“Not your fault, big guy.” I pat his shoulder. “Toronto got the best of us. That’s all. There will be other games, and we’ll win.”
“Toronto is a tough team,” Denny says. “Historically, we don’t do well against them.”
“That’s frustrating,” Felton says.
“It is, but there are thirty other teams in the league, and we do well against many of them. We’re still going to have a good season. You’ll see.”
Felton nods.
We get back to reps and rotate through the machines. Now that we’re working out again, I steal a glance at the window. Coach is still standing there, though he’s been joined by Mina and… Is that the owner?
I elbow Ren, who’s closest to me. “Is that Edries?”
Ren glances at the window then back at me with a nod. “Yep.”
“I can’t decide if that should make me nervous.”
“I think it should make you feel good that the owner takes an active interest in the team,” Ren counters. “I’ve been on several, and I wouldn’t be able to pick out the face of the owner if my paycheck depended on it.”
“Huh.”
“To be fair, Edries’ face has been all over the tabloids and news for ages.Eccentric billionaire buys hockey team.” Zenia waves his hand. “That’s probably the least scandalous headline.”
“I’m still laughing over the fact that he went away on a solo holiday retreat in the stormy mountains and came away married to Gabe,” Felton says, beaming. “Gabe is a cool guy, so it’s pretty awesome.”
“You know Gabe Zanderman?” Zenia asks.
“Of course. He’s gay.”
“Ah. There’s a gay club that we’re not included in,” Denny says, nodding.
“I think you and Ren should be inducted. Honorary gays even though you’re bisexual,” Zenia says.
Felton snorts. “Yes, there is a club,” he says, shrugging. “It’s exclusive. But I know Gabe because of the Gays Can Play functions. You know other sports leagues are creating similar initiatives too, right? We’ve been around Gabe a lot over the last few years because of it.”
“We?”
“The hockey Gays Can Play guys,” he says, rolling his eyes.
“Ah.” Denny looks at Ren. “Are you a part of that now?”
Ren gives him a demure look. “No.”
“Why?” Willits asks.
Ren shakes his head.
“Maybe you should,” I say. When Ren meets my eyes, I say, “While this is riding off the back of another good cause, people that look like you and me are often overlooked in this league. Think about it. This is going to come out a little wrong, so I’ll apologize ahead of time, but they give the LGBTQIA+ a bright spotlight, while anyone who isn’t white is still invisible unless they’re part of the queer movement that hockey has begun.” Ilook at Felton. “I’m not saying the queer community shouldn’t have a loud presence.”
“I know,” Felton says. “And I agree. Though I think they call Ren white adjacent.” He gives Ren an amused smile.
Ren rolls his eyes. “I understand your point, Dasan.”
“But I haven’t convinced you.”
“Why don’tyouget involved?” he counters.
“Is he in a gay-presenting relationship?” Willits asks, raising an eyebrow.
