Out in Time Read online

  Wade nodded at Heath, so he cut the video and readied his equipment for the photo shoot. Wade and Savage were both visibly moved, as was Heath. They moved from their chairs, and Wade thanked him again and tried to shake his hand before Savage pulled him into a bro hug, thumping him loudly on the back. Heath paused when he realized his own hands were trembling. Savage’s story was powerful and gave Heath a lot to consider.

  “Heath, you ready for those photos? Should I change?”

  “No, sir. I like the casual, at-home attire. I have a question for you, though,” he said, thinking about his original idea. “Do you have any pets?”

  Savage’s beaming smile was answer enough. “I have two Irish Setters—Trixie and Charlie—that James is entertaining as we speak.” He grinned at them both. “They’re so smart. They know when we have guests and go crazy to have all that new attention lavished on them.”

  “If it’s okay with you, Boyd, I’d like to shoot you outside with your dogs. The tone of your interview would go well with those types of images.”

  “If you’re sure you’re ready for all that energy.”

  “Bring it on,” Heath laughed. “My parents have Dalmatians, so I know what I’m getting into. Wade?”

  “Oh, yeah. That sounds good. I love dogs, although I’ve never had one myself.”

  Savage excused himself after he directed them outside to set up. He and Wade made casual conversation as they explored the backyard before Heath chose the fish pond with lush-green plant life surrounding it for the backdrop. Then, they worked in comfortable silence while Wade helped him set up the tripod and get the camera ready. Finally, he directed Wade to pose for a few test shots. When Wade threw one hand on his hip and the other on his head and made a kissing face at the camera, Heath nearly lost it.

  “Oh, mon chéri,” he cooed in a passable French accent. Heath suddenly hoped Wade didn’t know any French. “More leg, please,” he couldn’t help adding when Wade hammed it up even more. Wade obligingly stuck his long, muscular leg out and stomped the ground like he was stubbing out a cigarette. He found himself thinking about all the Wade images he’d deleted over the years in order to keep himself honest. He didn’t think there was any harm in keeping this one though. It was fucking hilarious and adorable as hell.

  He heard the dogs before he saw them and turned to take in the two, gorgeous red dogs bounding across the lawn to meet them. Savage sprinted after them, laughing. Finally, Heath noticed his partner—James. He’d seen him in some of the photos in the house and the memoir, of course. None of them had done him justice, though. James was a striking, distinguished-looking man. Even so, he had a large grin on his face that rivaled Savage’s. As he neared, Heath noticed his skin was a shade or two darker than Savage’s and he kept his head completely shaved. Heath liked, too, that there was finally a man around he could see eye-to-eye with, as the two of them appeared to be close in height.

  James gave a short whistle, and the dogs came to rest dutifully at Heath’s and Wade’s feet. They may have obeyed and not jumped on them, but the force with which they wagged their tails was enough to send the black pebbles around the fish pond zinging to and fro.

  Heath and Wade both kneeled to show the dogs some enthusiastic affection. Boyd and James finally approached, with Boyd making the introductions this time around.

  “So, Heath, I didn’t have a chance to ask before. Are you graduating soon as well?” Boyd asked.

  “Yes, sir.” He gave one final pat to the dog Boyd had deemed Trixie and rose to shake James’s hand. “I overloaded most semesters and took summer courses so I could graduate a little early. I’m off to Manhattan, like Wade here, in just a few weeks.”

  “Well, I know shooting this ugly mug—” he pulled at his chin “—isn’t as meaningful as your Faces of Autism exhibit, but I appreciate a talent such as yourself giving me a little attention.”

  Heath’s own eyes widened with this statement, and he struggled to take in a breath. Wade slapped him on the back and grinned down at him. “Well, look who else has his fame preceding him.”

  “I can’t believe you know my work,” Heath admitted sheepishly, glancing back at the handsome couple.

  “Of course, we do,” James chimed in. “We do our own bit of research before we commit to any interviews. You understand?”

  “That makes sense,” Heath admitted.

  “So, what made you decide on autism as a subject matter?” Heath swallowed hard, picturing his own brother’s face. “If it’s not too personal,” Boyd added.

  “No, well, yes, it’s personal, but I don’t mind talking about it. I have an older brother with autism. You wouldn’t believe the stereotypes and prejudices that exist around that condition.” He thought about that statement briefly as Boyd’s knowing eyes met his. “On second thought, I’m sure you would. My goal was to shed light on the talents and nuances of those affected with autism.”

  “You did a fine job, I’d say. The photos are impressive, and you opened many doors for yourself in New York.”

  “That I did,” he admitted, adding his thanks before contemplating his upcoming paid internship with the New York Times. Even though he would have to supplement his income with freelance photography, it was a foot in the door.

  After they tossed a few toys to work off some of the dogs’ energy, Heath gestured for Boyd to kneel in front of the fish pond and arranged the dogs around him. He snapped several photos from the tripod before unhooking it and moving around to capture more candid stills. The dogs were well behaved but they couldn’t resist licking Boyd’s face or each other, and Heath thought it would make for some fascinating pictures. After a few dozen, he dismissed them and asked Boyd if he would mind strolling along the yellowing Weeping Willows framing the back of the property while he shot from alongside.

  He and Boyd made their way back to James and Wade who were engrossed in a seemingly serious conversation. Wade’s shoulders were hunched, his face lined with worry. When he spotted Heath, he perked up, and they began to say their goodbyes.

  As Heath packed away his equipment, he heard Boyd making their apologies. “I wish I would’ve known you two were so cool. I would’ve scheduled you on another day. I made dinner plans with an old teammate of mine who’s up for the playoffs.”

  “Oh, no worries, Boyd. We appreciate all the time you gave us today.”

  They made their way back through the house, stopping off to accept some water bottles and use the facilities. Heath declined Wade’s offer of help with his bags as he noticed Boyd motioning to Wade and offering him his card. Before he could protest, James snatched up one of his bags, so Heath followed him to the foyer. He couldn’t help but glance back at the two men, and when he did, Heath startled once again at the crestfallen expression on Wade’s face. Boyd reached out and patted his arm, making Wade light up again. Then Wade turned that expression on him, and it was like staring into the blinding sun. Wade may have burned bright, but God, was it a warm and comforting place to be.

  Chapter 3

  He and Heath decided on a small, local cafe near the hotel for a late lunch. They had both been quiet since leaving Boyd and James’s home, and Wade couldn’t help but wonder what made Heath so pensive. Then he wondered if Heath was wondering the same about him, which made him grin before grimacing. He was sure Heath would never guess what had him so quiet.

  When Boyd straight up asked him if he was gay¸ Wade nearly swallowed his tongue. Boyd said he would never out someone like that in other circumstances. However, Wade’s circumstances were anything but ordinary, so Boyd took a chance in order to offer his advice. They hadn’t had much time to talk, but the little advice Boyd was able to offer put Wade at ease … somewhat. He’d given Wade his business card, scrawling his private number on the back so that Wade could call him anytime he needed. Wade didn’t tell him that he planned to come out in a year. He didn’t think anyone needed to know that with the exception of his family. Of course, with the exception of one person, he’d yet
to tell his family anything. So, yeah, there was that too.

  As soon as Boyd confronted him, Wade felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment—not because he was gay, but because if he couldn’t fake out one, well-intentioned running back, how would he ever fake out the hundreds of people who would know him intimately in just a matter of weeks? Instead of confirming with a yes, Wade confirmed with a question—How did you know? Are you kidding me? Boyd questioned back with incredulity. The looks you and that cutie photographer exchanged all afternoon were smokin’. Wade had groaned, and Boyd had just laughed, good-naturedly teasing him some more before getting serious and offering him some words of wisdom. He assured Wade that he only figured out because, over the years, he had become adept at picking up those kinds of things for survival purposes.

  That didn’t do much to alleviate Wade’s fears. He was going to have to practice his game face more, but then he shook his head. No, it would be fine. Heath wouldn’t be on the sidelines. Heath wouldn’t be in the locker rooms. Wade was sure his slip of defenses had to do with two things—Boyd made him comfortable and Heath made him uncomfortable, in a good way, of course. Well, good if he could do anything about it.

  He and Heath made their way from the car and toward the restaurant. Wade blushed as he stepped back and held the door for Heath. Straight guys didn’t do that. But, he always felt like he was courting Heath, so it was second-nature to be a gentleman. That thought made him groan. Heath would probably not appreciate being treated like a woman. Only, Wade didn’t see it as a gender thing. He just wanted to do nice things for the person he cared about. Yeah, that was it. He wasn’t trying to treat Heath like the little woman. As his eyes inadvertently darted down Heath’s body, he was clearly reminded that Heath was definitely all man. Mmm … thank you, slim-fittin’ jeans.

  They settled into a booth and ordered drinks as the server slid a couple of menus in front of them. Wade gave it a cursory glance so he would not be tempted by the deliciously cheesy or sauce-laden fare they undoubtably offered. He already knew what he would be ordering. Simple, low carb, loaded with lean protein … his dietary habits had been firmly established years ago. Heath appeared to be studying his menu, but Wade could tell his mind was elsewhere. The server reappeared, placing a glass of iced tea in front of Wade, non-sweetened, of course, even though his Southern heritage threatened to abandon him on grounds of treason, and a water in front of Heath. Wade motioned for Heath to order first, since his would take a little longer to dictate. While Wade placed his order, he could feel Heath’s surprised, questioning gaze. The server was patient, so Wade decided a big tip was in order. Heath didn’t waste a second the moment she skirted away.

  “Are you a heart patient?” Heath asked with a smile in his eyes. Then he groaned before Wade could answer. “Do I always have to sound like a dick? God, please tell me there’s nothing wrong with your heart.”

  Nothing but a little unrequited love keeping it on the razor’s edge, Wade thought. He swished the drink around, cooling the tea with the ice a little more before he took a swig. “No, nothing wrong with my heart. Why?”

  Heath finally laughed a little. His first since they’d petted the dogs earlier. “Your order was so bland. I thought you Southerners worshiped everything breaded and deep-fried.” This statement was followed by a little squeak, and Heath’s hands flew up to cover his mouth. His eyes were wide, and he shook his head back and forth. “Ibeedamubble.”

  Wade reached up and pried one hand from Heath’s mouth. He arched his eyebrow. “Come again?”

  “I need a muzzle,” Heath intoned. “A big one. And I need my brain examined.”

  “What’s wrong with your brain?” Now would probably have been a good time to release the smaller, slender hand from his own, but Wade, clearly a masochist, didn’t.

  “I’m a hypocrite,” Heath admitted before dropping his other hand. Wade had no excuse now to keep holding on to him, so with a sigh, he relaxed his hold and gently uncurled his fingers.

  “How are you a hypocrite exactly?”

  Heath glanced down to his hands as he laced them around his drink. His bottom lip twisted sideways a little, and he bit at it for a second, transforming the plush pink flesh to white. “My whole existence is about being nonjudgmental and accepting others, yet I pre-judge everyone I meet. Hell, people I haven’t even met. Our entire first meeting is clouded by my judgmental attitude. Don’t you remember?”

  He finally glanced up, worry tightening the skin around his eyes. If Wade didn’t know any better, he would think Heath was about to cry. “Of course I remember how we first met.” I wouldn’t change a thing. Gave me such a hard-on for you. “You were just looking out for your friends. I was the unknown entity. I actually like that about you.”

  Heath scoffed, “You like that I jump to conclusions? Wrong conclusions, sometimes? How much would you like me if I told you that, as much I as admired Boyd for coming out, I was harboring some resentment toward him before that interview? That I was kinda pissed and let down that he didn’t come out while he was still playing? That I thought he was a coward for waiting, when he could have helped so many people by being honest and proud long before now?”

  Wade leaned back and considered the bevy of questions that had just been tossed his way. He didn’t like it. He understood it, but he didn’t like it. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and trusting too soon were Wade’s weaknesses though. “First, I don’t like it. But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. Second, everyone makes snap judgments sometimes, but you didn’t let that show today. I had no idea you felt that way until just now. Third, and most important, how do you feel about Boyd now?”

  Heath waved a hand through the air, and Wade tracked the movement. As always, he found himself in awe over the masculine gracefulness Heath displayed. “I think he’s amazing. James is amazing. All they went through to stay together, and we only heard the tip of the iceberg.” Heath grinned and shook his head. “I can’t even imagine the loads of shit and hate Boyd had to put up with over the last fifteen years. Denying who he was. Watching those homophobic assholes torture others, and for what? Fun? Their own shameful inadequacies? He’s incredible and strong, and … I can be such a fool.”

  “I think you’re being a little hard on yourself. Now, let me tell you why I don’t like the fact that you’re hard on other people, that you have problems trusting people.” He took a deep breath and another sip of his tea. He had to word this carefully or all he felt would be too clear to deny. “I hate that you’ve had to harden yourself in order to protect yourself. And that’s what all this is about. You’ve been hurt before, shunned. Made to feel ashamed, even if it wasn’t by those closest to you. That still cuts deep. So that’s what I hate because you deserve better than that.” Wade had to cut himself off. He’d already said too much. He knew it as he watched Heath’s features soften and his eyes become clearer.

  He held Heath’s gaze though. Torn between begging him to see and praying that he didn’t. The server set their dishes in front of them and asked if they needed anything else. Wade finally tore his eyes from Heath and glanced at her, murmuring his thanks.

  Heath appeared to be working out something and garnering the nerve to ask about it, so Wade beat him to the punch. “So what was it like for you? Coming out?”

  He’d dreamt of having a frank discussion with someone about his experience, but that kind of question could be taken one of two ways—either the person asking was being nosy or the person asking was searching for his own way to come out—both of them were very good reasons for Wade to have never asked this question before. But, he hoped in light of the day’s events, Heath wouldn’t put too much stock in the why behind Wade’s question.

  Cutting into his steak gained Heath a moment or two as he assessed the meat and trimmed a couple of pieces into bite-size. Finally, he looked back to Wade. “I had it easy compared to a lot of others.”

  “You can’t compare that kind of thing, you know. It’s sub
jective. It’s like telling someone they don’t hurt as much as you do. Only we can be the judge of that kind of thing,” Wade said around his fork. He popped a piece of grilled chicken into his mouth and motioned for Heath to continue.

  “My family was awesome, supportive, even my big brothers. I worried the most about their reactions. For some reason, males usually have the harder time accepting someone is ‘less of a man.’ I could practically hear the taunting remarks coming their way. You know, having a faggot for a little brother.” Heath blushed a little before admitting, “I even practiced with them. ‘What would you say if someone said this hateful thing or that ignorant thing?’ They were awesome about it, though. My little sister was more weirded out than anyone else. She was only twelve. That time when your friend’s opinions mean everything. She came around eventually.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Fourteen.”

  “Dang. You’re so brave, Heath.”

  Heath grinned around another bite before swallowing and saying, “Bravery or naïveté.” Heath paused. “Either way. There was no turning back from that decision. So I owned it. School wasn’t too bad, but that may have been because I can be a mean shit,” he grinned. “It helped a lot that my parents are so open-minded too.”

  “What are they like?”

  “Hmm … smart, good-hearted people. My dad is a therapist to the stars, and my mom writes shape shifter erotica.”

  Wade nearly choked on his chicken. He swallowed hard and gulped some tea. “I don’t know where to start,” he croaked. “Shape shifter erotica, maybe?”

  He chucked before explaining, “Yeah, she was a teacher. Loved it. But, she always wanted to write, so she just started writing these stories and posting them online for free. When they got crazy popular, she got smart and self-published them. Did a ton of marketing. Now, she’s sold over a million books and is the official bread winner of the family.”