“I’m not gay,” Hugo says. “I’m bi. I still like women.”
“Let me say that again. The most LGBTQIA+ players on a team,” Max clarifies. “That’s pretty cool.”
“Hugo hasn’t gone public yet,” Toby reminds him.
“Doesn’t matter. He’s still on the team.”
“I’m not really part of the team,” Egon says.
“Yes, you are,” several people disagree.
“I’m part of the company,” Egon challenges. “Only the twenty-three players are part of the team.”
They spend several minutes debating that. Hugo’s not paying much attention until he comments, “Do you think a gay coach counts as a member of the team?”
The yard goes quiet. Everyone looks between him and the two coaches in the yard.
“No, I didn’t mean our coaches here tonight,” Hugo says but his eyes flicker to Ajo. He’s not loudly gay, but he almost always wears something with the pride flag on it. Even if it’s just a pin or a watch band. “Not that?—”
Ajo holds up his hand. “I’m not hiding my sexuality. Iamgay.”
Hugo sighs.
“I think coaches aren’t part of the team either,” Tavis says. “They manage the team. In a way, they serve the team, much like Egon.”
“I disagree with that,” Winslow says. “I think coaches are definitely part of the team.”
“Why did you ask, Hugo?” Atty asks.
“I was just thinking about the number of gay and not-straight players. If we count coaches, then we beat Buffalo. But honestly, Iforgot our coach is gay. I was thinking about Coach Adak in Carolina. He should count as a member of the team, so they have a gay player, too.”
“You forgot he’s gay?” Toby asks, amused.
“Well, I don’t forgetyouare because I see you all the time. With your husband.” Hugo gestures around the yard to encompass everyone who he sees regularly. “I don’t see Coach Ajo with anyone, so it doesn’t really occur to me to… remember he’s gay.”
“Good,” Noah says, taking the attention from Hugo. “That shouldn’t be something you need to think about regularly. It doesn’t matter or affect his coaching.”
“Noah,” Elixon chides, nipping at his jaw.
Noah sighs. “I’m not being defensive. I’m just pointing it out.”
“No, I get what he’s saying. Caulder? My friend from college who plays for Buffalo and is now the fourth openly gay player on Buffalo? His entire reason for remaining closeted as long as he did was so he wasn’t known the world over as a gay athlete. He was just an athlete. That’s what Noah’s saying. And that’s how Hugo views people. There isn’t a sexuality salutation at the beginning of their professions in his eyes. They’re just people.”
“Yes!” Noah practically shouts.“That’swhat I’m saying. Just not eloquently.”
Elixon chuckles.
“I didn’t mean to say it wrong,” Hugo says. “I was just curious. I think it’s cool there are so many…” he trails off and I can tell by the look on his face that he’s working out the words he wants to say.
He’s far more aware of what comes out of his mouth when there are a lot of people around. With me, he’s more relaxed. In some way, I think Hugo asking questions in a way that isn’t quite PR acceptable is like my anxiety. The more people around, the more likely it is to act up. He’s more conscious of it now.
“You’re fine,” Winny says. “And we get what you’re saying.”
“Itiscool that there are so many out players,” Max agrees. “Especially in a positive way.” The amused looks he gets only makes him grin. “Hey. I won All-Stars last season. That’s positive.”
“And you were voted in by the fans,” Elixon tacks on. “That’s even better.”
“Exactly. I have my shit in a row, or something.”
