Theo was about to say something, but I tugged his arm, catching his attention. I shook my head, signaling him to stay quiet, then closed the distance between Mason and me.
That word wasn’t going to be said in my presence ever again. Ever. Mason could do or say whatever he wanted behind my back, but there was a fucking limit to what I’d accept to my face. Too many people had said awful things to me in my life, and it was time to put that shit to a stop.
“Mason, if you ever say that word around me again, I’ll report you for discrimination and sexual harassment.”
I could feel the flames burning within, but I took a deep breath and spoke with controlled eloquence, a quality that sometimes emerges when you’re on the verge of exploding.
“Not only that, I’ll post about it on our channel. I’ll ensure that every single person who follows me, and there are nearly a hundred fifty thousand at this point, knows who you are,by name,and what you said.”
I moved closer, my face only a couple of inches away from his, and spoke in a low, raspy tone that would have scared the boogie man.
“And I won’t just post one video. I’ll post dozens. Hundreds. I will make it my personal mission to destroy you. I will set aside time in my day to go online and speak about the hatefulthings you’ve said to me in this locker room. It will be a permanent fixture in my calendar. I’ll do it over and over again until the entire world knows who you are and shuns you for your hateful words. Do not underestimate my tenacity to make your lifefucking miserable.”
I said those last two words loud enough that everyone in the locker room heard them. The entire team was watching us.
“You think you can intimidate me, Mason? Please. I’ve dealt with far worse than you. You are nothing. You’re gum on the bottom of my shoe compared to the shit I’ve lived through. Believe me when I tell you that I’m stronger than you and will win whatever war you want to wage. You don’t want to fuck with me.”
The tension between us was thicker than butter. Mason’s eye literally twitched as he stared at me with unbridled hatred, but I didn’t back down. I held his gaze, waiting for the response.
Go ahead. Try to say something to me.
He didn’t. His eyes scanned the room, witnessing the entire team looking athimwith disdain. His mask of hate started to crack. He must have thought that guys would rally around him, but all he received were cold stares.
He muttered something under his breath, then walked to his locker. I waited until he got there before I moved, following his movements with my eyes the whole time. When I turned around, Theo had the biggest smile I’d ever seen, and that was saying something for him.
When I reached my locker, which was right next to Theo’s, he leaned in and said, “My dick is harder than the Washington Monument right now.”
“Almost as big, too,” I replied.
Hehowledwith laughter, then gave me a hug. “You’re fucking perfect, Red.”
“Love you too, Big Boy.”
Chapter 29
TikTok Post (Right before the PCSHL Championship)
Theo: Hey, everyone! Just wanted to pop on here real quick and thank you all for the support! The love from the fans at the last few games has meant a lot to Asher and me—
Asher: Especially with some of the hate that was in the stands, too. We appreciate you all, but don’t let those idiots get to you. There was almost a fight at the last game, and we don’t want any of you to get hurt—
Theo: Yeah, they don’t bother us, and you should ignore them. If they approach, just get security to escort them out of the building—
Asher: They know to expect it when we play, so they’re prepped and ready—
Theo: Just know we love you all, and we can’t thank you enough for the support.
Asher: Yeah, thank you so much. Some of you have been askingabout the PCSHL Championship, and it’ll be at Madison Square Garden in three days! Maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Theo: Also, a big shoutout to PULSEWEAR UNITED for this awesome Pride gear. Use code ASHTHEO for a discount.
Asher: Yeah, you’ll find jerseys, jockstraps, wristbands, and a few different kinds of accessories.
Theo: Get your merch for the PCSHL championship, Babyyyyy!
Asher: Peace!
Chapter 30
