29. Lee

CHAPTER 29

LEE

Lee made it through Monday… somehow. He attended game review and participated in a light practice. He'd avoided the medical room like the plague and kept his head from swiveling toward the tunnel where he knew Drew liked to stand and watch. On Tuesday, he spent the entire day shuttling his mom and aunt around town, hitting a couple of museums and venues they'd wanted to see but hadn't previously had time to go to while they'd been moving him into his apartment.

When his mom "forgot" and suggested the diner for dinner, Lee shook his head. He hadn't heard from either guy and wasn't sure how he felt about that. Were they mad at him? Hell, he was mad at himself, but he also couldn't bring himself to pick up the phone, open up their thread, and write the apology he knew he should. Conversely, he'd told them both he wasn't ready for a boyfriend—or boyfriends—so they should have known not to do what they did, but they'd done it, anyway. At a time when he was most vulnerable. Stupid alcohol.

He needed to keep his focus on the team and playing ball. No ifs, ands, buts—butts included—or boyfriends.

Wednesday morning, he dropped his mom and Auntie Beth at the airport and then backtracked across town to the ATEX complex. When he pulled into the players' lot, he shuddered, realizing he hadn't paid attention to where the heck he'd been going. Austin traffic had been lighter that early in the morning, but not that light. He gave his brain a mental slap for his carelessness as he took off his seatbelt.

He hefted his bag and made his way inside, tossing a wave to Tom as he passed through the security checkpoint. The locker room was quiet, with only a few players and medical staff having beat him in. Had Drew's car been in the lot? Fuck, he was distracted.

"Matty."

Lee jumped, slamming a hand to his chest, cursing up a storm. He caught his breath and turned to face Garrett Stevens, their punter from down under.

"Alright?"

"Yeah. yeah, I'm fine." Lee took a slow breath in and out. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to personally say congrats on the game." They bumped fists, but Garrett didn't move on. Lee was starting to feel like a bug under a microscope when Garrett finally said, "Is it too soon to ask about…"

Lee pressed his lips together and shook his head. "Yeah, kinda. Don't get me wrong, I like them, but…"

"Football. The game. The team. I get it. I wasn't looking for a relationship with Chester when we first got together. But he was like a calm island surrounded by stormy seas. He listened when I needed someone to talk to. And he didn't give up on me."

Lee huffed. "Well, Drew is avoiding me, and neither of them have texted me since right after the game to congratulate me."

"Give them a little time."

"Considering we'll be too busy prepping for the next game and we're leaving Friday for Florida, they'll have plenty of time. I'd hold my breath if it wasn't counter-productive to playing." Lee forced a smile onto his face.

Garrett laughed lightly and slapped Lee's upper arm. "Yeah, no fainting would be good."

The noise level increased drastically when Yowie plowed through the doors with what looked like half the team following him. He waved his arms about, like a king holding court, as he retold some ridiculous exploit that had happened on their day off.

When Yowie stripped off his shirt, Garrett leaned in and said, "Ya know... a Yowie is an evil, hairy man in Aussie mythos." They peered at the defenseman, taking in the pelt of fur on his broad chest, watching as he teased the hell out of Jakes, Anders, and a couple of other guys. "This one, though… not so evil."

Lee chuckled. "Not so evil" described Yowie to a T. And when Yowie turned his attention on Lee, he found he didn't mind so much as it proved to be the distraction he needed. In fact, the rest of the morning's practice was smooth sailing until Lee caught a glimpse of Drew as he walked past the upper windows with Cutter and Dr. Rosie. He tripped over his own feet and sprawled flat out on the grass, landing on his chest and getting the wind knocked out of him.

There was a collective " ooo " from the heckling spectators masquerading as teammates. Face down and out of breath, he still managed to have enough of his wits to give them all the finger.

Anders helped him to his feet and walked him over to the bench where one of the medical interns stood waiting. Lee risked a glance upward. Cutter frowned down at him, but Drew wasn't anywhere he could see.

Coach Mike approached and bopped Lee lightly on the head. "Just making sure it's still attached."

"Ha, ha. Funny coach." Lee took a couple of slow, deep breaths under the instruction of the intern while Coach looked on. When Coach continued hovering, Lee glanced at him, saw the frown, and sighed, realizing he should have apologized for fucking up the play. "Sorry. I messed up. My feet got tangled. Won't happen again."

"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about where your head is after Sunday night, and I'm not talking about the game. The rumor mill is churning mightily regarding you, Drew, and… a third guy?" Coach cocked an eyebrow. "Is your love life going to be a problem because I have no issue going to Fitz and Dr. Rosie?"

Lee pinched the bridge of his nose. "Understood, and please don't. Drew really needs this internship."

Coach grabbed Lee's shoulder, bending down to look at him squarely. "Then keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the ball, alright?"

"Alright, Coach." Lee shot one side of his mouth up in a cocky smile that made Coach Mike laugh.

"Take another few minutes, then get back into rotation. I want you covering Gunner." Coach walked away, snickering loudly.

Meanwhile, Lee groaned. Gunner was the fastest wide receiver they had. Karma had come calling… collecting her debt.