I clear my throat and look around, making sure we’re alone.
“But seriously… I’m just a little bummed about leaving soon.”
“Yeah,” he says, dropping beside me. “It’s been fun.”
“It’s more than fun,” I admit. “It’s R—”
“Nico!” Coach shouts, coming into the room. “We’ve got two more interviews for you.”
“I’ve already changed,” I say, pointing to my clothes. “You said I was done.”
“Yeah, I know.” He gestures for me to get up. “These will be the last two. I promise. Just throw your Canada jacket on. It’ll be fine.”
I get up and stick my tongue out at Étienne over my shoulder.
“I’ll get your stuff ready!” he calls after me.
I get asked the same questions I’ve been asked ten times already and give my usual, practiced responses.
“How does it feel to win the gold?”
“It’s unreal. I can’t believe I made it.”
“To whom do you owe this?”
“My parents, of course. They’ve supported me from the beginning.”
“What do you have to say to the aspiring skaters out there?”
“Never give up. Try your hardest.”
They should allow me to record my responses and hit a button on a recorder. My throat is sore.
I chuckle to myself… because maybe that’s from sucking Roman’s cock and not talking.
Worth it.
As I make my way back to the room, I think about how I almost admitted to Étienne that I’m sad about leaving Roman. He’ll think I’m crazy, of course.
“How did you catch feelings so soon?”
“It’s just a hook-up. You’ll find another.”
“There are plenty of hockey players out there.”
I’d tell him I didn’t. Because… how could I have? It’s been a week. I hardly know him. So many athletes hook up while they’re here, it’s why they provide condoms all over the place.
This is normal… it happens.
So why does it feel different?
Because there are plenty of hockey players out there, but I want this one.
I’ve been wanting this opportunity my whole life. I came here to get it. But now that I have it, it’s almost time to leave. And leaving the games means leaving Roman too.
As I’m heading to the exit doors, I pass Coach.
“Hey, do you have a second?” I ask.
