One of our favorite things to do is mess around on the ice. Most of the time, we’re just playing. Sometimes we play two on two with Horny in goal, and we trade off who’s attempting the goal.
Right now, we’re still messing with some of the All-Star Games challenges. Admittedly, it’s been more difficult than I thought it would be to figure out how to get goalies involved more. By the time I’m on my back, laughing because I fuckling slipped, we decide it’s time for a break. Once more, the five of us are sitting with our legs spread, blades touching, and slinging a puck between us as we sip on our water.
The season is almost over. We have a game in two days and that’s the last. Then I have a couple meetings here with my agents, and once all those stupid obligations are over, I’m heading to Buffalo to pick up my boyfriend and we’re going. Just going. I don’t even care where.
I mean, while that’s true, we do have bookings. Our first stop is Greenland where we’ll enjoy remote hot springs and breathtaking views. It’s not off the grid or completely without other people, so there’s definitely a chance we’ll be recognized but it’s also not crowded like Hawaii or the Keys.
The puck hits my thigh and I blink back into the moment. Four amused faces look at me. “Sorry,” I say and fling the puck to Horny.
“Who’s on your mind, Lo?” Etna asks.
“What makes you think there’s a person involved?” I retort. Although this is a perfect opening for telling them about Caulder. Which I have been planning to do for the last coupledays. I didn’t realize how big it felt to me until the moment arrived. I became tongue-tied and haven’t been able to say the words out loud.
I’m nervous. I hadn’t anticipated being nervous.
“What else could possibly keep you so distracted than someone?”Etna counters.
Is it intentional that he’s being gender neutral right now? I lick my lips, stopping the puck when Keno passes it back to me. I don’t toss it out again. Taking a breath, I blurt out, “Fine. You’re right. I’m thinking about my boyfriend.”
Silence.
Then Hilt hits Horny with a big grin. “Told you.”
I narrow my eyes. “What?”
“I knew you had something going on with Caulder Haines,” Hilt says.
The surprise that fills me has me rocking backwards. “What makes you think?—”
Hilt rolls his eyes. “The way you got so fucking defensive any time we bring up the thing going on with Caulder was telling enough. You might have thought you could play it up as you’re now friends from the Great Bed Fuckery of 2022, but I’ve known you for a long time, Lo. Youareprotective of your friends, but not in the same way you are over Caulder.”
I consider his words for a minute as I stare at him. “You knew I’m gay?”
“No. You just said that part.”
I huff.
“We didn’t suspect you were gay at all,” Keno admits, laughing. “Actually, we didn’t believe Hilt when he confided that he thought you were hooking up with Caulder.”
“Uh huh.” I look between them, gauging how they’re taking the admission that I’m gay. Mostly, they look amused.
“Fine then. I’m gay. Have been my whole life. And yes, I’m seeing Caulder, although I had no idea that externally I reacted so strongly regarding him when you brought him up. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s sweet,” Hilt says, batting his eyes.
I toss the puck at him.
“Since the All-Star Games?” Etna asks as we resume our game of pass while we talk.
I nod. “Yes, though it wasn’t serious then. Just… mutual secret hooking up. It was a relief to be able to confide in someone who related completely. I think we realized it was more serious right before crazy pregnant lady went viral.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Keno asks, frowning.
“Because I made it a habit of not talking about my sex life, so my sexuality wouldn’t be a factor in anything. As did Caulder.”
“I mean, why didn’t you tell us you’re gay?”
“Same thing, but without the Caulder part. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to constantly have your sexuality attached to you like a salutation? It’s a non-factor, but the world is intent on making it a focal point. I don’t want a career as a gay hockey player. The fewer people who knew, the easier it was to keep it that way.”
