Chapter 27
THEO
If Theo thought that watching Rowan play NHL hockey was incredible, he was utterly humbled by the show he was putting on in the playoffs.
Rowan had more points than any other player in the postseason this year by a wide margin.
He was already being talked about as being a prime contender for the Conn Smythe.
Theo could easily imagine Rowan winning the MVP award.
As they hopped over the boards for their last shift in game six of the conference finals, he ran out the clock with Rowan on his wing and he had the overwhelming feeling of gratitude just to witness Rowan’s greatness.
He would blame his simping on his feelings, or heart, or whatever, if the rest of the hockey world wasn’t also on their knees for number thirteen along with Theo.
As the clock ran down, the rest of their team spilled over the boards to join them, everyone throwing their gloves and helmets off.
They lined up to shake hands with the Fame and put on the silly Western Conference Champions hats that Theo already knew would go directly into his pile of sentimental hockey ephemera.
He was buzzing, and even though they were on LA’s ice, there were plenty of Serpents fans there, staying to cheer them on as the Campbell Bowl was brought onto the ice and presented to Vic.
The list of hockey superstitions was long, and Vic declined to touch the Western Conference Champions trophy as they were all arranged around it for a photo.
Theo had never felt this good playing hockey before. Every time he thought some change was going to fundamentally fix him, whether that was a change in team or league, the old saying, “wherever you go, there you are” haunted him. Even when things were good, they were always shy of being great.
Now he knew it wasn’t a team or league problem. It was a Rowan problem. And now that he had Rowan back, he could get on with the rest of his life. Part of him had always been waiting for Rowan.
The locker room was finally celebrating. They had a trophy. When they got home from their roadie, they would have their twelfth Stanley Cup playoff game-winning puck to put into the display board in their own locker room.
They only had four wins standing between them and the hardest trophy to win in sports. And while he was proud of the Western Conference win, and the banner that would go up to hang from the rafters in their building at the beginning of next season, he didn’t come this far just to come this far.
The equipment managers had started setting up Rowan’s and Theo’s stalls next to each other, and they barely got any time to themselves after they finally left the ice before there were reporters gathering around the two of them. Rowan had another four-point night, and Theo had a goal and an assist.
Theo wasn’t offended when Rowan was requested by the reporters that night.
He was never surprised when people wanted to put the spotlight on Rowan, and while it bothered him in the years after the draft, it didn’t bother him now.
His heart ripped open with the raw pride he felt whenever Rowan achieved anything.
“You get both of us,” Rowan told the reporters, nudging Theo to stand up too to face the phones and digital recorders. He hooked an arm around Theo’s neck, which only worked because Rowan was still wearing skates, and Theo had taken his off.
“You two sure are double trouble out there. Before Rowan signed with the Serpents, did you two strategize this move?”
“Honestly, we hadn’t been in too close of contact. You know what hockey does to friendships,” Rowan said, being graceful about the way the season started. “I chose the Serpents because I believed we would be able to do this together. Getting my best friend back was an incredible bonus.”
“You wouldn’t have followed Theo to a different team?”
“I think any team Theo is on has a chance to make it this deep in the postseason,” Rowan said, eliciting Theo’s eye roll.
“Whatever the circumstances of his decision, we’re just glad he’s here. It’s always been a privilege to be on the ice with him. I’m just grateful we get to wear the same jersey out there now,” Theo added.
“We will find out in two days whether you will be up against the Storm or the Golden Eagles. Are you hoping for one over the other?”
“Both have had strong seasons,” Theo said.
“What do you think the primary challenge is going to be?”
“Flying coast-to-coast. That time zone switch is never fun,” Rowan said.
Some guys dealt with the jet lag just fine, but Rowan never had.
He always tried to wake up and go to sleep on West Coast time, but the three-hour time difference could make that nearly impossible when they were that far out east.
“I just hope my legs still work by the end of it,” Theo said. The reporters dispersed and went to find Sammy, who had put on quite the goalie clinic that night. He was a huge reason they were as far into the playoffs as they were.
Theo was just grateful to be left alone. He and Rowan collapsed back into their stalls. Rowan kept his arm around Theo’s shoulders. He was tired, and let his forehead rest on Rowan’s shoulder.
“I need a thousand naps.”
“I need a thousand something elses,” Rowan countered.
“I highly doubt you’re up for even one something else,” Theo said.
Rowan’s lackluster laugh meant he was correct.
After the first time they had sex, Theo thought they wouldn’t be able to even stay clothed around each other, but now it felt like they were in a holding pattern until this was all over.
He needed a shower and a meal, and then he was going to pass out.
If they were lucky, they would have enough energy for sleepy handjobs the next morning.