Page 27 of Keeping Kyle

I had hope. He hadn’t broken it off. I had time to figure out how to be a good boyfriend.

FIFTEEN

KYLE

I’D HAVE to get off the ice soon because they’d open for seating. The PA played great pop tunes, and I’d gotten partially in gear to skate solo and center myself.

West Coast road stints were the worst. I’m okay with two or three days on the road, but after that, I had to fight against being cranky. I had distinct homebody tendencies.

The team started in Anaheim, where we’d lost in overtime, and we were in Vegas for an afternoon game that we expected to win. We’d stay here overnight and then hit San Jose before heading home.

I’d traded a few texts each day with Austin. He was traveling too—at a conference in Atlanta. We kept up with each other’s day. His meetings frustrated him so he focused on trying to tell me something he enjoyed about the day and asking more about what travel was like for the team. I enjoyed hearing about his trip to the Coca-Cola Museum, which he retreated to after a grueling meeting day. He liked sampling the sodas from around the world, and I’d agreed that sounded cool.

I kept my cranky road persona from him—at least I think I did. Over the years, I’d learned how to focus on the game and not fixate on the million and one things that could happen with Mom and Bobby while I was on the opposite side of the country. I saw a therapist a couple of years ago, and I’d gotten some good tips on how to keep my shit together for these stretches. After all, the team didn’t need to deal with my mood.

After the game, the team planned to find a good meal together—Vegas did have great food choices—and then split up. Those of us not into the gambling were looking for a concert or show to see. I’d put my suggestion in for any of the many Cirque du Soleil shows since I wouldn’t mind seeing some hot, bendy guys on stage.

My pre-game skate reminded me of Austin and made me smile. We needed another day like that. Adriana’s opening was tainted with his lateness, which we talked through at dinner. Before we’d hit the road and he’d come over for a Netflix and chill, which turned into a Parks & Rec marathon with chocolate and wine. I’d liked that a lot. It had been comfortable since we both loved the show, so we’d talked about favorite parts. It’d been perfect.

Whenever he avoided workaholic mode, Austin’s charm came through, and he had so many of the qualities I wanted from a guy. Work though… If he lost himself there, it got difficult for me. I didn’t want to totally piss him off, but I didn’t know how much of that I could tolerate—or for that matter how much I should.

Of course this whole thing could be fleeting with the trade possibilities. I suppose it’s flattering that another team wanted me, but I loathed the idea of a move. I hadn’t heard anything new recently, and I was sure my agent was getting tired of me asking.

My current contract didn’t include trade protection and I had another season to play before I’d negotiate again. I’d planned to request it. But right now, I had no influence and if a trade got brokered, I’d be gone in the blink of an eye.

I hoped that the good year I was having made me valuable enough to keep. On the other hand, it could make me attractive to other teams. Everything had a price, and if a team offered someone the Arsenal wanted—and word was we wanted defensemen—I didn’t stand a chance.

The buzzer over the scoreboard sounded, and that was my signal to clear out. The Zamboni headed out onto the ice, and once the surface was ready, the team would hit the ice for regular warm-ups.

As I went to the locker room, David fell into step next to me. “Hey man, was about to come get you. You got a visitor. He knows you’ve only got a few minutes, but I told him I’d see if you could spare a couple.”

A visitor? Here? That didn’t happen often on the road, and I usually knew about it in advance.

“You guys must be having a helluva thing for Austin to show up here.”

“Seriously?”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

Well damn. “Can you please let Kennedy know where I am?”

“Sure thing.”

Austin turned as I clomped into the room. It was impossible to walk in skates and not sound like Big Foot was coming. His smile lit up the room, and he looked amazing in dark jeans, a Detroit T-shirt, and a sport coat. My heart flipped in my chest and my road trip funk evaporated.

“Oh, great, David found you. I cut it close. That’s the problem trying to be spontaneous. I know you’re here overnight, so I wanted to see if you’re free after the game.”

Austin came across the country for a date.

Impressive.

I grinned so big I thought my face might split.

“It’s so good to see you.” I stepped forward, and he pulled me into a tight hug. It felt weird with me taller than him because of the skates—usually he was a touch taller.

The embrace felt good, despite the gear that kept me from feeling too much of him.

“Oh good,” he said, relief obvious. “I worried this might be a bad choice.”