Page 63 of His Hungry Wolf

“Because, despite how much you pretend not to want to play for the NFL, I think you do. I think you want it a lot. And I might have screwed things up for you with the Cougars, but you could still make it on a team. You could become the best quarterback in the history of the league; I just wouldn’t be your assistant coach,” he said with a sad smile.

I didn’t know how to feel about that. One of the only reasons I played football was for Merri. I had wanted to show off for him. What would football be without him?

“But, you heard your team’s owner. I’m slow to my spots and I can’t make a split to save my life.”

“Yeah, but he also believes that gays shouldn’t be involved with football. So, I would hardly call him a reliable source of information.”

“But I feel it. I feel slow,” I admitted.

“And that brings us to the other part of my offer.”

“Which is?”

“I would like you to stay at my place for the summer while I train you. I guess you don’t have to stay at my place. You can stay anywhere. But, my place is free. And since I still have access to the Cougars’ facilities, I could use it to prepare you.”

“For the summer?”

“Until the showcase.”

“I have a business to run.”

“That’s right. You do,” he said, remembering. “Could your brother cover for you? I mean, if he knew how much it meant to you?”

“Assuming I want it?”

“Of course. I would completely understand if you didn’t. You have a life here. You have friends and a spitfire of a mom. By the way, why did she ask me how good I was at climbing out of windows?”

I shrugged as if I didn’t know.

“You’re right. I do have a life here. At least, I could have one.”

“I understand,” he said, trying to hide his disappointment.

“But, Titus’s boyfriend has already started making plans for a corporate takeover. So, he might be able to fill in for me while I’m gone.”

“Really?” Merri asked, excited.

“Maybe. And I don’t think I could afford my own place for the summer, considering I wouldn’t be working, so I would need to stay at your place.”

Merri bottled his reaction and said, “You would be welcome.”

“You really think you can get me included in the showcase?”

“My ex owns a scouting agency. He and I are the founding members of the gay football mafia. We could get you in.”

“Could you?” I said with a laugh.

“Not that I’m saying you’re gay. I’m just saying, you have a pretty mouth there, Mr. Quarterback guy.”

I froze.

“I’m kidding! That was a joke. It’s what every creepy gay southerner says in movies. I don’t think you have a pretty mouth. I mean, you do but… You know what, let’s pretend I stopped talking after gay football mafia.”

“Got it,” I said, relaxing.

“So, what do you say?”

I thought about it.