Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

FINN

Monster is an anomaly to me. He’s this giant jock, but he’s so fucking sweet at the same time. He’s nothing like I was expecting, and I find myself completely drawn to him.

My eyes follow him as he heads up to place our orders, waving and smiling at people as he goes. It reminds me of just how popular he is, and it causes me to become a little nervous. From what he told me last night, he wasn’t sure about his sexuality and most people think he’s straight. Is it going to be a blow to his reputation if people start talking about him being here with me? We could play the lunch off as being just friends, but friends don’t typically kiss each other. Even if it was just a cheek kiss. And friends don’t give each other Valentine’s Day gifts. He didn’t seem to care, but maybe he isn’t thinking about the repercussions.

My mind is whirling through all the worst-case scenario situations when Monster gets back and places the tray on the table.

“Are you okay?” he questions, clearly picking up on my anxiety.

“I was just thinking about what you told me last night. About all your teammates assuming you're straight and here you are on a lunch date with a guy. Aren’t you afraid of what could happen if someone saw us?” I ask, my words coming out in a jumbled rush, but I think he’s able to follow along.

Monster reaches across the table and grabs my hand giving it a comforting squeeze. “I don’t care what people think,” he assures me. “I was planning on telling the team about you tonight anyway. They are always giving me a hard time about being single and I figured tonight would be the perfect time to tell them I’m seeing someone.”

“But you wouldn’t have to tell them who I am,” I counter, and Monster runs his thumb over my fingers in a soothing manner.

“True, but I want to. My teammates aren’t homophobic and even if they were, they know about GSU’s policy on homophobia and wouldn’t dare say anything. I know that by dating you and being out and queer myself I will face bigoted people eventually, but I really don’t give a shit.

You are the first person who has ignited something inside of me and I absolutely refuse to let you go just because some random people I don’t know and don’t care about might not like it. I will never ask you to hide for me. You are worth it and I want everyone to know about us, so if we are going to do this we are going to do it the right way, and that means acting like any other couple would.”

Is it possible for a heart to melt? Because I’m pretty sure that’s what is happening to me right now.

“Are you sure?” I whisper.

Monster nods, squeezing my hand once more. “I’m positive. I’m going to tell my parents about you, too,” he adds.

“You’re an all or nothing kind of guy, aren’t you?” I say with a tilt of my head.

Monster laughs and nods. “Guilty. I’ve never seen the point in being half-in. I figure if you want something, you should give it your all. I’ll admit that I’m still nervous about how things are going to go, but I want you Finn, so I’m all in.”

Well, shit. How am I supposed to argue with that?

“Let’s eat before we’re late for class,” I say with a big grin on my face while pulling my hand out from his and grabbing my sandwich.

Monster smiles at me before grabbing his own sandwich and taking a bite.

The rest of our lunch is filled with light conversation and easy banter. It’s obvious to me that Monster and I get along very well and the more I get to know him the more I like. He’s sweet and kind and exactly the kind of guy I’ve been wanting in my life.

“Would you like to come to my game tonight?” Monster asks after he’s finished the last of his sandwich.

“I’m not really a sports guy,” I remind him.

He shrugs. “I know, but I still thought I’d ask.”

I mull it over in my head for a second before throwing caution to the wind. “Since we’re kind of dating, I guess I could come and watch you,” I reply, making his face light up.

“Really?”

I nod with a genuine smile. “I’ll ask Chantell to come with me. Where do we get tickets?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll get two put away for you,” he assures me.

We both stand at the same time and Monster immediately wraps me in a warm hug. “I really appreciate you coming tonight,” he whispers in my ear and then kisses my cheek.

With how happy Monster is right now, I’m glad I made this decision.

We say our goodbyes and I head to my next class texting Chantell along the way.

Me: We are going to the baseball game tonight.

Chantell: We are?

Me: Yes! Unless you have other plans?

Chantell: Nope I’m free! Are you picking me up or do aliens not know how to drive?

I can’t help but chuckle at my friend as I type out my response.

Me: Not an alien. Just dating a baseball player… actually maybe I was abducted by aliens because that is the weirdest message I have ever typed out.

Chantell: Bahaha. It’s cute seeing you grow. What time is the game?

Me: Not a fucking clue. I’ll look it up on the GSU website and then let you know when I’m picking you up.

Chantell: It's supposed to be cold tonight. You’re lucky I love you or I wouldn’t go.

Me: Ugh. I didn’t look at the weather. Is it too late to cancel?

Chantell: Yes! I’m excited now. Should we wear your boyfriend’s number?

Me: I’m regretting inviting you already. He’s not my boyfriend… yet… we’re just dating. And we will absolutely NOT be wearing his number!

Chantell: Okay we can do that next time! Let me know once you’ve figured out the time!

Me: Will do!

I put my phone in my pocket and head to class since I’ve managed to make it by the time we’ve finished our conversation. I’m glad I didn’t run into anyone along the way since I wasn’t paying the best attention while I was texting.

I pick a chair near the back of the room and grab my books out of my bag while thinking about what Monster said about telling his parents about me. I’ve never told my grandpa about any of the guys I’ve dated in the past until it’s been at least a month. But I kind of want to tell him about Monster. Grandpa would really like him even though he’s a jock.

I shake my head as the professor starts to talk. My focus needs to be on this class right now. I can think about Monster later.