I am so sorry that you didn't know you could come to me with this.
You will always be the best d-partner a man could ask for.
You have my full support.
Oh, and Hailey would like to share this with the WAGs, is that cool?
Shit.
I should have asked you before I told her.
I laugh at that – I'm fairly certain the two share a brain, and I know for a fact that she's in possession of about 90% of it on any given day.
Ethan Tremblay 5:10 PM
No, man. That's totally chill.
I wouldn't want you to hide this from your girl.
Um, if she thinks the WAGs will be good about it she's free to share.
It should be public knowledge soon enough.
Knowing that Johnny's on my side, I take a deep breath and open the team group chat. There, I see a flood of messages.
Anders Lindholm 2:39 PM
We've got your back, Cap.
Alexei Kovalenko 2:41 PM
If anyone does not support, feel free to fuck off.
Evan Matthews 2:43 PM
Love is love
Nate Sutter 2:45 PM
Love you, Cap.
Johnny MacKenzie 2:47 PM
Gayest team in the NHL!
...I mean thatas a good thing.
The level of support is a little overwhelming. Still, I can't help but look at the names and think about those who haven't responded. Alexei and my assistant captain are clearly setting a strong tone. I'm sure there's someone in this chat whoisn'tthrilled by this news.
Still, after years in a league where being bullied into being homophobic is the norm, I can't help but laugh at the fact that I'm now on a team where people are bullied into being supportive. Maybe turnabout's fair play?
The one name I don't see that really hurts is Jamie's. I keep trying to remind myself that I'm not doing this for him. He was right that there's no way that would end well, putting all that pressure on this new, fragile thing that's between us. Even if we're over – and with every day that I don't hear from him, I'm more and more sure that's the case – I thought he'd voice his support.
On that note, the Uber pulls into the arena parking lot. I react to as many messages as I can with the heart emoji, then put my phone away. It's time to play hockey.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
JAMIE
