Between the Pipes (Offsides #3)

by J.J. Mulder

I hear a small commotion in the background and a noise I recognize as their patio door sliding open. Troy’s muffled voice floats over the line and Sam tells him I’m on the phone. A moment later, his cheerful voice chimes in my ear, sounding not a bit out of breath despite just having returned from a run. “Hey, Lawson!” “Hey, Nicky. How was your run?” “It was great. Only did about eight miles, because they’re doing construction on the route I usually take. I might go finish up in the gym, though.” “You better,” I say gravely. “It would be a shame to only get the eight in. Lazy of you, really.” “Yeah, yeah, smartass. You should join me tomorrow morning! Running is allowed, with your shoulder.” “Put Sam back on the phone,” I demand. Troy snorts in delighted laughter, but obliges and hands the phone back to Sam. I hear the door slide open and closed once more, and Sam’s voice comes back on the line. “Troy just shouted love you, bye which I assume was meant for you.” “Eight miles, Sam. For fun.” “We’re going kayaking today, too. And he probably still won’t be tired by the end of the day,” he replies, sounding so in love it makes my chest hurt a little bit. We can’t all be Troy and Sam. “What time is practice? Do you want to come with us?” “Thanks, but that’s all right. I’ll probably hang around SCU after camp and see if Nico will let me blow him again.” Sam gives a bark of surprised laughter, and mumbles something too softly for me to hear.