Between the Pipes (Offsides #3)

by J.J. Mulder

Eventually, the only one left is Carter Morgan who, per usual, lingered in the periphery until everyone else left. Now, he moves forward, peeking into the box and pulling out a lone ball cap. He stares at it hard, a deep frown marring his young face. Awkwardly walking over on his skates, he thrusts the hat toward Anthony, who takes it with a confused expression. “You didn’t sign it,” Morgan mumbles, eyes skittering around and making contact with anything but Anthony’s eyes. “Yeah, sorry. I was just made aware of that.” He pushes his knee more firmly against mine. Silently, I hand him a sharpie. He signs it with a flourish and hands it back. “Here you go, buddy.” Morgan scowls down at the freshly autographed hat as though he didn’t just request it. We wait. Eventually, he puts it on his head and I swear he almost smiles. “Thanks, Tony. See you tomorrow. Bye, Coach Mackenzie.” I think there might be some pep in his step as he trudges off toward the lockers, but that may just be wishful thinking. I stand, turning around and eyeing Anthony. He’s doing nothing more than sitting, but the wide spread of his muscular thighs is ridiculously enticing. His hands are resting in his lap; hands that were inside my shirt last week, calloused palms rough and warm. “Well, Tony, you’ve certainly made their night. Probably their whole summer. You nearly got Morgan to smile.”