“Oh,” Scott said. “I didn’t know that.”
Huff shrugged. “Not all hockey players are homophobic assholes.”
“For the record,” Carter said, “if you had to choose between the three of us—”
“No,” Scott said.
“Comeon,” Carter said. “I mean, I assume it’s me, but—”
“Bennett,” Scott said, just to bother Carter.
“Makes sense.” Huff nodded. “Bennett seems like a cuddler.”
They all laughed and it was good. Scott loved them all.
“We’ve got your back, Scott,” Huff said as they were leaving. “Whatever you decide, we’re with you.”
Scott nodded, and swallowed the lump in his throat. He closed the door behind them before they could see him cry.
* * *
“Hat trick!” Kip exclaimed, pointing at the television. “That’s a hat trick! Yeah!”
Scott had scored his third goal of the game, making it 6–2 for the Admirals in the third period. He had been in top form all night. Kip was thrilled.
The Admirals were going to win this game. And then they would only have to win one more to move on to the finals.
“He’s so handsome,” his mother said, to no one in particular.
“Yeah,” Kip breathed. His father chuckled.
“I’m happy for him,” Mom said. “He seems like such a nice man.”
Kip smiled to himself.
“I suppose they’ll be back in town tomorrow,” Dad said conversationally, “to get ready for game six.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Kip said, as if he didn’t know for certain.
Scott had texted him that morning. Nothing much, just a quickThinking of you.
Kip had written back.Not too much I hope. :)
To which Scott had replied,Gonna win tonight.
Kip had smiled at that. He liked seeing Scott so confident. It was sexy.I’ll be watching. I love you.
I love you.
Scott made good on his promise.
* * *
The following evening, there was a knock on their door during dinner.
“Who could that be?” Kip’s mother asked, already up and making her way to the door.
“Probably just Annette,” Dad said to Kip, meaning their next-door neighbor. “They just got back from vacation today, I think.”