Outfielder Tommy Knox is said to "own" pitcher Wayne Kerley because he always hits well when Wayne is on the mound. What the public doesn't know is that the two men have long been involved in a committed, loving relationship. They met and fell in love while playing in the minor leagues, but were called up to the majors and now play for opposing teams.<br><br>Tommy and Wayne have managed to stay together through twelve closeted years. Being on different teams means they have to spend most of the baseball season apart.<br><br>In the final year of his contract, Wayne considers retirement as his career begins to wind down. The thought of life without baseball seems nearly impossible, but he keeps his fears and dread to himself. Tommy still has two years left of his contract, and all the successes, defeats, and injuries that entails. Can the two reconcile their love of each other and the game?

Ownage

From then on, I feel caught in a downdraft. I’m trying to swim against it but can’t gain traction because it’s just air. I walk miles in whatever city I land. I think how I’ll face Tommy.


He’s playing again when I get to New York. I’ve pulled myself back up to resemble normal, all because I get to see him.


When we’re finally in his apartment late after the first game, which we won, I fall into his arms. He knows not to ask “what?”


“Thanks,” I tell him after a few minutes.


I no longer want to go walking. I don’t even want sex, which, wise man that he is, Tommy ignores. He pulls me into bed, then pulls me further into a slow and sensual descent that, after some time, gets me into him. Suddenly I’m reborn. Energy ignites, and I slap his bottom so he knows it. Then I’m coming big time, after which I pull out and fall asleep.


Chapter 20