Page 122 of The Tryout

“To Finn’s goal tonight – may it be the first of many.”

Ethan lifts his beer and Jamie cheers. Meanwhile, I can’t tell whether I’m embarrassed or…pleased? I’ve never had this kind of friend before, who will take me out to celebrate the good things in life.

Frankly, there have never really been that many good things to celebrate.

But here, sitting next to Avery and enjoying the attention of Jamie and Ethan, I feel almost too much happiness.

I feel movement at my side and turn my head to see a well-dressed man in his mid-thirties. He nods, a smile on his mouth that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Hey. Can I get you a drink? Rum and coke, right?”

I turn my head, sure he’s talking to Avery. But Avery seems focused on me – and, when I turn my head back, so does the man.

“Oh, no, just Coke. Diet Coke, actually. And I’m good.”

He nods, but it doesn’t seem like he’s planning to leave.

“You’re Finn Murphy, right? Hell of a game tonight.”

My neck is starting to hurt from looking up at him, and I kind of wish he’d at least take a seat. But mostly I wish he’d leave.

“Thanks, man. It’s nice being back in town.”

He nods, and this time I feel his eyes drifting toward Avery.

“Well, if you’re ever interested in that drink, give me a call?”

He brings a business card out of an inner pocket, sliding it across the table to me.

Jeremy Brewer, Vice President

The paper is thick, carrying the name of a firm I’ve never heard of.

When I look back up, Jamie looks like he’s going to burst with laughter.

“Was that the first time you’ve been picked up?”

My eyebrows scrunch together. Is that what just happened?

“He wasn’t…was he?”

I look to Avery, who doesn’t seem nearly as entertained.

“He definitely was.”

My eyes shoot across the bar to where Jeremy is still standing, sipping on a whiskey. While I trust Jamie – and, of course, Avery – I still can’t quite believe a guy like that would hit on a guy like me.

Jamie must think I’m reconsidering.

“Dude, if you want to go, do it! We’ll get Avery home.”

He winks, smile still spread across his face. The smile falls when I crumple up the card, tossing it onto the tray holding the rest of our table’s trash.

“Nah. I just want to go home.”

Back at the house, Ethan and Jamie head to the living room, planning to watch the end of the LA/Portland game. Avery begs off, claiming exhaustion after his travel. I follow him upstairs, knowing that by now Jamie and Ethan won’t be surprised if I want some time alone.

But, of course, I don’t want time alone. I want time with Avery.