“The place is awesome, isn’t it? It’s so nice of Alexei to let us all hang out here.”
“Isn't that a little unusual? I thought it was usually up to the captain to host team events.”
“Oh, sure. But Ethan's place is small, and Alexei doesn't mind. Besides, if they allowed goalies to be captain, Alexei wouldtotallyhave the job.”
I think back to his welcome at camp and have to agree with her. He has a way of making people feel welcome – it makes sense he'd live in a house built for entertaining.
As I walk to the back of the house, I see some of the guys are already jumping into the pool. Alexei is off to the side, manning the grill. The smell of hamburgers and barbecue chicken makes my stomach growl.
“Hailey! Best cook of all time! Tell me you brought something with you?” Alexei has abandoned the grill, coming toward us with arms open.
I don’t remember the invite saying anything about a potluck, but it turns out Haileyhasin fact brought two sides and a huge tray of desserts.
“Ah, you have outdone yourself. Could not throw party without you.”
Hailey blushes as Johnny comes up behind her. If he’s put off by Alexei’s affection for his girlfriend, he doesn’tshow it.
“Isn’t she the best? What would I do without her?”
I walk out to the back, looking around the spacious rooms as I go. I grab a beer out of the coolers off to one side and grab a seat on one of the pool loungers.
“Jamie! You should come in!” Lindy yells from his spot in the heated pool.
“In what? My jeans?” I laugh at the suggestion.
“Alexei’s got some suits inside. If you want.” I am surprised by the voice behind me — especially since it’s Tremblay’s. I turn around and raise an eyebrow at him.
“I could show you where they are. If you want.” For a moment, I consider it. Even though it’s September, the air is surprisingly warm.
But then I remember that would put me alone in a room — a bedroom? — with Tremblay.
“No thanks. I’m good.”
He nods at this and seems unsure of what to do, standing and looking around at the pool deck. He's taken off his hoodie in deference to the weather, and I see his broad shoulders stretching the Huskies t-shirt underneath. Even though there are guys in the pool, we are essentially alone here for the moment.
“You, uh. You’ll want to be careful in the Dallas game.”
It comes as no surprise that Tremblay can’t let hockey go, even for a moment.
“I try to be careful at every game.”
“Yeah. Definitely. But Dallas can be really physical.”
I roll my eyes at him.
“Yes, Cap. I’ve watched the sport once or twice.”
He’s clearly getting frustrated, with me or with himself.
“No, I’m trying to tell you they’ll be bad withyouin particular.”
“Are you saying they’re gonna have a problem with me being gay?”
He pauses before saying, “Yeah. I think so.”
It occurs to me that this is the first time Tremblay has ever admitted to homophobia existing in the hockey world. Before, he’salways been dismissive of it — but for a moment, he seems actually concerned.
Still, the anger inside me simmers. Who exactly does he think he is?
