Page 169 of Game Misconduct

In a few days, in a week, he’d feel like himself again but for now everything felt flat and gray.

He’d spent his whole season—his whole career—working toward moments like this. And they’d gotten him nowhere.

And even if he knew that this postseason had been a gift—far more than the team really deserved based on how they’d been playing—it still stung.

They’d still failed.

Several days later, Leif squinted at the message on his screen in confusion. It was a text from Nicky to him and Ian, inviting them to a bar.

It was a queer bar in the East Village. Not the kind of place Leif ever frequented. And not the sort of place he would have pictured Nicky at either.

Ian,maybe, but given that he said he was kind of a homebody, that seemed unlikely too.

Leif texted out a reply and they all agreed on a time to meet. No one asked the question about what the hell this was all about.

Leif had dressed down but he still feltoverdressed when he stepped inside the space. It wasn’t a dive bar or anything, but it was very much an ordinary sort of place. Most of the people there were just … regular people.

He flinched, half expecting to be recognized and have someone say something to him about the playoff loss or ask for an autograph. Maybe both. But although a few people turned to look at him curiously as he stepped inside, they quickly returned to their conversations.

One guy did give him a long, lingering eye-fuck, but that said more about his interest in Leif physically than any recognition of who he was or what he did for a living. He too turned away when Leif didn’t respond.

Leif’s shoulders lowered.

He was early. He knew that but he was still a little surprised when he glanced around the bar to see that neither Nicky nor Salty were there yet.

“Can I help you?” a man called out from behind the bar. He was a big guy, broad shouldered and thick through the middle. Handsome with a beard.

A bear then. Not really Leif’s type but very good-looking.

“I’m meeting friends,” Leif explained, resisting the urge to hunch his shoulders.

The guy shot him a brief smile. “Take a seat wherever you’d like. I’ll be over in a moment.”

Leif picked a booth where his teammates would be able to see him when he walked in but was relatively private.

It was the off-season now, so Leif ordered a white wine spritzer. When it arrived, he took a picture of it and sent it to Tanner who responded with a photo of his water bottle.

Leif smiled.

They hadn’t talked much since Leif got back to New York. Had mostly been communicating through pictures, actually. Which was probably driving Tanner a little nuts because he usuallynevershut up but Leif appreciated the little bit of space.

Tanner had actually handled this more maturely than he had. He’d sent Leif one single message after the game that said,Know u need space. Send 1 pic per day as proof of life until ur ready 2 talk. Luv u forever, Princess!

Leif would call him tomorrow, maybe. Once he was sure he wouldn’t let his hurt and disappointment over the loss bleed out into their relationship.

Leif had just lowered his phone again when Nicky walked through the door. He shot Leif a smile, then crossed the room to him.

“Hey.” Up close, Nicky looked tired and maybe a little stressed.

“Hey.” Leif slid out of the booth and rose to his feet. “Uhh, what’s up?”

“Not much.” Nicky reached out to give him a hug.

Well, that didn’t give Leif any better clue what this get-together was about, but he hugged his captain back and took a seat again. Of course, Ian arrived a few minutes later and Leif rose again and greeted him too, and it was a little while before they all had drinks in front of them.

“So why this place?” Ian asked Nicky when the bartender was gone. “I mean, it seems nice but it’s not … well, it doesn’t seem like yourstyle, exactly.”

So Ian had noticed that too.