Page 79 of Hard Check
Hanging out with his teammates here was easy. That was what caught Leo off guard every time. The ease of sitting in a booth in a city that wasn’t theirs, talking about nothing in particular. In Orlando, the team dinners had been scheduled, organized, a group text with a reservation and an unspoken dress code. Here, Jonesy found a place on his phone, pointed, and everyone showed up.
“So.” Jonesy leaned back with his beer. “You gonna tell us what’s been up with you this week, or are we just pretending you haven’t been skating like a guy whose dog died?”
“I don’t even have a dog.”
“Something died. Your vibe has been tragic.”
Ford gave Jonesy a look. Jonesy ignored it.
“I’m fine,” Leo said.
“You keep saying that.” Ski pointed his fork at him. “You’ve saidI’m finemore this week than the entire rest of the season. Which means you’re not fine.”
“He probably needs to get laid,” Jonesy said, like he was diagnosing a mechanical problem.
“Gee, I didn’t know you paid that much attention to my sex life.” Leo took a drink. “Is there something you want to tell me? Are you offering to take care of that problem? Because I have to say, you’re not my type.”
“I’m serious. When’s the last time you went out? You’ve been going home after games like somebody’s grandpa. Even Ford and Riggs come out with us, and they have kids at home waiting for them.”
Leo took a drink and didn’t answer, and Jonesy’s eyebrows shot up.
“That long? Okay. We’re fixing this tonight.”
“We’re not fixing anything tonight.”
“We’re at least going somewhere with a pulse after this. Ski, what’s near the hotel?”
“There’s a place two blocks up,” Ski said, already on his phone. “Sports bar. Reviews say it’s queer-friendly, so even Leo has a shot at finding a piece of ass.”
“I’m touched that you Googled that for me.”
“Jonesy made me Google it.”
“I planned ahead,” Jonesy said. “That’s called leadership.”
Jonesy wanted to go out, so they went. Leo ended up at a high-top in a Cleveland bar with a drink he hadn't ordered, watching Jonesy scan the room like he was hunting for something.
“What about him?” Jonesy nodded toward the bar. Tall guy, dark hair, nice arms. “He’s been looking over here.”
“He’s looking at the TV behind us.”
“He’s looking at you. Ford, tell him.”
Ford glanced over. “He’s looking at the TV.”
“You’re both blind.” Jonesy turned to Novo. “Back me up.”
“I’m not getting involved.” Novo took a drink. “But he is kind of looking over here.”
Leo laughed. It came out before he could stop it, real and surprised, and Jonesy grinned like he’d won something.
“There it is. That’s the first time you’ve laughed all week.” Jonesy clinked his glass against Leo’s. “We don’t know what’s going on with you, and we’re not asking, but you’re not allowed to be sad on a road trip. House rules.”
“Since when do we have house rules?”
“Since right now. Rule one: no moping in Cleveland.” Jonesy stood up. “I’m getting another round. And I’m telling that guy you think he’s cute.”
“Do not?—”
