Give into me

The truth

VENNY POV:

The whole team, Levi and I sit at a big table at the pizzeria, and one of the players, Kyle makes a toast.

“For killing it tonight on the field, and for killing it in every other damn game in the season. Cheers!” We clank our sodas together and begin to eat.

“Thanks for coming Levi.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but his support means a lot to me.

“You would do the same for me, besides it’s nice to hang out with the guys.” He says right as Lionel discreetly passes him a flask.

“Sly mother fucker.” He says in a teasing way with a smirk at Lionel before bringing his soda out of view and filling it with a bit of alcohol.

“You didn’t get that from me. Pass it on.” He says nodding my way and Levi passes me the flask. I pour some into my cup then hand it back.

“Thanks, man,” I tell him and he nods, before talking to the rest of the guys. Levi looks between Lionel and me curiously.

“Are you leaving me for a new best friend? If so we’re going to have a problem.” He says jokingly and I chuckle and shake my head.

“You almost sound jealous Levi,” I tell him and he seems to think about it for a long time.

“What if I am?” He asks while holding my gaze and suddenly I get the feeling he’s no longer joking. Then he laughs and smacks my shoulder.

“I’m kidding Venny.”

I laugh a bit nervously as I remember the way he cheered my name at the game. The pride in his eyes, the good vibes he gave off. Then I dedicated a freaking home run to him.

After dinner, the team goes home and I head towards my Toyota, and Levi towards his truck. I stop in my track and walk towards him.

“Hey Levi, wanna come over later and play video games with me?”

“Yes you nerd, I do.” He says with a wink before getting into his car. Hmm.

“Hey!” I call out to him and he lowers his window. “Did you just wink at me?”

He laughs. The sound blessing my ears.

“Nah, there was something in my eye. Damn pollen. Later Venny.” It's not even pollen season.

***

I think it’s time I told him the truth, I think to myself as I pace back in forth in my room. But I’m afraid of losing my best friend. I mean maybe he will be okay with it, but what if things won’t be the same afterward?

Shit. I plop into my bed before I hear a soft knock.

“Yes, mom?”

“I’m not your mom, however if I was I would tell you not to leave your socks all over the hall,” Levi says with a chuckle.

“Oh, ha, come in.”

“Think fast.”

He opens the door and throws some small bags of chips my way. Like he’s playing dodge ball and I catch them all. He falls onto my bed and begins juggling the bags.

“Um... I need to talk to you Levi. It’s important.” I tell him not wanting to wait any longer. He stops juggling and sits up.

“Are you okay?” He asks and I nod.

“Then what do you want to tell me?”

I take a deep breath but as I’m about to say it I freeze.

“Venny? You can tell me anything you know?”

“I’m... I uh... I’ve never told anyone this before and I’m a bit nervous.”

He tilts his head at me.

“Just rip it off like a Band-Aid, whatever it is.”

“I’m gay,” I say as I nervously await his reaction. His mouth drops as I expected but then he shakes away his surprise and nods.

“Okay. So you’re gay...” he says almost too casually.

“How long have you known?” He asks and I gulp.

“When I had s*x for the first time with Norah. I realized I like women, just not in that way.”

He bites his lip thoughtfully.

“I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“Just tell me, this doesn’t change anything. Please.”

He sighs.

“Of course it doesn’t change anything Venny. I’m just still in a bit of shock that’s all.”

“Well, I’m still coming to terms with it myself, and I guess I still have one foot in the closet,” I admit and he chuckles.

“Just like my mom. So I’m going to tell you the same thing I tell mom... Get that damn foot out of there so you can finally be yourself, and not give a damn what people think of you.”

I smile at him and shake my head.

“It’s not that easy Levi. I’m Italian, and my family is everything to me. Coming out to them is going to be hard.”

He lays a hand on my shoulder.

“You will only lose the people who didn’t love you, and those people don’t deserve to be in your life anyway.”

I look into his eyes seeing his beautiful soul and I smile.

“True. Thanks for, um... not pushing me away.”

His eyebrows scrunch as if he can’t believe what I’m saying then he pulls me into his arms for a strong hug.

“You underestimate the power of our friendship silly.” He whispers before pulling away and I can’t stop the blush from forming on my face.

“Well... uh... that’s all I wanted to talk about. We can play video games now.” I say trying to get back to our normal mood.

“Alright, but be ready to get your ass handed to you because I’ve been practicing this game all weekend. So much. My thumbs have built some muscle.”

He says as he grabs a controller and starts the game.

How the hell did I get to be so lucky and find a friend like him?

We play games and joke around as usual as if I never mentioned I was gay.