Irrational anger surges through me with the urge to punch him.
I nod because I believe he means every word he says, but things can change in an instant, and I need to prepare myself for the end. But in this moment, I’m holding on to him until he steps away.
“I’m not fucking you out of fear. We are going to meet with Finn, make a plan, and we’re coming back here, where I can take my time and give you what you need. I’m yours and you’re mine, and that won’t change when we walk out of this room. Promise me.”
Chapter 33
Jamal King
I fully intend to keep my promise to Theo, but things are moving quickly and I’m spun. It’s louder than it should be in the conference room. Theo opens the door to guide me in with his hand on my back, and I’m awestruck to see my teammates.
Everyone falls silent as we walk in.
“Well, that’s not awkward atall,” Theo says from behind me.
Benzy is the first to approach us by tackling me in a hug. “We’re here for you.”
After that, every team member backslaps or hugs me. I’m in sensory overload, and Theo’s very pale. We’re pulled apart, and I sense Theo’s temper rising. He doesn’t trust the team yet, and when he’s afraid, his go-to emotion is anger. But I can’t get to him before he blows.
“If anyone has anything to say, say it to my face,” he growls, expecting the worst, and the room goes quiet again.
Brant raises his hand. “Quick question. You know we’re on the same team, right? Everyone in this room has your back, or we wouldn’t be here.” His fiery temper flares right back at Theo.
I step up to Theo and take his hand, looking him in the eye. “This isn’t how or when we wanted to tell people. Thanks for standing with us.” I squeeze his hand. He’s used to fighting his battles on his own, but he doesn’t have to do it alone anymore.
“Lovely. Take your seats, gentlemen.” Finn finally gets the team to shut up. “We have some ideas. Do you want the team here, or should they mind their own business?”
Theo needs more than a minute to be eased into accepting support.
“No disrespect, but we could use some space,” I tell our teammates.
They offer more words of support and fist bumps as they leave. I drag Theo to the nearest chair.
Mr. Dimon casually seats himself across from us like we’re in a normal business meeting. “I hired more security. When we get to New York, will you be staying together or separately?”
Theo snaps out of his trance. “I didn’t know my stepfather had taken a picture. But I should’ve.” He runs his hands through his hair and stares at the table. “It’s my fault because he wants to ruin me and take hockey from me.”
Finn taps away at his tablet, and Mr. Dimon clears his throat.
“Assigning blame won’t solve the issue. But I’m sure Mr. King disagrees with your statement. He doesn’t look coerced or held hostage.” Mr. Dimon’s lips quirk up. “Unless you had superhuman strength in your pinky to hold King down on that bed. If that’s the case, I expect you to summon that power on the ice.”
I exhale with relief, and Theo makes a sound that’s a cross between a laugh and a hiccup. Mr. Dimon isn’t the person I would expect to use a joke in this situation. Finn is the wildcard with a reckless mouth.
Finn details several plans and outlines the pros and cons of each. The bottom line is that we can’t control how people receive the information, only how we respond.
Staying silent seems to be the worst option because it will give John the opportunity to write the narrative he wants. Secretly, I’m relieved; I’m ready to go public.
But Theo has been mute, shaking his head at every option. “What if we went onThe Zone Breakdownpodcast? I know one of the brothers from school.”
Finn’s mouth drops, but he taps furiously on his keyboard.The Zone Breakdowndrops once a week and features popular hockey brothers. It’s been votedthe number one sportscast on several streaming services. The oldest brother, Augustus, played in the NHL for a few years but got traded every season and couldn’t find a fit. The younger brother, Brad, played in the AHL and only had a few games in the NHL before concussions took him out of the game.
Mr. Dimon’s shrewd eyes assess Theo. “Would they do you that favor and put it out immediately?”
“No.” He grimaces. “But they’re huge fans of Jamal’s, and from a business perspective, they could reach new listeners in the Black and queer communities.”
“I’m not sending you into a situation where you could be ambushed or berated.” Finn’s eyes move across his screen.
“Agreed.” Mr. Dimon’s palm thunks the table.
