fine.”
I search his eyes, seeing the truth shining back at me. “I love you too, Andres.”
He leans in, his lips meeting mine in a soft, gentle kiss. I can’t believe we’ve been fighting this so hard, denying ourselves the happiness we have only in each other.
Andres owns my heart and I hope he never gives it back.
SIX
ANDRES
The next morning, I wake up to Jackson snoring, and I take a moment to appreciate the rise and fall of his chest, the peaceful expression on his face. This is what I want every morning—waking up to him, knowing that he’s mine. Today, I want to show him I’m serious about us, about our future. I want to give him a real first date, something he’ll never forget.
Because how fucking sad is it that I’ve never taken him anywhere, just the two of us, in a romantic way? All I feel is love for him, and I’ve never really shown it.
That changes today.
I slip out of bed quietly, grabbing my phone and heading to the kitchen to plan our day. I pull up a local batting cage place, make a reservation for a lane, then make some food for a picnic at the boardwalk. It will be a bit of a drive, but the weather is beautiful, and I want today to be perfect—a day Jackson will look back on and smile.
I want to give him everything he deserves and more.
I hear Jackson stir, his footsteps padding down the hall as he makes his way to the kitchen. “Morning,” he mumbles, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“Morning,amor,” I reply, turning to face him with a smile. “I’ve got a surprise for you today.”
He raises an eyebrow, a curious glint in his eye. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “It’s a first date.”
Jackson’s eyes widen in surprise, then shift to confusion. “A first date, huh? I guess we do need a first date. I mean, we’ve been having sex for over a year now.”
I roll my eyes. “Sex isn’t everything, Jack. While it is arguably a very fun part of relationships, it doesn’t keep a relationship going. At least not for me. So first, we’re going to the batting cages to work off some energy. Then I thought we could have a picnic on the boardwalk.”
Jackson’s face lights up, and he nods enthusiastically.
God, seeing him happy is everything to me.
“That sounds fucking perfect. Give me a few minutes to get ready.”
I watch as he turns and heads back to the bedroom. I turn back to making food, noting the carbs, proteins, and fats in the note section of my phone, then pack it all up.
Today is going to be a good day.
An hour later,we’re pulling up to the batting cages. The place is bustling with people, but I don’t let that deter me. I want Jackson to have fun, to feel alive. We grab our gear and head inside, the sound of balls hitting bats filling the air. I know this place is meant for kids and families to have a good time—not two professional baseball players. But what the hell.
We should be allowed to have a good time.
Jackson steps up to the plate, a determined look on his face. I can see the athlete in him, the drive and focus. He swings, connecting with the ball, and it flies to the back of the cage with a satisfying smack. “Fuck yeah!” he shouts, turning to me with a grin.
I laugh, clapping my hands. “That’s my man! Show me whatcha got,hermoso.”
