Free Cleats in Clay by Jackson Cordd Page A

discuss too.”
“Oh?” Odis asked, not liking the serious tone. “And that is?”
“Condoms.”
“I’m not really worried about getting pregnant,” Odis joked, trying to lighten the tone a little. “And I’ve been celibate for three years and always wore condoms before then. Tina said she was on the Pill, but I didn’t trust there wouldn’t be some kind of ‘accident’.”
“And you’re just gonna trust me? Not even ask?”
“I know you were committed.”
“How do you know I haven’t since then?”
“Aside from the fact you couldn’t even kiss me yesterday without looking guilty?” He pointed to the circumferential dimple around Bobby’s naked ring finger. The slight shrinkage revealed continuous years of wearing a ring. “That fades in just a few days. So when did you take the wedding ring off? Yesterday? Day before?”
“Yesterday, before leaving for the airport.” Bobby sighed. “I guess you artists notice things.”
“As bad as detectives. Also, when you were drinking your coffee, you kept reaching your thumb over to that finger, like you expected to find the ring there.” Odis looked Bobby in the eye. “I do have some condoms. If it will make you feel better.”
“This isn’t about me. I can agree, though, in this circumstance. But this is an exception. Please, if you ever get with another man in the future, you have a full FBI background check and five years’ worth of negative tests before you consider not using a condom.”
Odis looked hurt.
“What?”
“We haven’t even screwed yet, and you’re already dumping me.” Odis suddenly seemed aware of his nakedness. He gathered the loose bedsheets around him and pulled a handful up over his lap.
“I’m not—” Bobby tensed up. “What exactly are you expecting here? I do have to get back on a plane and go home at some point.”
“I thought… never mind. You should just go get on that plane now, if that’s what you’re going to do.”
Bobby stiffened. “You’re kicking me out again?”
“At least you got off this time, first.”
“Not really. I was too worried about the situation to enjoy that. And that’s beside the point. You still haven’t answered my question.”
“What question?”
“What are you expecting? What do you want, Odis?”
“I don’t know. I hadn’t thought up any great plans for the future. But I hate how this is starting to feel like a one-night stand.” Odis scrutinized Bobby. “I… do you really just wanna get back on a plane and leave?”
Bobby shifted on the bed, turning slightly away from Odis. “That’s not—” He couldn’t look at Odis. “That’s what I have to do.”
“Is that just an excuse? ’Cause you don’t hafta do anything.”
Bobby shifted again.
“Seriously.” Odis turned and scooted over to get in front of Bobby. “When was the last time you did anything just for you? Something that wasn’t motivated by what others needed or what would look best for the team’s PR?”
Bobby turned his gaze to the bathroom door, unable to answer.
Odis got up from the bed. He went to his laundry basket and yanked out a pair of baggy blue boxers and slipped them on. Then he went into the kitchen.
Bobby turned around to watch him.
Odis returned a minute later with the corncob pipe and lighter.
“I don’t want that.”
“Didn’t ask you.” Odis sat on the edge of the bed. “But I think maybe you need some. You need something, anyway.” Odis took a big hit from the pipe.
Bobby shifted on the bed, turning around to watch Odis. He nonchalantly glanced around the floor for his gym shorts but didn’t see them.
Odis exhaled. “I’m sorry I said that, about kickin’ you out. I just get defensive sometimes.” He held the pipe and lighter tightly by his lap, as if he had no intention of sharing.
“All right.”
Staring down at his hands, Odis rubbed his fingers on the roughened corncob, making a faint scratching noise. “If I asked you something, could you truly think about it and