Naked Hero - The Journey Away

tension was still there - Macleod was far from relaxed. ‘Why’s that then, my lad?’ Lee quizzed. ‘You next I suppose. Well, they’re not going to roast you here - that’s for sure.’ But Lee acknowledged that he himself would be tense if he had to make a speech, so he knew how Lewis felt. ‘Now that’s a first!’ he thought, amused at the sudden empathy.
    With this still in his mind, Lee wasn’t surprised to see Lewis swig back the remainder of his vodka and tonic. Lee had been counting over the evening - that was four now by his reckoning, the minimum for the night so far. ‘What’s going on there then?’ he wondered, savvy enough to appreciate that alcohol and sport wasn’t the best of partners. ‘Good move, though, vodka and tonic: could be anything really. No smell on the breath - the drink of a man who doesn’t want to advertise it.’
    Pondering this, wondering if perhaps it could be used to his advantage, Lee watched further as Lewis became more agitated, then he realised that Chantal Duboir was now taking some questions. He smiled in anticipation. ‘Okay, Lewis. Let’s hear what you’ve got to say for yourself.’

Chapter 5
    As Chantal Duboir took her questions, Lewis Macleod was getting in a right old fluster, knowing that soon the attention would be on him. Making a formal speech was bad enough, but with his recent history such a hot topic, Lewis’s level of angst was scarily in the red. And now to top it all off, Lee Porter was in the room!
    It really shouldn’t have made much of a difference. He didn’t actually know the guy. All he’d done was look at some pictures of him that were generally available on the web. Okay – so maybe he’d done more than just take a look. But what a horny young lad did alone in his bedroom was nobody’s business except his own. Why should it matter if you then come face to face with the inspiration for your masturbation? But of course it bloody well did!
    Lewis tried to blank it out – Chantal was winding up, and he had another issue to deal with: the envelope that was burning a hole in his pocket, the one which had been given to him earlier in the day by an Association of Tennis Professionals official...
    The man had turned up at the hotel where Lewis and his entourage were staying, and had the audacity to suggest that he back out of tonight’s bash.
    “It’s a ‘Gay in Sports’ event!” Lewis had shouted as he stomped around the living area of the suite he shared with Jim Murdoch and his wife. “Exactly which part of that does the ATP have an issue with, or is it the whole queer thing that really bothers you?”
    His adversary had glanced at Jim Murdoch, entreating him to coach some sense into his charge, as well as tennis prowess. A shrug of Jim’s shoulders had made it clear that such things were way beyond his calling. He knew Lewis well enough to stay out of this particular argument. Accepting that there would be no help from the older Scotsman, the official had tried to reason with the fiery youngster.
    “The ATP has no issue with any of it, Lewis. However, given the recent adverse publicity, we feel that it would be inadvisable for you to attend this particular event.”
    Lewis had been fuming by this point. He’d already talked it over with Jim, and was seriously considering cancelling before the official had arrived. He was having none of this, though - his mind was now firmly set.
    “Well thank you for your input, but I fully intend going,” he’d responded – that pig-headed stubbornness ruling the decision.
    “Lewis, you must consider your position here,” the official had countered. “The ATP is reviewing the unfortunate incidents of a few days ago, and you should take care not to aggravate the situation before it reaches its conclusions.”
    “Fine me, if you want,” Lewis had snapped in reply. “I haven’t checked my bank balance lately but I’m sure I’m good for it. Just don’t try to make too much out of this; and certainly don’t threaten me. Having sex the night before a match isn’t that big a deal. Or are you too past it to remember?”
    The official had gathered himself for a moment then carried on, dodging the question as he went for the fallback position. “I understand that you have been asked to address the audience tonight. Is that correct?”
    “Yes. Why?”
    “Then if you are determined to attend and speak to these people, you should take the opportunity to make a public apology for