“How so?”
“Well, since my father’s trying to convince everyone we were never together, having a team full of people coming to our defense, saying that’s not the case at all, should help strengthen our side.”
“But still,” I say. “Us coming forward about our relationship is basically going to give your father all the ammo he needs to get his so-called ‘Marshal Rule’ installed.”
The grin on Connor’s face is wicked. “You haven’t heard everything I’ve come to tell you yet.”
Connor
I knew Gavin was going to be tense. How could he not be with the way we were separated after the game at the Olympics? The complete account from his end I still don’t know all of. But with each new detail of today’s events I give him, I can feel Gavin relax a little more. And by the time I’m done filling him in on everything Coach Chris’s wife, Michelle, is putting into motion, a sense of calm washes over him. Especially as he realizes that all he needs to do from here on out is support me. Be by my side. Protect what’s his.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks. His chin is hooked over my shoulder, and now both of his arms are around my torso. Bouchard and Tavish are on the living room floor with us as well, while Gavin’s dad is lying on his back with his arms resting on his chest on that poor couch that looks like it’s begging to be put out of its misery. Gavin wasn’t kidding when he told me bringing home our Olympic dorm bed would be an upgrade to his place. I’m not going to say anything, though, as I’m happy to just be here. I don’t care what the furniture situation is. That said, if this trade does go through and I’m sent to Buffalo, we’re moving. Gavin’s living situation is in desperate need of an upgrade.Like father, like son, once again.
“I’m sure,” I say. “I’m ready. Long past ready.” It’s not officially coming out as a couple that we’re referring to. Although that is important, and I am ready. This is about getting as far away from my father as possible. I need it. Possibly more than I need Gavin. My father has had his foot on the gas pedal of my life and his hands on the steering wheel for as long as I can remember. It’s time for me to stomp on the brakes and take control of my own fate.
“The team’s ready,” Bouchard says, putting his phone down. “Anything your father says about your relationship, we’ll all refute. He can’t have all of us suspended.” He reaches towards Gavin, and they bumptheir fists.
“Don’t expect him not to want to try, though,” Garrett says with a rumbling laugh in his voice.
“Spoken like a man of experience,” Gavin says, nodding at his dad.
“I hate to say it, Connor,” Garrett says, turning his head to look at me. “I’ve always hated your father. But you’re nothing like him. Whatever happens after this, you’ve got a home with me and Gavin.”
“Thank you,” I say, and really mean it. I’m touched.
Garrett rises from the couch. “Now, we should all get going. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”
Gavin shakes his head behind me. “Dad, stay. You don’t need to leave.”
“Bullshit,” Bouchard coughs, causing me to laugh.
“We’re not feral,” I say.
“Are you sure about that?” Tavish says, gesturing around. “Look at your boyfriend’s apartment.”
“It’s cozy.” I shrug. I am quite comfortable from where I’m sitting nestled in Gavin’s arms.
“I’ve been on musty old fishing boats more luxurious than this apartment for weeks-long stretches,” Garrett says, but sits back down on the couch. I get the sense he didn’t actually want to leave anyway.
Tavish stands up from the floor, then reaches a hand down for Bouchard to take. He pulls him up, saying, “We should get out of here, though. Will you be at practice on Monday?”
“I hope so,” Gavin says. I feel his reluctance to slip out from behind me and stand to let his teammates out as he lets go and rises. “Assuming I’m even allowed back into the building.”
“You will be,” I say, getting up and following him. Michelle is hard at work, and I trust her to at least pull off making the Marshal Rule dead in the water. As for my trade, well, that’s going to take more of a miracle.
Bouchard claps me on the shoulder. “And maybe by the end of the week, you’ll be wearing a Blizzards jersey.”
“I hope so.”
“Us too,” Tavish says. “I can’t wait to see what you and I can do on the ice together.”
Gavin
As soon as I close the door on my teammates, I grab Connor again. A part of me still can’t believe he’s here. And an even bigger part of me can’t believe he’s come bearing a plan on how we can solve this.
“Don’t make me regret not leaving with Bouchard,” my dad says. He’s smirking at us from where he’s sitting on the couch.
Connor wiggles out of my hold and walks to his discarded duffle bag that’s still by the door. “I’m glad you’re still here,” he says. “I have something with me I think you’ll want to see.” He points at me. “Go sit with your dad.”
