“I’m always worried,” he confessed. “I don’t want the world to come crashing down on you and for you to end up with regrets.”
I cupped his cheek. “The only regret would be never loving you the right way. Openly, proudly. I’m tired of hiding who I am and who you are.”
A tiny grin ticked up his lips. “That’s what Dev used to say.”
“And it turned out fine for them.”
“Because they waited until after they retired,” Fallon pointed out.
“I’m greedy.” I kissed away his objections. “I want it all. Now.”
**
“Welcome toThe Huddle. I’m Devlin Summers, and with me is my husband, Brody Martin. I’m sure you’re expecting a full rundown of that exciting Super Bowl, and you’re certainly not going to be disappointed because we have Patrick Sloane, quarterback of the Kings and MVP of the game. Trick, again, congratulations, and welcome back toThe Huddle, this time not as a stand-in.”
I laughed and adjusted the Super Bowl cap on my head. I’d called Dev and Brody early that morning and talked with them. They’d warned me about the repercussions of coming out while I was still an active player, but I’d brushed aside their concerns, the same way I had Fallon’s.
“Thanks, guys. It’s been a hell of a ride. I’m so grateful to the Kings organization for their support and also to both of you for all your help. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
“So what now?” Dev asked. “I’m sure you’re looking forward to some time off. Do you have plans for the off-season?”
I took off my cap, smoothed my hair, and took a deep breath. “I do, yeah. I’m going to take a month off and go away. With my boyfriend.” I clasped my hands and looked straight at the computer screen. “Yes. You heard right. I have a boyfriend. I’m bisexual, which means I’m attracted to both men and women. I’ve been with my current partner for months now, and I’ve never been in a happier, more secure relationship.”
Brody smiled. “That’s wonderful to hear. I know I speak for Dev as well when I say we’re very happy for you.”
Fallon, who was sitting out of view, held up my phone, which was exploding with texts and phone calls. I ignored it.
“Thank you. I debated discussing this and coming out, especially now after winning the Super Bowl, but I decided, what better time to prove that it doesn’t matter who you love? I play professional sports, and my talent is mine—whether I’m gay, straight, or bi. I’m the same guy who threw the forty-yard TD as well as the one who got sacked. We all bleed the same.”
Serious as I’d ever seen him, Dev pulled the mic closer. “What do you expect to happen now?”
I thought a moment. “Frankly? I’d hope nothing. The world continues to spin on its axis, we all still have to watch our diets, hate paying taxes, and complain about the weather. I have a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend. So what?” I may’ve sounded nonchalant, but my heart pounded so loudly, I thought I was going to throw up.
“Have you spoken to anyone else—anyone on the Kings?”
I winced. “No, but I plan to. I respect the owner, Armand Winters, and my coaches tremendously, and I hope nothing will change in how they view me as a player. Because frankly,shouldn’t that be their main concern? My performance on the field, not off? But I do plan to talk with them soon.”
Dev nodded. “Very well. Let’s get into the game and what your strategy was.” He and Brody peppered me with questions, and I was happy with how the rest of the podcast went. At the end of the hour, I turned off the computer and put my face in my hands. My T-shirt was soaked through with sweat, but Fallon put his arms around me anyway.
“I love you, and that was the bravest thing I’ve ever heard.”
I grimaced. “What’s my social media saying?”
Fallon glanced at my phone, which continued to buzz. “This call I think you’ll want to take.”
“Hello, Armi,” I answered with quiet resolve.
“Can you come into the office now?”
“Sure. Do I need to bring my lawyer?”
“Only if you want to.”
That sounded encouraging. “Okay, I’ll be there in about forty minutes.”
“See you then.”
I phoned Ethan, who answered on the first ring. “Good interview. I presume you already got a call from the Kings’ management?”
