John falters in his pious speech about upholding family values. The man actually uses the word abomination. When I think nothing he says could hurt me, he proves me wrong. A murmur rushes through the crowd at our presence.
Reporters fire questions at us, forcing John to stop and acknowledge us.
Honest to God, Finn pulls out a megaphone to speak. “We will take questions at the end. Please allow Mr. John King to continue.”
John wants to rage at us, but he can’t. Finn demanded that the press let him speak. He returns to his pre-rehearsed speech, but he’s lost some swagger, and after a minute, questions are yelled at him.
“Mr. King, did you know about their relationship?”
“Is it true you didn’t financially support your son, Jamal?”
“Why did you keep them apart as boys?”
John gives them a strained smile that I can see on the media van’s monitor. “I’d like to finish my statement, and then you can ask them questions.”
“Are you saying you won’t take questions?”
John holds up his hands, but the onslaught of questions keeps coming. He’s growing more and more irritated at questions challenging his integrity.
All Theo and I have to do is stand here, together. And not lose our shit. Between his temper and my anxiety, that’s a big ask. I pray for the strength for us to make it through this mess.
A hand lands on my shoulder, and I hear my mom. “Hi, sweeties.”
Finn distracts the reporters by stepping in front of John. “One at a time. State who you want to answer the question. You in the puffy red coat, go first.” The megaphone leaves no doubt that he’s in charge.
“Mr. King, can you clarify your relationship with Theo O’Keefe?”
John begins to answer but is cut off. “No, Mr. Jamal King. Sorry.” He doesn’t look sorry, and John’s hands clench.
I straighten up and clear my throat. “Theo O’Keefe is an incredible hockey player and one of the best men I know. John using the word abomination in the same sentence as members of his family says more about his character than ours. We haven’t known each other long, but he’s one of the most important people in my life. I’m proud to be with him.” I shift so my shoulder presses against his.
Finn picks another person to ask a question.
“My question is for Theo O’Keefe. You and King connected for a score in tonight’s game. What’s it like playing together?”
Outwardly, Theo seems unbothered, but he’s stiff and cautious. “Anytime you get to play with great players is a good game. It’s a bonus to be on the ice with Jamal King and be a part of his success. Ten outta ten, would recommend.”
The same reporter shouts, “Will you get more ice time together?”
Finn tells Theo he doesn’t have to answer that question, but he does. “Neither of us controls who we’re on the ice with. We both want to do our best for our line and our team. Teamwork is what it’s all about.”
I’m grinning like a damn fool at Theo because he means what he says. A total turnaround from when he joined the team.
Finn says, “You in the Enforcer ball cap.”
A pretty woman smiles at John. “Can you explain your reasoning for keeping the boys apart when they were young?”
John shifts uncomfortably and clenches his jaw. “That’s irrelevant. I’m here to talk about family values and upholding the traditions this great country was built on.”
If he had more to say, it’s inaudible when Theo snatches the megaphone from Finn. “Family values? What kind of man abandons his child and offers zero financial support? Is it family values to ship your stepson off to boarding school to cover the lie that your son doesn’t live with you? How about every single Christmas you left my mother and me to spend with your son, only you never saw Jamal, not once? What traditions are you trying to uphold? Racism and homophobia? Leave my boyfriend and me alone. We don’t want anything from you.” Theo calmly hands the megaphone back to Finn.
My heart swells with love and pride. He called me his boyfriend in public,andhe’s finally confronting the man who made his life difficult.
Finn purses his lips, holding back a smirk, and speaks into the megaphone. “Mr. John King, we are prepared to wait for your answer.”
John remains silent, and I reach for the megaphone.
“This man’s words are empty, and all you need to do is observe his actions to find the truth. Family values are important, and I’ve learned that from my mom and stepdad. They gave me the courage to love someone, even though not everyone will approve. Living with love is a true gift.”
