And spotted me.
Reading his expression from this distance might’ve been difficult. His first expression was rage. But, like, for a second. What did they call that? A micro expression? If I hadn’t been looking, I wouldn’t have spotted it. By the time it registered, he was grinning. But not in ahappy to see youway. Nope. In acat who got the creamway.
I knew. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew.
Lous skated over to my side of the rink and beckoned me down. When I was close enough, he mouthedThe Trading Post.
I nodded. Aside from the fact that they made one of the best burgers I’d ever enjoyed, I wanted to see the guys again. I wouldn’t be staying long. And it’d help me fight the temptation to drive over to Jack’s house and beat the shit out of him.You have your toys in the car?—
Nope. Wasn’t going there. He was still the head coach. I was still only called up. That said, Ceders appeared to be out for the season. With Vancouver making a run for the Cup—however improbable that was—I couldn’t be distracted by Jack. If he was giving up his coaching career for me, the least I could do was win some games for him. A lot of games. Maybe eventually games that led to the Cup.
The parking lot for The Trading Post was almost full, but Ifound a spot near the back. Under a streetlamp, which made me feel better. Abbotsford was pretty safe., but stuff could get stolen anywhere. I’d feel better having Mom’s recordings safe at the hotel.
A hopping bar wasn’t always my scene. Sports bars were part of the game, though. Now, gay bars and kink clubs? More my speed. I’d scoped out both in Vancouver. Though, after Mickey being photographed leaving my hotel room in Toronto, everything had changed. I could explain a million times he was just a friend—leaving out the fuck-buddy part because that was between the two of us, and no amount of money in the world would induce him to out me that way—but some people would believe I was gay.
Which you are, and if you came out on your terms, then maybe it wouldn’t be as bad.The questions at the press conference had all been about my sexuality. I’d expected that. Explaining so very many times that I was choosing to keep my private life private had only fueled the flames. Now I anticipated—and dreaded—cameras everywhere. I no longer trusted anyone.
Except Mickey and Jack.
Okay, and maybe Lous and Claus. As captain, Lous had to maintain a level of decorum. He’d have to be pretty screwed up to risk his place on the team. Claus really wanted to make top line before too much time passed. At twenty-nine, he was one of the older players. Not the oldest, by any means, but he’d confided he was wondering if he might ever get called up. He was a fucking talented center, but Arvy was even better. I could see Arvy getting into the big leagues sooner rather than later.
As I entered the bar, the smell of hops and yeast hit me. I’d have a beer with a big meal. I’d sip it slowly and drive back to Vancouver carefully. Not that I wasn’t always careful. Butbeing pulled over—even if I was nowhere near the limit—wasn’t a good idea.
Claus emerged from the hallway to the washrooms and clapped me on the back. “The prodigal son returns.”
“Lous invited me.”
“And you’re most welcome. Especially after my amazing night.”
“Yeah, well done.”
“I cringe to say that it helped Arvy got knocked around by that Edmonton asshole and had to get checked out.”
“Is he okay?” That should’ve been my first thought.
“Yeah. Bruised, but okay. He’ll be at the game in two days. And you’ll be busy in Vancouver.” He fluffed my hair. “So damn proud. Okay, I’m fucking starving. Lous grabbed a seat for me.”
I soon discovered our captain had saved one for me as well—right next to Claus. I gave Lous a huge grin as I asked the lovely server for a sleeve of pale ale.
She smiled back, took everyone’s orders, and headed back downstairs.
I put my arm around Claus’s shoulders. “Wow, eh?”
Lous grinned. “Fuck, yes. Like, amazing.” He tapped Claus’s hand—which sat on the table. “You’re the dark horse sometimes. You play well most of the time, but then you have a spectacular night.”
“Hopefully someone’ll notice.” Claus gazed down at his hands. “I really—” He cut off and gazed at me. “I’ll admit I’m jealous.”
I squeezed his biceps. “I didn’t expect to be called up. Might happen for you as well.” Even saying the words though—and knowing they were both true and untrue—felt off. Of course, he might get called up. Except he’d been aGrizzly for nearly ten years.Might he be better off if he gets traded? New team? New opportunities?
Except I wanted him on the ice with me in Vancouver. I’d do almost anything for that—even though my own position was precarious at best.
“I gotta take a leak.” Hairs, who sat three seats down from me, made the pronouncement loud enough for the entire table to hear.
“Asshole.” Lous said the word softly and directed at me.
Does he know?
I only had suspicions, but I was damn well going to find out once and for all. I shoulder-punched Claus. “Me too. Keep an eye on my drink.”