Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

Brad felt compelled to ask when Cam's response only answered half of his question.
    "I'm doing better. You caught me at a real bad time yesterday." Cam paused. "Thanks for being there," he added softly.
    "Yeah, well, the least I could do was not be a dick," Brad said, uncomfortably self-aware that "being a dick" was his typical MO when it came to Cam Hunter.
    "For once," Cam said dryly, practically reading Brad's mind.
    "For once," Brad agreed, a reluctant smile playing on his face.
    "Well, look, I'm happy you called because I may have been out of it last night, but I do remember why you have my number. Have you thought about joining up with my Hunter's Heroes program? It would be really great if you could do it."
    "About that, Hunter. I didn't mention it last night, but I kind of already have one. A kid, I mean. Not my kid," Brad hurried to correct himself, "that is, not my own kid. Er, I guess you could say I have a mentee already, that's all."
    "Is that right? That's fantastic. I never would've pegged you as the type, to be honest."
    "Yeah, well, life can't be all about stats and bottles of Dom. Hanging out with Nick has been really good. Gives a fresh perspective and everything, you know."
    "Oh, I know," Cam replied, a wistful note creeping into his voice. "I hope Lock and I are hanging out again soon."
    Brad spoke on impulse. "Hey, you know what? Nick and I are meeting up tomorrow. He has a junior varsity basketball game. You ought to come." Brad's offer was out of his mouth before he even knew it.
    There was another pause on the other end of the line.
    Brad shifted in the recliner. Fuck… this was awkward. "Or you don't have to, you know. I guess it is far from Philly for a night out." He trailed off, uncertain of what had compelled him to make the invitation and why he suddenly wanted the other man to accept.
    "Ah, that's not a problem, actually. Our training facility is out in New Jersey, and I live near there."
    "Is that so?" Brad asked, his brows raised. "So, you're a Jersey boy, Hunter? I never would've guessed."
    "I've only been here three years, so give it time. Before you know it, I'll go native and develop an unhealthy addiction to hair gel and tanning beds."
    Brad chuckled. "Well, listen, I'm serious about the game. If you're up for it, that is. It might be good, though, y'know, to take your mind off things. And to distract you from your hair gel addiction," he couldn't resist adding.
    "You know what, I think I'd like that. The game, that is. Because I refuse to talk about my inevitable hair gel addiction," Cam said good-naturedly. "So, uh, where's the game?"
    Brad gave him the address and details.
    "Sounds good," Cam said. "So I guess I'll see you guys at six o'clock."
    "Yep, six o'clock at the gym next to the school. They have a parking lot there, too. Oh, and Hunter?"
    "Yeah?"
    "I promise I'll try to be less of a dick."
    Cam laughed. " Try being the operative word."
    "Hey, nobody's perfect. Not even me."
    "Really? Consider my illusions utterly and completely shattered."
    Brad grinned at that.
    "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Jameson."
    Brad cleared his throat. "Bye, Hunter."
    Brad hung up and leaned back into the leather cushions. Well, that'd been unexpected. Brad was somewhat intrigued. He grinned again. Take the starch out of him, and Cam Hunter seemed like he had a bit of a bite. Who knew?
    ****
    Brad watched a hideous brown Bronco pull into a parking spot under the shade of a couple of colorful maple trees next to the gym. The sun was setting, and the school's outdoor lights had just flickered on a few minutes ago. Looking down at his companion, he spoke to Nick, whose tall, lanky form was clad in a JV basketball uniform underneath the coat he wore to stave off the mid-November chill.
    "So, Nick, remember how I told you we might have another guy coming to watch the game tonight?"
    "Yeah, Brad. And you said you couldn't tell me who. More like wouldn't ," he added with an exaggerated roll of his eyes. He grinned and dropped the martyred air when Brad scowled and playfully nudged him in the shoulder.
    "Well, he's coming this way now," Brad said with a nod of his chin to the man approaching from the parking lot. Cam was bundled up against the cold in jeans, a tan leather jacket over a forest green sweater, and brown cowboy boots.
    Whirling around, Nick stood next to Brad, his jaw dropping slightly. "No way. Uh, Brad? Is that Cam Hunter? Because that looks like Cam Hunter. Cam Hunter's coming to the