43. Football Fandom

CHAPTER 43

FOOTBALL FANDOM

WITH SPECIAL GUEST LEE MATTERS

He was so not ready for this. If all the pacing Drew and Mac were doing was any indication, they had the same nervous energy as Lee. A couple of cameramen had shown up first, scoping out the diner and setting up shop in a back corner. Two cosmetic professionals arrived next, taking them one by one into the office to have their hair trimmed and styled and a light application of make-up dusted across their cheeks and noses.

Once Casey West arrived—with Caitlin in tow—he walked them through how he'd conduct the interview and ran them through the questions he would ask. Grateful to know he wouldn't be sidelined by a rogue or intrusive line of questioning, Lee thanked Casey.

In need of a last reprieve, Lee pulled his boyfriends into the bathroom. Mac preened at his reflection, his smile growing when Lee and Drew stood just beside him to look at themselves, too. "We look amazing. Holy hell, I'm one lucky guy." He turned slowly, put his hands on their waists, and gave each of them a light kiss.

"Feeling's mutual," Lee said with a grin.

"Same," Drew said, accompanied by a knock on the door.

Ken popped his head inside. "They're ready for you." He held the door open with his body, giving Drew a back-slapping hug as he passed. Mac got a longer, stronger, tighter hug, and for Lee, he held out his hand.

Lee shook Ken's hand, meeting Mac's father's gaze head-on. "You don't have to say it. I promise I'll do my best to not break his heart."

"Their hearts. Both those men are my sons, and I hope one day I can call you that, too."

"Oh, shit," Lee muttered as his feelings welled up and trickled out of his eyes. He'd always wanted someone to call Dad . "Damn it, don't make me cry."

Ken laughed as he hugged him. With a hand on Lee's shoulder, he guided him to where the interview would happen. Clapping and cheers greeted his arrival. Lee rolled his eyes at Mac's family's silliness but smiled as he sat between his boyfriends, his grin growing bigger when they both leaned in and kissed his cheeks.

With one camera pointed at Casey and the other at Lee, Mac, and Drew, the interview started.

"Hi, I'm Casey West of Football Fandom where we focus on out and proud players from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Today is a good day… for me." Casey winked. "I'm here with Austin Troopers' rookie safety, Lee Matters, who's been making his name a household one in these parts with his fine playing and fabulous interceptions.

"After a recent case of arson just south of downtown Austin, a picture of Lee has gone viral and speculation is rampant. He's here with me today to put those rumors to rest. Lee, thanks for joining me."

"Thanks for having me… us," Lee said.

"Introduce me to your friends."

"Sure. This is Drew. He's a student at St. Augustine's and is currently interning with the Troopers med team. And this is Mackenzie. His family owns the diner where the fire happened. It's also the diner where we first met, and where we're having this interview."

"Met?" Casey raised a brow and glanced around with his question.

Lee nodded. "I was sitting, having breakfast, and these two slid in next to me, not realizing I was there. The diner had been really busy that morning, and Mac's sister had seated me in the reserved family booth. We hit it off, became friends, and then became more."

"So Mac and Drew, you were already dating?"

"Nope," Mac answered for them. "Best friends who finally got our heads screwed on right and saw what we both wanted." Drew and Mac linked their hands with Lee's and raised them for the camera.

Casey laughed. "That's gotta be the cutest meet-cute I've ever heard. You all seem really busy with the diner, college, work, practice… games. Has it been hard navigating a relationship with three of you?"

"We're still working out the kinks," Drew quipped, and everyone, including Caitlin and the cameramen, laughed.

"I'm doomed," Lee heard Caitlin mutter before palming her face and shaking her head. "Doomed."

Casey jerked a thumb over his shoulder at her. "You're a PR nightmare."

Lee froze. "God, I hope not." He stared at Caitlin. "I want to be an asset to the team, not a distraction. I'm hoping that by meeting with you and getting our story out there, we can squash any rumors, and I can focus on helping the team win."

"Spoken like a dedicated player."

"Thanks. I try, and really, they've all been so supportive, even when I made a fool of myself." Lee grimaced and shrugged.

"Is that right? I think our viewers need to hear this story…"

"Mat-tee!"

"Holy shit-balls, man!"

"Hoo-rah!"

As his teammates paraded into the locker room, pregame Sunday afternoon, they surrounded him. They pounded on his back and shoulders, and by the time everyone arrived, Lee had no doubt there'd be a few bruises from all the congratulations he'd received. He couldn't believe Casey had released their interview already. He'd woken to the phone ringing and his mother's cry of happiness for her baby.

They kept up the raucous celebration until Coach Oliviera walked in, followed by Fitz, all the coaches, and the medical team, including Drew. "Team! Listen up!" Addy shouted over the din. "Take a knee for Coach."

The team gathered around their coach, kneeling quietly, minus a few playful elbow jabs among the players jockeying for space. Drew winked when Lee spotted him standing behind Cutter.

"I'll address the elephant in the room first. Matters, nice interview. I wish you well. From the owner down, know that you have the support of the Troopers' organization." He panned the room. "Does anyone have a problem with Matters being out and in a relationship with two men?"

The quietness in the full room was a little eerie as everyone looked around at everyone else. Most of the players were grinning at Lee. There were a few hard lines for lips, but they all shook their heads when their gazes connected. They may not approve, but they weren't going to risk their careers over a few LGBTQIA+ players.

"Good. Now let me tell you what's going to happen as we see it. There will be lots of pride flags and rainbow colors in the stands. If anyone gets pulled aside for an interview, the bottom line is ‘we support our teammates and staff, no matter their race, color, or sexual orientation.'"

He paused again, but when no one spoke, he continued. "Colorado's got a decent team this year. We're better, so let's go out there and crush them. What say you?"

"Hoo-rah!"

"I didn't hear you."

"Hoo-rah!" they shouted, rising to their feet and cheering louder, their voices bouncing off the concrete walls of the tunnel as Addy led them to the field for warm-ups.