At ten on the dot, his phone rang and Alyssa’s name flashed on the screen. He appreciated her punctuality.
After quick hellos, she got right down to business.
“So, Tobias, tell me exactly what you’re thinking for the kids’ classes.”
“Sure. Like I told you last night, I want to start with yoga…”
He went on to explain his ideas for the kids’ classes and how he was hoping they’d evolve. When they covered everything he needed regarding legal requirements, he had one more thing to discuss with Alyssa.
Tobias took a deep breath before he could continue. “I’m gay. I planned on coming out after my last season, and then I had a breakdown and needed to leave theNHL. I want to be able to walk down the street holding my husband’s hand one day, if I’m lucky enough to get one. Do you think… Do you think it’s safe for me to come out? Owning a business and hosting kids’ classes? Does that affect this at all?”
Deep down, Tobias knew it shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help overthinking. It was what he did best.
“Oh, Tobias, I’m so sorry you’ve had to hide against your wishes. The only thing it changes is the fact I will be front and center fighting for you with every legal power if anybody tries to give you trouble.”
Tobias’ eyes filled with tears and he had trouble saying anything past the lump in his throat. When he first approached Alyssa, he wasn’t even thinking about her being a lesbian, but he could appreciate the benefits of having her in his corner.
It took him a minute to say anything, but he was able to clear his throat and croak out a weakthank you.
“And I know this isn’t totally professional, but we’re in similar friend circles so I’m going with it. If you and Madison ever want to have a playdate with Colin, I’d be happy to bring him over, or you could come to our place. Kids always need more friends. And so do you, Tobias.”
There was no stopping the hiccup that escaped as tears streamed down his face.
“It will be okay. Just breathe, Tobias. We’re going to get through this together, okay?”
He managed a small whimper, and Alyssa gave him a minute to get it together.
“And I don’t think any of this should keep you from playing in the alumni game, or from coming out. You got this, Tobias. And you can reach out to me anytime you’re struggling.”
After thanking Alyssa and promising to set up a playdate for Colin and Madison sometime soon, Tobias was on top of the world. Before he could lose any momentum, he pulled up the next name on his short list of calls to make.
The line rang twice before a feminine voice said hello.
“Hi, is this Sophie Hanson? From the Inferno?”
“Yes, it is,” she said. “How can I help you?”
“Actually, I think I can help you,” he started, unable to keep the smile off his face. “This is Tobias Moyer. I hear you have an opening in net for the alumni game.”
“For real? You’re in?” she said excitedly, and a crash sounded in the background that she seemed to ignore, because she kept talking. “You’re really going to play?”
“Yes, I’m really going to play. I just have a few conditions.”
“Name them. They’re yours. Wait, I shouldn’t say that, but in all likelihood I will once you’re done telling me, and Shane will be so excited to hear you’re going to play and the fans will be too because you were such a fanfavorite. You were quiet, but people loved that, and not that you care, but this is going to make me look so good if I can sign you on for this game, so there isn’t much I’d say no to when it comes to you, except for illegal or inappropriate stuff of course, but I should let you actually tell me the conditions before I even bring that up, don’t want to give you any ideas. So, what are the conditions?”
Damn. Riley’s sister was a ball of chaotic energy.
So long as she could handle his needs, he’d be in this. Now, all he had to do was make sure he still had the skills to do it.
12
IT WAS MONDAY FOLLOWING the going-away party and the gym was back to normal. Cole and his friends had done a great job of cleaning and putting all the equipment back where it belonged.
Thank goodness, because Tobias already had enough going on in his life to have to worry about anything else.
It was easy to tell Tobias’ anxiety was still on edge because he seemed to be barking at everyone more than usual during the workout. Certainly not the healthiest course of action. He likely needed an outlet to expel all of his nervous energy.
Chase was proud of him for taking that step with Alyssa and asking for help. So many people struggled with that simple task, but Tobias did it. It killed Chase how much Tobias was hiding, and he hoped he could keep helping him shoulder the burden. Tobias just had tokeep letting him in.
