“Why do I sense there’s a but coming?”
I grimace a bit.
“Andwe are six weeks out from the playoffs. As much as I don’t think you or me being gay is a distraction to the team, Idothink having two players dating on the team and learning how to deal with that might be.”
He ducks his head, and I can tell he’s not happy to hear this. I go on.
“Idothink we should tell management. Idothink Jack and Dave should talk strategy about it. And Iwould…”
He looks up again, his eyes meeting mine.
“Iwouldlike to tell some of the guys. Slowly. The ones we know will be okay.”
His smile is back.
“I’d like that, too.”
“And you’re right – we don’t have to be so…careful. We can be friends in public.”
“Goodfriends.”
I roll my eyes at him.
“And after the playoffs we can talk to Jack and Dave again and make plans for the rest.”
He nods, pursing his lips.
“You’re right. I don’t like it, but you are. And, as yourgood friend, let’s go grab a coffee before this meeting.”
At the shop on the corner, we grab three coffees, then head for the parking lot where my car was parked. We drive to the arena, which feels a little strange after nearly a week away. I can see now why so many players prioritize taking this week as a break from theice – it was a much-needed chance to be a person first and a hockey player second.
We walk through the hallways to the front office. Ethan seems to know the way, although I’ve only been here once, on my first day to shake hands and take my first headshots. Ramsey appears to be waiting for us – or, at least, waiting for Ethan, given that he seems surprised to see me.
“Good morning, Ethan! And…Jamie? Did you two run into each other here?”
Ethan laughs, handing over Coach’s coffee.
“Nah, I asked him to join us. Hope that’s okay.”
“Of course, let’s head to my office.”
I knew Ramsey had an office on the lower level, near the locker room, but he apparently has another up here. Unlike the downstairs office, which generally has at least three coffee mugs and a pile of sketched-out plays littering the desk, this one is pristine.
My worry raises again, concerned that he wants to meet with Ethan inthisplace – one that’s clearly more suited to hirings and firings. I’m glad I came along.
“Well, as I communicated with your agent when he notified us, we are happy to support your choice to come out.”
He sounds more…corporate…than I’ve ever heard him, which isn’t helping ease my worries. Ethan seems to share my concerns, squinting at Ramsey.
“Coach, what’s this about? You sound like a fucking publicity robot.”
Ramsey laughs gently, then gestures for us to sit down.
“Well, first of all, I’d like to make sure you’re not planning to get me fired for calling a gay man homophobic. You probably could, if you want.”
Ethan smiles at that.
“Why would I do that? Iwasbeing homophobic.”
