Cameras flashed, and Jett clung to Harrison’s arms. They were sitting in the living room watching the press conference with his dad, all of them grim-faced as they stared at the TV.
He had sat in Harrison’s lap so he could apply the wonderful pressure that made him feel like he wasn’t going to fall apart, but he wasn’t sure if it was going to be enough. He was terrified for Ryan, but his captain was like a wall of steel as hands raised and questions were allowed.
“Where is Jett Fraser now?”
Ryan took a drink from his water bottle before leaning in to answer.“He took a big hit to the shoulder during the last game he played. He’s out with an upper body injury.”
“Is he too injured to come to the press conference? Why is he not here?”
Ryan’s smile was no longer very friendly.“As I said, he is recovering. We take care of our players, which means multiple appointments and physiotherapy, and all of it takes time.”
“Will he be making a statement?”
“No. I don’t see why he would have to. I think I covered everything.”
“When are you expecting him back? Will we see him on the ice again before Christmas break?”
“Our medical team suggested a minimal leave of two weeks, and then after that, it’s day by day. Fraser is a young player, and we want to make sure that he’s fully recovered before we put him back to work.”
Fallon stepped forward and leaned over the other microphone to speak.“I think that’s enough questions for today, everyone. Let’s let our captain get back to work so he can win us a cup.”
There was a clamour of voices, but his dad was quick to turn the TV off.
“And there you have it,” he said, smacking the remote down on the arm of the chair. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Now we just have to wait for this to become old news, and everyone will move on.”
“Agreed,” said Harrison, his deep voice vibrating around Jett, soothing the ache that had sprung up in his chest. “Give it a few days and Blanchard will get into a bar fight or fuck a married woman.”
Robert laughed and let out a hoot. “You’re right, son. That man has more drama than a goose in a henhouse.”
Harrison’s chuckle was one of confusion. “A what?”
“Ignore him,” said Jett, attempting a smile. “Dad says weird shit like that all the time.”
“And if you start making fun of me, I’ll start gushing over how cute the two of you are,” said Robert, gesturing at them. “All snuggled like a bug in a rug. You make a handsome couple, I’ll give you that much.”
Christ, he felt so numb. This should have been an important and happy time in his life. He never brought a boyfriend home to meet his father, so the three of them in the same room should have been a huge deal.
They were getting along, and his dad was already calling Harrison his son and showing him fatherly affection. Jett should have been over the goddamn moon, but he was still just so—
“I’m going to take a nap,” said Jett. “Physio wore me out, and I think I need a break after watching the press conference.”
He ignored Harrison’s arms tightening around his chest and his father’s frown. He needed to be alone for a little while to reorganize his thoughts. Just a little longer, and he would feel better, he knew it.
“Alright, Jett,” said his dad. “You go take a nap, and Harrison and I will bond and make dinner in a few hours.”
Jett had already walked away, nodding along to his father’s words. Fenwick was calling him, and his weighted blanket.
In a few more days, he would be fine.
A few more days.
“Mental illness must run in the family.”
“Why did he keep it a secret? Was he involved?”
“Did you see the look on his face? That’s a guilty person if I ever saw one.”
“My favourite thing about Jett Fraser is how he puts on the golden boy act, when really he’s from a family of criminals.”
