“You think it might not go okay?” Her eyes narrow, and I try not to step back. Did I reveal too much? Maybe I did. Maybe I don’t care. God, I wish he hadn’t joined the team.
“He’s a talented player. But he never should have been traded to the Blizzards. That was a huge mistake, and we might see it tonight.”
“Really?”
“Players should get input on who comes to join a team. There needs to be major structural changes.”
“You’re saying that hockey culture needs to change.”
“Well, technically, you’re saying that.” I flash my biggest smile, the kind that always makes girls giggle. She doesn’t, probably because she’s being professional or something.
“Look, I probably said too much,” I say. “Enzo is a top player, but team dynamics is also important. That’s all I’m saying.”
Her expression sharpens. “The Blizzards have had a lot of players come out as gay and bisexual.”
“I guess.”
“Do you think Bellanti might not fit well with those players? Is that part of the team dynamic you’re concerned about?”
What? She thinks Enzo is homophobic? I stifle a grin. She’s got it way wrong.
“I didn’t say that.” I press my lips together.
“That’s why I’m asking.”
There are things about Enzo I could share with her. You don’t live with a man for years without knowing if he tenses up during Aragorn scenes or Arwen scenes. And even though Enzo never said anything to me… I knew.
But that’s his business, not hers. Not mine either, since Enzo never had the conversation with me about it. That should have been the sign that we weren’t as good friends as I thought.
“He’s coming from LA,” I say finally. “I’m sure that will be no problem.”
“You’ll be playing on the same line tonight.”
“Wish us luck,” I grumble. “We’ll need it. We haven’t had any chance to practice together.”
She raises her eyebrows.
“It’s a terrible situation.”
I think she hides a smile. I’ve been perhaps… not discreet.
Shit.That’s going to be all over social media by the second period.
Whatever.
Transparency is a thing. I’m telling it like it is.
Coach scowls. He was listening?Shit.
“We’ll do our best to win,” I say. “It’s just… It will be difficult. Luckily we’re an excellent team. Too bad our chemistry got annihilated.”
Coach’s nostrils flare, and he crosses his arms.Uh-oh.That doesn’t look good.
“I should go,” I say, then I head hastily down the tunnel.
How upset can Coach be?
CHAPTER
