Chapter 18

The only thing left in his closet was his old football uniform. He couldn’t wear that. Or could he? Looking at it reminded him of Clay. The two had stayed in contact, but it wasn’t the same. Clay was still in college, focused on his classes, football, and life on campus. Brett had moved on. He now had a job and all the responsibilities that brought. Brett had not yet told Clay about Jake. He wasn’t looking forward to that conversation.

Taking the uniform from its hanger, Brett stared at it. Should he go with or without shoulder pads? It was a no-brainer he’d leave out his cup. And the helmet would be over-the-top.

So, attired in the once-familiar—but still beloved—maize and blue jersey with 53 on the back and laced into his pants, Brett clomped down the hallway in his cleats. Momentarily hovering outside Dennis and Colton’s bedroom, Brett decided it would be better if he just called through the door that he was sorry and would be back as soon as possible with Jake.