He stares for a long moment, finally turning away to look out the window, crossing his arms over his chest before he answers. “Because I’ve had those types of friends, and it’s never ended well.”
“Oh,” I say before I can stop myself. That is not where I saw this conversation going. “Wait, are you coming out to me right now? Have you been hiding that this whole time? I’m so sorry if you felt like you had to, Ollie. I had no idea.”
He groans, turning back to look at me. “It wasn’t anything you did. It was my stupid agent. He’s convinced that I can’t be the next big name in hockey if everyone finds out I’m gay.”
“Well, that’s bullshit.” I huff. “You’re stillyouno matter who you want to date. And youarethe next big name in hockey. The Werewolves have invested enough in you that you should know that. Plus, the team’s owner is very publicly gay, they wouldn’t care if you came out. Is that why you looked scared when I mentioned dating back there?”
He laughs, shaking his head. “No, Hudson, that was because I’m painfully awkward.” He laughs again. “I should probably quit while I’m ahead and never admit this, but when I said youshould go on a date, and you asked ‘what about you?’ the secretly gay kid that used to have a huge crush on his idol had a freakout moment where I thought you were asking me on a date. And then I was mortified when I realized that you obviously were not.”
Holy shit, he had a crush on me? That’s flattering.
“Fuck, Ollie, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying to make you uncomfortable—or disappoint you? I don’t really know what you were feeling, but I was just trying to joke around and give you shit for also being single. I had no idea… You said ‘used to’?”
“Oh god yes, definitely in the past, way before I met you.”
“Should I be offended that my personality was apparently so off-putting?” I joke, trying to keep the mood lighter so he doesn’t think I care about his confession.
“You’re way too nice. I don’t know if you’ll be offended by that, but when I found out you weren’t as tough as I’d pictured, the illusion was shattered,” he teases.
“Probably for the best. I’m sorry that your agent isn’t being more supportive though.”
“Yeah, I get their concern, I really do. But I’ve also accidentally almost let something slip that would give myself away so many times. I’m sick of always having to filter myself.”
“That sounds exhausting.”
“It is.”
“Well, maybe we can keep winning, and then you can announce that you’re into guys after your next hat trick or something, and no one can claim you aren’t the next hockey star.”
“God, I wish it was that easy.”
“We’ll figure something out,” I assure him. “You’ve got my support now. If it’s what will make you happy, we’ll find a way for you to do it, don’t worry.”
“Thanks, Cap.”
“Now that we talked, do we actually have to go out?” I joke.
“Probably.”
We get to the same crowded bar the players always go to after games, hurrying to the back private section they reserve for us and say hello to the rest of the team. After a few minutes, I give up looking around for Adrian and realize I should have just texted him before we even got here.
Hudson
Any chance you decided to come out with the team tonight, and I just haven’t seen you here yet?
Adrian
LOL no. I’m already in bed.
Hudson
Jealous! But also boo, wish you were here. I feel like we haven’t gotten to hang out much lately.
Adrian
We hung out last night…
Hudson
