Glancing at the sky, I’m thankful that the weather looks good today. The skies are clear, a crisp blue February day.
“You ready?” Creed asks and I turn my attention to him, reminded of why we’re on the plane to begin with.
When I was invited to the All-Star Games, I nearly declined the invitation. I get that it’s a huge honor and recognition, but I’m slightly spoiled by having been with the same team my entire career. Guys come and go, sure, but this is my home. This is my team. These are the only guys I’ve played with.
The idea of being on another team for even one game is a little intimidating. Okay, it’s a lot intimidating. I’m not entirely sure I really want to do this, even having my friends with me and Ethan being one of the fan-voted players for the event. However, I would have definitely declined had Ethan not been invited too.
“Sure,” I say.
He laughs and shoves me a little. “It’s going to be fine. Promise. You’re going to kick ass and it’s going to be awesome.”
I give him a smile as Jakub reaches across the aisle to hand Creed something. Two square tins. He hands me one with a smirk and opens his. Even though he just ate a burger, there’s another lunch in the tin. Sandwich and chips and even a cookie for dessert.
Mine is the same.
“Jakub doesn’t want us to starve,” Creed says. “Ethan could eat every hour.”
“I’m a growing boy,” Ethan defends, already halfway through the sandwich.
Creed shakes his head as he pulls out half of his. “I’m surprised he isn’t as big as a house.”
I snort and lean forward to look at Jakub. “Thank you,” I tell him when he meets my eyes.
He smiles in return. “You’re welcome.”
Creed leans in. “He’s going to keep you under his wing this whole trip because he knows you’re nervous. The only time you’ll have to be on your own is at night. There’s not enough room in our bed.”
My cheeks flush as I look at him with narrowed eyes. He happily chews his bite, giving me a smirk.
I’m used to his teasing. It’s subtle and definitely just him teasing. Not Creed hinting that he knows my secret. I’m pretty confident I’ve done well to appear as the straight guy who occasionally hooks up when we go to Sceptre or whatever.
If Creed knew, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I know I could trust him to keep it to himself. Even from his husbands. But… I can’t bring myself to confide in anyone. Ever. Not until I retire, and I don’t have plans for that right now.
Glancing across the aisle, Jakub and Ethan are talking quietly. Their heads bent together, with the sweetest smiles on their faces. Jakub’s fingers touch Ethan’s jaw and I swear I can see Ethan melt a little.
With a sigh, I tear my eyes away, forcing them out the window. I want to be looked at like that. To be that person for someone. I’m not even sure if I have a preference to be the Jakub or the Ethan of a relationship. I just…want.
The flight is short. We’re offered ‘premium’ snacks, which I’m far too stuffed to eat, so I add them to my paper bag that Creed brought back for me at the airport. I’m thankful that the flight is so short; I’m far too restless for a longer flight.
I’m stupidly jittery as we wait for our luggage. If someone didn’t know better and saw me this bouncy, they’d think this was my first time flying. It’s clearly not. Just the unknown that liesahead. Playing with a brand-new team of guys who are the best of the best.
The honor of being invited is huge. I know that. But damn. I could do without this feeling of ants under my skin.
There’s a shuttle waiting for us once we have our luggage. Which exclusively consists of hockey gear; since all my clothing and other necessities fit into my carry on. It’s easy to pick out the hockey players on the shuttle. I recognize several, and I swear, Ethan knows everyone.
“It’s like he’s long-time friends with everyone,” Creed murmurs to me when Ethan’s moved to the other end of the shuttle to talk to someone. “I don’t even know who that is.”
“Menlo Dexter,” Jakub tells us. “New York Lights.”
“Ah,” I say, giving him another look. Maybe he dyed his hair or something. I remember him differently.
“Some people are hard to recognize outside of their gear,” Creed comments.
“Because their names are on their backs?” Jakub asks, amused.
I laugh.
“Yeah, maybe,” Creed admits, shrugging.
