Page 71 of Catch
I left before the guys started undressing. The season was over. That meant everything.
Parker and I had one incredible night last month, but we had kept to our agreement. Even once news of the divorce was leaked, we waited. It was hard but I knew it would be worth it to fully give ourselves to each other.
“McCoy, Pierson, and Trust. We’re meeting with the media in ten. Pierson, remind Moats he’s expected in twenty,” Bill said.
We all knew he was retiring. Now that we were a proven winning team, players were going to line up to play for us. I fixed my makeup and brushed my hair. I was hyped up. I waited with Marcus outside the press room. We both knew our résumés just got way more attractive. I wasn’t going anywhere, but I wasn’t so sure about him.
“I can’t believe it’s over,” he said.
“What an incredible season.” I gave him a hug. When Bill and Jamal showed up, we walked in together. It was a quick question-and-answer session. I stayed when Grayson took the podium.
“Yes, the rumors are true. I’m retiring. It’s been a hell of a ride but it’s the best move for me and my family.” Grayson answeredeach question with poise and positivity. I was weirdly proud of him. After twenty minutes, he stepped away from the podium and away from football.
The team threw him a retirement party the Friday before the Super Bowl. News of his divorce was quickly swallowed up by the hype of the big game. Now that Grayson was retired, his personal life wasn’t in the limelight. It was the best result the Moats could have hoped for.
Every single teammate and coach showed up for Grayson’s party. The girls stuck by his side. For the first time in Grayson’s career, Parker hung back. She stayed close because of the girls, but she was distancing herself from him. Change was happening. I kept my distance and spent the evening hanging out with Matt. I got to hear his side of the story and the hardships he muddled through while waiting for Grayson. He had tried other relationships but failed. Grayson was his true love and he said he was worth the wait. I wondered if he knew about me and Parker until he caught me watching her across the room.
He nodded at her. “She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her.”
“What?” I smiled and bumped my shoulder against his. “I mean, we’re not together. Yet. Officially.”
“You might be keeping a respectful distance, but love looks good on her.” Matt glanced my way. “And on you.”
For the first time, I let myself feel happiness about me and Parker around another person. It blossomed inside me and burst into a kaleidoscope. I blushed at how liberating it felt. “Thank you.”
Archie approached us and Matt gave him a bland smile. “Coach McCoy, do you want to come to my Super Bowl party? Lots of people, huge screen, great food,” Archie said.
“I’m hanging out with my dad, but thanks for the offer.” I felt bad for Archie. I was sure he thought he was going to take Grayson’s place, but that wasn’t going to happen. Our scouts had found a few quarterbacks coming up in the draft, but we had our eye on a benchwarmer from Jacksonville who had massive potential and wasn’t being utilized. If we bought out his contract, we could use the draft for defensive backs. “Speaking of which, I should get going. Ineed to pack so I can get out of here first thing in the morning.” We were off for a few days and I planned on spending the weekend with my dad and Judy. Dad and I had always watched the Super Bowl together and I had no interest in messing with tradition.
When I was driving a text from Parker popped up.You looked beautiful tonight.
I purposely wore three-inch heels and a dress for Parker’s enjoyment. I was still shorter than most of the players even though I towered over the coaches and wives. I drove home smiling. It was a good night. I had the weekend off and I was driving to my dad’s in Rhode Island in the morning. I called Hayley as I drove because she deserved to know the whole story.
“You’ve been holding out on me. I get that you couldn’t tell me about the divorce, but you still suck.”
I sighed. “There’s more.”
“Oh, God. This sounds bad. It’s bad, isn’t it?”
“It’s not really my story to tell, but part of it is mine so I think I can tell you. This can’t get out though.” I could practically hear her roll her eyes at me.
“Okay, I pinky swear or whatever the kids say now.”
“Well, they don’t say that. Okay.” I squeezed the steering wheel and braced myself for the barrage of questions that she for sure would pelt me with. “Grayson’s gay.” I winced waiting for the explosion.
“What?” Her volume level didn’t disappoint.
“He’s gay. So is Parker. Or at least she’s bi. I never asked her how she identifies.”
“Well, I figured that about Parker, but wow. Grayson?” I heard rustling around and knew she was pacing. “Are you kidding me? What the fuck? How long has he known?”
“I don’t know, but he and Matt have been dating since college.”
“Uncle Matt?” Her volume was back. “What about Parker? How is she doing? Wait. Did she know?”
“She’s known since the beginning,” I said.
“Oh, Sutton. This is a lot to take in. I feel so bad for them. What about the kids? How are they doing?”
