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I laughed despite myself. “How can I sound different? I’ve said like a dozen words.”
“I have big sister superpowers. Spill it, Kev.”
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. But it was Meg. “I met someone.”
Her squeal nearly deafened me. “Tell me everything! Who is he? How’d you meet? Is he cute? Of course, he’s cute. You have excellent taste.”
“Slow down.” Laughter bubbled up. “It’s... complicated.”
“Complicated how? Oh god, he’s not married, is he?”
“No! Nothing like that.” Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for her reaction. “It’s Tyler Bennett.”
Silence lingered. Worry crept in about what she was thinking.
“Tyler Bennett? As in your teammate Tyler Bennett? All-Star defenseman Tyler Bennett?”
“That’s the one.”
“Holy shit, Kevin.” Another pause. “Wait, isn’t he gay too? I remember hearing something about that years ago.”
“He is, yeah.”
“So how did this happen? When did this happen?”
I recounted the story—Detroit, the blizzard, the single bed, the Grindr notification that broke the ice. The easy intimacy that followed. The connection between us.
“You realize this could be a rom-com, right?” She sounded way too excited about this. “Stranded in a snowstorm with a hot hockey player who likes you back? I’m jealous.”
A reluctant smile touched my lips. “It is kind of unbelievable.”
“And?” She knew me too well. That single word held a weight of unspoken fears.
“He’s also a teammate, Meg. Someone I have to work with every day. Not just on the same team, he and I are paired up every shift. If it goes south…”
“Hold up.” She interrupted. Her voice was firm. “You’re already thinking about something happening? It literally just started.”
“I know, but—”
“No. Look, I get the teammates concern. Really, I do.” Her voice softened slightly. “But from what you’ve told me, this sounds like something more than a hook up. And I haven’t heard you this excited about someone in...” She paused longer than necessary. “Well, ever.”
It did feel special. That was the terrifying part. A warmth spread through my chest hearing her say it.
“Kevin Michael Kogan, you listen to me.” She switched to full big-sister mode. “Yes, dating a colleague has risks. Yes, if it ends badly, things could get awkward. But what if it doesn’t? What if this is the real deal? Are you going to let fear stop you from finding out?”
Her question resonated, echoing the turmoil inside me.
Tyler’s easy laugh. The intensity in his blue eyes when he looked at me. The way my hand seemed to automatically go to his when we were near each other. Was I really going to let fear win?
“You’re right.” The admission loosened something tight in my chest.
“Of course I am. I’m always right.” The smile was back in her voice. “So what’s next? Are you guys actually dating or just messing around?”
“We’ve been hanging out. His place, mine. It’s low key.”
“So... that’s a no on dating? Just private indoor activities?” The suggestion hung heavy in her tone.
Heat crept up my neck. “Not just that. We text and talk. A lot.”
