"What's going on? Are you gay?" The words tumbled from my mouth. Once we recovered from our impromptu lovemaking bout, or at least I hoped it was lovemaking, we settled back into my bed, our backs against the headboard. Orrin kept his eyes downcast and appeared to be looking for a response to my questions. "Well?" I prompted.
Orrin cleared his throat, "No."
"No? Then what going on? Why me? Why now?" My chest was beginning to hurt. Was I some sort of experiment to him?
"I've noticed how you looked at me these past five years, Ryan. I've known for a very long time that you wanted me. It never bothered me. I was flattered. I figured it was partly infatuation that you would grow out of as you excelled at the game. By the time it became apparent to me that you weren't growing out of it, I realized that I had a mounting attraction to you as well. No pun intended." Orrin flashed a toothy grin at me.
"Besides", he continued, "Once you became a star, I knew that I couldn't risk you losing everything for a quick romp in the hay."
"So what changed" I had to know if this was a one-time thing or not.
"It was for selfish reasons really. I haven't told anyone yet, but I plan to retire at the end of season. If we lose tomorrow, it will be my last game. I didn't want to leave without you knowing how I felt."
I was stunned to say the least, "But why? You're still a Hall of Fame catcher. Why are you quitting." Of everything I expected to hear, retirement was not one of them. The thought of going out there without Orrin behind the plate pained me greatly.
"I'm no longer passionate about the game. I've spent 12 years crouched behind the plate, 12 years sharing a shower with other men, 12 years watching all the on field and off field antics of my teammates. I'm tired and I want to do something else with my life while I am still young and can walk."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This couldn't be happening. "What will you do? Where will you go?"