“Sparkles,” he says, grinning.
“Nah, I’m cool with that. What’s his first event?”
Noah shrugs. “Something at one of the colleges, I think. He’s the only L.A. rep going, so I think that adds to his nerves.”
I take another drink. “Hang on. I haven’t even seen that he’s, like, made an official announcement or some shit. Why are they making him do this?”
“Actually, I think this is his announcement. He doesn’t want to make one, so he’s decided to just let PR slowly introduce him into the Gays Can Play events. So far, it’s been good. It’s not like he and Toby are a secret thing. They go out and stuff. He’s just never made it, like, public knowledge, and he shuts down any attempt at answering questions concerning his sexuality.”
“I admire that. That wouldn’t have worked back when I came out in college sports.Everyonehad something to say, ask or tell me.” I shrugged. “But I’ve grown thicker skin because of it, so in hindsight, I’m not complaining… But man, at the time.” I shake my head.
“Tell me about it. High school was fucking rough. Anyway, we’ll see you tomorrow. Hotel restaurant?”
I nod. “I think we get on the bus at eleven, so let’s do eight if you can get your sore asses there early.”
Noah shoves me, laughing. “See you tomorrow.”
When he skates off, I’m one of the last from Winnipeg left on the ice, so I hobble my way down the chute. In the locker room, the team is chatting. The vibes are all positive and happy, which is always helpful for my mood. What I take for another round of ‘congratulations’ and ‘good game’s is passed around when I get in.
Then I go about my business of peeling off the layers, showering, and dressing. Because I was loitering on the ice withNoah, I’m one of the last out and boarding the bus. I must have missed Coach’s talk, which is fine. There’s nothing important in most after game talks. Just some praise and critique. Sometimes encouragement.
We get back to the hotel, and I do just what I claimed I was going to do. I change into my swim trunks and head for the hot tub. There are usually a couple of us in the hot tub after a game if the hotel has one, and it’s rare these days that they don’t.
The next morning, I catch up with Noah, Lix, and his two additional buddies before we board the bus for the airport. Once on the plane, travel time is just over an hour to San Jose, where we have a game tomorrow.
I’m just dropping onto my bed when my phone rings. It’s unusual that I get a call from anyone other than my father, so I immediately tense up. For a moment, I debate ignoring the call entirely. If there’s any time I don’t want to deal with my father, it’s when I’m preparing for a game tomorrow.
However, I reach for my cell and relax when it’s not my father’s name. However, it’s Coach, which is unusual.
“Hello?” I answer.
“Hello, Felton. Are you settled in your room?”
“Yes, Coach.”
“Good. I need you to come down to the conference room on the second floor, the Howard Room.”
“Okay,” I answer, my heart racing. “Now?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” I repeat, my entire body going cold. “I’ll be right there.”
“Very well,” Coach says and ends the call.
“Relax,” I murmur as I get to my feet. “I just had a good game. I’m having a good start to the season.”
Still, something heavy forms in my chest, making it hard to breathe. There’s no reason to be worried. None at all.
Taking a breath to steady myself, I stand in front of the food and shake myself out while repeating that my game has been good. I’m doing well. There’s nothing to worry about.
I’m alone in the hall and alone in the elevator. The second floor looks deserted. It feels ominous as I walk the silent halls to find the Howard Room.
It’s a small conference room in the business center of the hotel. I knock and Coach immediately answers. Opening the door, I’m once again trying to calm my anxiety. PR is here, Coach Shively and our assistant coach, and two guys that I should know their names, but I don’t. They’re wearing suits. On a travel day.
This can’t be good.
“Hi,” I say as I shut the door behind me.
