“How’s your knee? Have you been cleared to play yet?”
“Yep, I’ll probably be starting tomorrow. But it’s good. I’m just super conscious of it now, though. I was lucky it was only a minor sprain. If it was a tear, I’d probably be out for the season.”
I’ve been back on the ice for a week now, and they’ve been pleased with my progress. Rehab has been smooth, and I’ve been good at doing all my exercises and keeping on top of my visits with Greg.
After I wrapped up with practice this morning, I saw Greg to check my knee, and he gave me the all clear to play.
He hums, knowing firsthand how an ACL injury can hinder the season. He had knee replacement surgery a couple of months ago too.
“So, um… I was kinda wondering if I could ask you some advice,” I ask, feeling awkward.
“Sure. What’s up?”
I take a second to organize the thoughts running rampant in my brain when Jacob’s voice echoes through the door.
“Oh my god, Ethan, I’ve read the most amazing book and—oh! Hi, Elliot.” He beams when he spots me. He walks over to Ethan and slides into the spot next to him on the couch. Ethan’s arm automatically wraps around his husband’s shoulders, pulling him close enough to press a kiss to his temple.
“Will you tell me about your book later, baby?” Ethan murmurs.
“Yes, I will.” Jacob smiles up at him and kisses him.
“Gah! You two.” I fall back into the couch cushions and cover my eyes with my hands. “So fucking cute.”
Jacob chuckles. “How are you? Alex told me he went for dinner with you and Hunter.” His blue eyes are sparkling when I drop my hands into my lap. “He mentioned Hunter seems pretty smitten with you.”
My smile is automatic whenever someone mentions Hunter.
“I think I’m in love with him,” I blurt.
“Yay!” Jacob claps his hands excitedly. “This is so exciting!”
Ethan remains stoic. Forever the grumpy bear.
“He took me to feed the otters the other day.”
Jacob’s face lights up. “Oh, wow, I bet you were in heaven.”
“It was the best day of my life,” I admit, smiling at the memory. I was high on life for the rest of the day. “So… um,” I begin, twisting my hands into the pocket of my hoodie. I pull slightly on the fabric so the collar comes away from my neck. “I was hoping to get some advice.”
“Of course. Anything,” Jacob answers.
“So, you know it’s Valentine’s Day soon, and, well, I don’t know what to do for it.” I tug my lip between my teeth, trying to resist fidgeting as I begin to feel restless. “He’s widowed. He lost his husband six years ago, and he hasn’t been with anyone since. So I kinda want to make it nice for him, you know? Without it looking like I’m trying to replace his husband,” I tell them, then quickly add, “Because I’m not.”
“Oh, wow, that’s so sad,” Jacob frowns. “But I don’t think Hunter will see it like that, though. Have you spoken to him about his husband?”
I nod, giving in to the urge to bring my feet up onto the couch. I avoid their watchful gaze by poking at the pattern on my socks. “He told me about him, and he’s shared some stories about him. I don’t feel like I’m replacing him, but I was thinking, like, just because his husband isn’t alive anymore doesn’t meantheir love shouldn’t be celebrated. Their love was special, and I want Hunter to know I accept that a part of him will always love his husband, you know?”
There’s silence, and eventually, I turn my head to see Jacob wiping his eyes. My feet start to go numb, so I tuck them underneath me.
“What? Is that a bad idea?” I ask quickly. Did I get it all wrong?
He shakes his head and sniffs. “No, Elliot, it’s not a bad idea at all. It’s an incredibly lovely thought, and while I don’t know Hunter, I’m pretty sure he will be deeply touched by the gesture.”
Ethan nods. “I agree. It can be daunting letting someone in after a loss, so knowing the other person understands and accepts you for who you are, baggage and all, it means a lot.” He tightens his arm around Jacob’s shoulders, and Jacob wipes his eyes again as he smiles at Ethan.
“So you think I should do it?”
They both nod. “Yes.”
