Schooling The Quarterback: an m/m college sports romance (GSU), page 9
Sheila guides us to the kitchen, setting each of us up at a station, not bothering to give us extra directions. We’ve been coming here for over two years and know what we’re doing. The only time things change a little is when the kids are off from school. And Thanksgiving is still a week away, so we don’t have to worry about that now.
Today, I’m on serving duty, smiling at each kid passing by me. Volunteering at the youth center is something that fills my soul. I know what it’s like to be an outcast, and my family wasn’t far off from needing a place like this when I was a kid. I could have used a listening ear or even just a smile from someone who wasn’t being paid to be nice to me. If I can give that to even just one of these kids, I’ve done my job.
Breakfast flies by in a blur like it always does, and before I know it, we’re back in Max’s car on our way home. By the time we arrive at the house, I’ll have just enough time to grab my backpack and run to class.
I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to being on time, my skin crawling if I’m even a second late, but even all the anxiety in the world couldn’t keep me away from those kids. They’re worth the possibility of being late, which isn’t going to happen today by the looks of things, which is an added bonus.
The second Max parks the car, I rush out to grab my backpack from where I left it by the front door and wave at my friends as I rush to class.
On my way to class, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, smiling at Chase’s name on the screen.
Chase: I know you’re working tonight, but what are you up to tomorrow?
I contemplate how I should respond. Should I play it cool? But how exactly does one play it cool?
I give my head a shake. As usual, I’m overthinking things.
Me: I’m working in the evening, but I have tomorrow morning off.
His response is instant, which definitely fits the guy I’m getting to know.
Chase: Awesome! Me too! Want to have a breakfast date?
My smile grows as I type out my response.
Me: Okay.
Chase: Yes! I’ll pick you up at eight if that’s all right.
Me: Sounds good. See you tomorrow.
Chase: 😘
I chuckle, then notice the time and pick up my pace. I can’t let a boy be the reason I’m late for class.
Even if he does give me butterflies.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHASE
The morning air has a bite to it, but nothing could wipe the smile off my face, not even a blizzard, which, thankfully, there isn’t one.
Pulling up to Gabe’s house, I freeze. Should I go to the door or not? Normally, it would be a no-brainer, but he gave me shit at his nana’s house the one time. But that wasn’t an official date. That’s what he scolded me about. Today, however, is.
“Fuck it,” I whisper to myself and get out of the car.
Excited energy courses through my veins as I take the steps to the front door and knock.
“You must be the quarterback,” a tall, slender man with long, blond hair pulled up into a messy bun on the top of his head greets me at the door.
“That’s me,” I respond with an even smile. “I’m Chase, but you can call me Ando if you want.”
“I’m Sasha, Gabriel’s best friend and the devil on his shoulder,” the man tells me.
“I hope that means you’re encouraging him to date me and not the other way around.”
His blue eyes light up, and he nods. “Absolutely. You are exactly what our boy needs in his life. If you ever need someone to give Gabriel a kick in the pants, I’m your man,” he assures me.
I chuckle. “Thank you for your support.”
“Ugh… of course you had to answer the door,” Gabe grumbles, looking adorable as always.
He’s not wearing his go-to outfit I’ve seen him in—a pair of jeans that could probably fit him better and a plain hoodie. No, today he’s got on jeans that perfectly hug his ass and a long sleeve shirt showing off his body instead of hiding it. He looks good enough to eat. Did he put in extra effort in his outfit today just for me?
“Of course, I opened the door,” Sasha tells Gabe. “Wouldn’t want your guy waiting out in the cold.”
Gabe rolls his eyes while reaching behind his friend for his coat.
“Did you not want me to meet him?” Sasha inquires with a smirk.
Gabe sighs, clearly frustrated with his friend. “You know it’s not that,” he mumbles.
“Is the quarterback here?” a man I can’t see shouts.
“Yup,” Sasha replies. “Get Max down here.”
“Oh my god,” Gabe mutters, pushing up his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose.
If I had a smaller ego, I might be nervous that Gabe doesn’t want me to meet his friends, but I have enough confidence to power an entire town. He’s not ashamed of me. He just doesn’t like being the center of attention. I love that his friends don’t give a shit, though, and are giving him a gentle push out of his comfort zone. It would be one thing if they completely disregarded his boundaries, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.
“Should we make a run for it?” I whisper to Gabe, loving how his face lights up at my suggestion.
“I’d say yes, but they’ll only corner you next time. Best to get it out of the way now.”
I smile, loving that he’s already thinking about a next time because so am I. I’ve never been the biggest on relationships, just causal flings here and there and more than a few one-night stands, but I could see Gabe being the guy who changes that. Even though we seem like polar opposites to the outside world, we mesh so fucking well. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard a saying about opposites being good for each other. I just can’t remember how it goes.
“He’s even hotter in person,” says the man who was shouting earlier.
“Stop embarrassing me,” Gabe pleads, but the man with dirty blond hair and thick-framed glasses shakes his head.
“What would be the fun in that?” the man teases. “I’m Victor, by the way.” He sticks his hand out to me, and I take it.
“Chase, but like I told Sasha, you can call me Ando. Most people do.”
“I’m Max,” the other man who joined us in the foyer says with a wave. He’s on the shorter side of the friend group and has a round face with dark hair.
“It’s nice to meet you all,” I reply.
“Is this the time that we have the break-his-heart-and-die conversation, or do we wait a couple more dates,” Sasha stage whispers to the others, obviously wanting me to hear his words.
Gabe throws his head back, letting out an exasperated sigh. “You’re not going to have to have the conversation because you’re going to scare him off right now.”
I chuckle and reach for Gabe’s hand. “It’s going to take a lot more to scare me off than a couple of good friends who clearly only want what’s best for you,” I assure him.
The blush I love creeps up his cheeks, and he nibbles on his lower lip.
“Aww… you landed yourself a heartthrob and a sweetheart. You’re one lucky son of a bitch,” Victor teases.
“I hate to cut this short, but I’m kind of hungry,” I tell the guys. “How about we plan a night where we can all get together and hang out? I’ll even invite my roommates too.”
“That sounds fun,” Max says, and the other guys nod in agreement.
“Perfect, Gabe and I will try to work out a time that works for everyone.”
With those parting words, I pull Gabe out of the house toward my car, giving him a kiss on the cheek once we’re outside.
“Sorry about that,” he mumbles. “I was expecting something like that to happen, but it still didn’t make it any less awkward.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “It wasn’t a big deal at all. If those are your closest friends, I expect them to give us a hard time for a while. They wouldn’t be good friends if they didn’t.”
His smile grows. “Yeah. They kind of are the best.”
This time, I take a chance and open Gabe’s door for him. He eyes me up and down but doesn’t fight it, so I take it as a win.
“How did you meet them?” I ask once I’m behind the wheel.
“Max and I shared a class together, and he was searching for another roommate. Victor was already living there. Max met Sasha the following year and offered him the final bedroom. The rest is kind of history. We all get along great, which isn’t common, but I’m super thankful for it. I’ve always struggled to make friends. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the most outgoing guy.”
“I’m glad you found your people. They’re important to have.”
We spend the short drive talking about school and how our classes are going. It’s crazy how easy it is to talk to him, especially now that he’s letting me in. I still sense he has a bit of a guard around him, but it’s slowly coming down.
Arriving at the diner, an older lady sits us at a booth in the back, and we take our time reading the menu.
“Are you a sweet or savory kind of breakfast person?” I ask Gabe, scanning through the items.
“It depends on the day,” he responds. “But I’d say I usually lean savory. What about you?”
“If I had the choice, I’d choose sweet every day, but that isn’t exactly on the recommended diet for an athlete,” I tell him.
“What’s it like being a student-athlete?” he questions, his head tilted.
“Stressful at times… our schedules are usually jam-packed. I wouldn’t even be here right now if we had an away game. I’d be on a bus or a plane making my way to whatever city we’re up against,” I explain. “But I love football. It’s all I’ve ever known, and it is what I want to do for as long as I’m able.”
“The internet says you’re extremely talented,” he murmurs.
I can’t help but beam at him. “Have you been googling me?”
“Maybe,” he murmurs. “But don’t let it get to your head. I just wanted to know more about the guy I’m seeing.”
“I’m an open book, baby. Ask me anything,” I say, holding my hands out in a bring-it-on motion.
Before he can say anything, our waitress comes to take our orders.
Once we’re alone, Gabe stares at me silently with an intense gaze. What is going through his head? “Is this just a casual fling, or are you wanting something more?” he eventually asks.
“Being so busy with football, I never loved the idea of having a relationship,” I admit. “I was always afraid I would let the person down, so why even start something bound to crash and burn.” Gabe’s face falls. Shit, I’m going about this all wrong. “That was before I met you,” I add quickly. “No one felt worth the effort. We both have intense schedules, but I’m willing to put in the effort to try something more with you.”
His brows shoot up, and a glimmer of hope passes behind his eyes. “Really?”
I nod. “Yeah. Obviously, I can’t tell the future, and I don’t know where I’m going to be next year, but I’d like to give us a shot. We can figure out the future when it comes.”
“If anyone else would have said those words to me, I’d be running for the hills,” Gabe states. “I don’t do well with the unknown. I like to have things planned out as much as possible. But you make me want to throw caution to the wind and live in the moment for once.”
“So, you aren’t afraid that we are completely opposite people anymore?” I inquire.
He shakes his head. “Opposites do attract.”
I point at him. “That’s it.” Gabe looks at me, confused by my sudden outburst. “I’m horrible at remembering common sayings. I’ve been wracking my brain for that one for the past couple of days,” I explain.
He snickers. “That fits you to a T.”
“Do you mind that I’m not the smartest guy around?” I ask, a very random burst of insecurity washing over me.
“Do you mind that I’m not a sports guy?” he counters, and I shake my head. “Then you have your answer. Besides, brains aren’t everything. Some of the smartest people in the world are also the most evil. A kind heart is much better, and that’s something you have without a doubt.”
His praise makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I’m so fucking glad I didn’t give up on pursuing him.
Our food arrives much faster than I thought it would, and we both dive in, me a little more quickly than Gabe. His eating habits are a lot like his personality—calm and collected. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I’ve been scolded a time or two for how fast I shovel in my food.
“So, we have a home game tomorrow. Would you be interested in coming to watch me?” I ask after I’ve taken a few bites. “You can bring your friends if you don’t want to be alone. Also, Rio will be there. He’s dying to meet you.”
He takes a sip of his water before responding, and I wait with bated breath. “Okay,” Gabe answers, making me want to dance around the diner, but I don’t. I might be an over-the-top kind of guy, but even I wouldn’t make a scene like that. “I’ll see if Sasha is available. He’s also not a sports guy, but he’ll be the easiest to persuade.”
“Perfect. I’ll let Rio know you’re coming.”
“Just send me all the information I’ll need to know,” he requests, and I nod.
“Absolutely. I hope you know you just made me the happiest guy ever right now.”
He smirks and shakes his head slowly. “You’re easy to make happy.”
I shrug, not denying it. “Maybe. But knowing that you’re going to a football game just for me is next-level kind of happiness.”
“You’re so lame,” he murmurs, but that smirk is still on his lips.
I always play my best, but tomorrow I’m going to try even harder. I’ll have someone special watching me after all.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
GABRIEL
Football is an outside sport, and we’re in Michigan in the wintertime. Why the hell did I agree to come to this game?
Oh, that’s right, the quarterback specifically invited me, and it’s impossible to say no to his puppy dog eyes. Thankfully, I have all the proper winter gear, so I’m not freezing my toes off.
“Where are we meeting this Rio guy?” Sasha asks as we walk across the parking lot.
“At the doors,” I remind him.
“Is he hot too? Is he gay? Would you mind if I hooked up with him?” Sasha rapid-fires the questions.
“I’ve never met him, so I don’t know if he’s attractive or gay, but if he is and you want to tap that, I’m not going to stop you,” I reply.
Sasha leans his shoulder into mine. “This is why we’re best friends.”
I chuckle, scanning the area as we get closer to the doors, spotting a guy who looks like Chase described. “Are you Rio?” I ask the man with shaggy blond hair, wearing a GSU Koala jersey and a green beanie.
He smiles at me and nods. “I am. You must be Gabriel.”
“That’s me, and this is Sasha,” I introduce.
“Nice to meet you,” Sasha says, holding his hand out and batting his eyes.
Rio chuckles and shakes it. “I’ve heard a lot about you already.”
“I’m flattered. I was unaware I had such a big reputation,” Sasha replies flirtatiously.
Rio shakes his head, still grinning, then hands me a jersey. “Chase asked me to give this to you.”
I hold it up to see Chase’s last name and number on the back.
“Damn, things are getting serious,” Sasha muses out loud.
“Will it fit over my coat?” I check, and Rio nods.
“Oh, yeah. He made sure to size up. Most people aren’t crazy enough to attend a football game in November without a decent jacket.”
I smile and slip the jersey over my head. “How do I look?” I inquire.
“Like you’ve got a boyfriend who wants to stake a claim on you,” Sasha replies, his grin so big it’s almost evil-looking. “I approve.”
Rio and I laugh, then he guides us into the stadium to apparently the best seats in the place.
“Care to give me a rundown of football?” Sasha asks Rio once we’re seated.
Rio starts with what to expect, but I’m not listening that closely. I’m too busy taking in my surroundings. The last time I went to a football game, I was seven. My dad spent most of it yelling at me for not being more excited.
I push away the negative memory, trying to focus on the here and now. I don’t let my family have a hold on me anymore. I’ve worked hard to replace as many bad memories with new, positive ones as possible, and today is another chance to do just that. I’m going to enjoy this moment and forget about my toxic father.
A few of Chase’s other friends eventually join us, and this guy everyone calls Coop seems to have caught Sasha’s eye.
“Tell me more about hockey,” Sasha pleads, batting his lashes again. I shake my head at his antics.
“It’s so wild that you guys have been at GSU for this long, and this is your first game,” Coop says, shaking his head. “If I tell you more about hockey, will you come to my game tomorrow?” he asks my friend, who nods enthusiastically.
“Is Coop gay?” I whisper to Rio.
“Bi, but he’s a player, so if your friend is a relationship kind of guy, I’d get him out now,” he warns me.
“Sasha is also a slut, so there are no worries there,” I tell him. “I don’t think we’ll ever see the day that Sasha settles down.”
Rio chuckles. “Same with Coop. He’s always joking about how he’s too wild to be tamed. I pity the fool who falls for him.”
“What about you?” I inquire. “Do you like to play the field, or are you a relationship kind of guy?”
