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Tyler was so exhausted he ended up crashing on the balcony watching the glitter of the waves before he could take off his shoes.

Ringing jolted Tyler awake. The moon was up now. How long had he been asleep?

Fumbling for his phone, he saw it was Josh video-calling. Tyler’s heart leaped as he answered, Josh’s handsome face filling the screen.

“Hey, Coach.”

“God, it’s good hear your voice. I was starting to get worried.” Josh’s smiling face filled the screen, the familiar backdrop of his kitchen behind him. Even the sight of it made Tyler feel calmer.

He shook his head. “Passed out. What a day.”

Josh hesitated, considering the screen for a moment. “You’re not overdoing it already, are you?”

Tyler chuckled and rubbed sleep from his eyes. “Of course I am. What kind of a candy-ass do you take me for?”

When he’d first returned to San Diego, Tyler had really struggled with the fakeness of all the technology they had to use to keep in contact… never touching him and having to fill the air with stilted chitchat because talking was what people did on phones. Just because they weren’t together didn’t mean they needed to act differently with each other.

One of the best parts of his time with Josh had been the easy silences. But for now, this was what they had to work with. At least now it felt less stiff and artificial.

As Tyler made himself a salad, Josh shared an amusing story about his students attempting to build a model trebuchet out of paper clips.

Tyler laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Life skills.”

“Yeah, if they want to fight the Gauls. But I can hardly fault them. Oh, and the auction wrapped up yesterday. Twenty-three thousand dollars and another sixty-one families on the petition. Carver said to tell you thank you for the extra jerseys. The library is extremely pleased.”

Even though it was so late, Tyler lived for these calls, the lifeline keeping him tethered amidst the mania.

“Everything okay there? How was the Sports Illustrated thing? That was this morning, right?”

“Fine. Well, better than the zoo deal at a minimum. At least they let me wear more than tube socks and my jockstrap.”

Josh laughed. “I bet the tigers loved you in your jockstrap. I, for one, am a big fan of you in nothing but your jockstrap and tube socks.”

“Are you now?”

“Okay, embarrassing. I guess that one hasn’t come up yet.” Josh squirmed and looked flustered. “Yeah. Big-time.” He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

“Noted.” Tyler leaned closer to his phone. “Joshua, are you having impure thoughts about me in my work clothes?”

Josh frowned. “That is completely unfair. Your work clothes are a widely acknowledged sexual fetish in most civilized countries and all porn sites.”

“Well….” Tyler wiped his mouth and said, “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“You do?”

“Not that. Although I’m going to save that one for later when you need some special convincing.” As he rinsed his plate, he explained about Pedro donating shots, as well as his offer to recruit some extra celebrity support. Josh was even more thrilled than he’d hoped. Just seeing him so happy and energized steadied Tyler’s heart.

Over the past few weeks, Josh had questioned Tyler’s nonstop schedule. He seemed anxious about Tyler pushing too hard too fast. Josh always told him the truth.

“I know you want to prove yourself, but don’t do it at the cost of your health,” Josh said. “A smart athlete finds the path before trying to run.”

“I will. I’m not going to let any of these clowns bully me,” Tyler assured him. “The coaches keep telling me how strong I look, but looks aren’t what I’m worried about. I’m still exhausted a lot of the time.”

“Why?” Josh smiled at him.

“I can’t even sleep right without you in my arms. I miss you so much.”

“Tell me about it. You just listen to your body,” Josh advised. “Slow. Steady. Strong. No rushing. No risky moves.”