Page 86 of The Tryout

It’ll be good.

The next day, I make sure to get up early and put in a few miles. After the plane ride and the new bed, my muscles could use the warmup before getting on the ice.

The weather is certainly chillier here than in Des Moines, and I find myself wishing I’d brought some warmer layers. I recall a treadmill in Ethan’s home gym and wonder if he’d mind if I use that instead.

Arriving back at the house, I find Ethan and Jamie in the kitchen. They greet me and Ethan hands over a protein shake to match the one in front of Jamie.

“Want anything else to eat? We’ve got eggs, turkey sausage, oatmeal…pretty much anything that’s on the meal plan.”

I consider the offer for a moment, but think better of it.

“Nah. I’m probably out of shape, don’t want to puke on the ice.”

Ethan chuckles at that, while Jamie comes to my defense.

“Are you kidding? I’ve been watching your games and you’ll do just fine.”

I blush at that, then remind myself that he’s watching for his best friend, not for me.

Finishing off the protein shake, I take a quick shower and grab my gear bag, ready in plenty of time to head to practice. In the car, I decide to ask the question that’s been brewing in my mind since yesterday.

“How has the team handled the information about you two?”

Ethan’s jaw clenches as he looks over at Jamie protectively.

Damn. I was hoping it would be good news.

Jamie heaves a sigh then turns to look at me.

“Honestly, better than I think most people would have expected.”

Given the snort from the driver’s seat, I wonder how much Jamie is stretching the truth.

“Better than expected still isn’t good, though.”

Jamie rolls his eyes.

“There are homophobic assholes everywhere, and we all know hockey has more than its fair share. When it comes to people we actually know and work with, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. And everyone else can just fuck off, right?”

Ah. I see the articles and Instagram comments haven’t gone unnoticed.

“Right. So the team’s been okay?”

Jamie shrugs.

“I mean, I think we read everyone pretty well. The people who already knew were one hundred percent supportive. The rookies and new trades are pretty much keeping their heads down and focusing on their play, regardless of what they might think personally.”

Here, Ethan chimes in.

“And Zach Price is going to get his teeth punched in if he doesn’t shut the fuck up.”

My eyes widen in surprise. In spite of being a defenseman, Ethan’s generally a calm guy. Price must be bad if it’s got him this worked up. Jamie doesn’t deny it.

“Yeah, well, I wouldn’t count on him suddenly growing a brain. Please don’t get fired. Or sued.”

Instead of reassuring Jamie, Ethan rolls his shoulders in a way that seems distinctly threatening. I decide to change the course of the conversation, at least a little.

“How did you guys know you were, you know…gay?”