CHAPTER FORTY-TWO OSKAR #2
“It’s your lucky jockstrap. I’ll buy dinner for a month, but that means you’ll be wearing this.” I bounce my eyebrows. “You’d better wear it during the series too. When we’re together, at least.”
He takes it from me and holds it up for inspection. “This is no jockstrap. It’s a ribbon. I don’t think I can get into it.”
“We’ll see soon enough.”
The sun feels great as we step out of Kai’s building. I turn my cap backward, the way I always do, and Kai falls into step beside me.
“Where to first?” he asks. “High Line?”
I brush his hand with mine. “Sounds good. Though I still think it’s just a fancy sidewalk with plants.”
He laughs as if I’d said something funny. “It’s more than that, you heathen. Pretend you’re seeing it for the first time.”
With the city buzzing around us, we make our way to the elevated park.
For once, we’re not the center of attention.
It’s nice to be two regular guys in shorts and T-shirts, enjoying the afternoon.
The High Line is surprisingly peaceful, with wildflowers growing between old railroad tracks, and art installations to keep it feeling modern.
“See?” Kai says, gesturing around. “Much better than walking on the street.”
“You’ve got me there. It’s a big improvement over dodging taxis and tourists.”
We walk quietly while Kai unwinds after the Condors’ morning practice. When we reach a shady spot, he takes my hand.
“You nervous?” I ask as we look at a sculpture made of scrap metal.
“A little,” he admits. “San Jose’s good, but we’re better.”
“That’s the spirit.” I bump his shoulder. “Though I seem to remember someone getting pretty excited watching them last night.”
“Shut up. I was only analyzing their weaknesses.”
“Is that what you call it? Looked more like you were about to have a fit when they scored that power play goal.”
“And at least I didn’t spill beer all over the floor like some people,” he says.
“Hey, that was your fault. You attacked me with a pillow.”
“A love tap. And you’re the one who brought up my… excitement level.”
I laugh. “You do get very excited, you know. When we—”
“Don’t!” He’s blushing even more than usual.
“Why, baby? It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re boyfriends.”
He lowers his voice. “I’m not ashamed. But we’re in public, and even though we don’t want to hide, the Cup Finals start in two days. I don’t need stories about Kai the sex maniac all over social media right now.”
I burst into a loud laugh. “Sex maniac?” Then I cover my mouth and glance around. “Sorry. We’re safe, though.”
He gives another scoff they can hear in Stockholm. “You are impossible.”
We come to an area where local artists are selling their work.
“Look at these.” Kai stops at a booth selling quirky prints of New York landmarks. There’s one of Condors Arena with cartoon hockey players skating around the ice. “I like this. Should we get it for the living room?”
“Depends,” I say. “Do they have one with a goalie letting in soft goals?”
“Asshole.”
He asks the artist something I can’t hear, and she digs through some things behind her table.
“Here we are,” she says, holding up a nearly identical print of the Fury’s arena. She looks at me. “You’re the Fury fan?”
“Yes I am, and I want that.” I look at Kai and ask, “How about over by the doors to the balcony? Nothing is hanging there.”
He nods. “Been saving it for something special. These are just right.”
We pay and then walk on. As we near the end of the High Line, I brush his hand. “Should we make vacation plans for after the series? I can work on that while you’re busy winning.”
“Okay. Somewhere warm, but not too hot. Beach, drinks with umbrellas, no hockey.”
“Sounds perfect,” I say, unable to resist looking him over. “But I’m not sure I can handle seeing you in a swimsuit every day.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners. “You’ll manage. Any ideas?”
“Hm. Italy maybe? Greece?”
His eyes light up. “I’ve never been to Greece.”
“It’s a beautiful country. We could sail around some of the islands too.”
“You can sail?” he asks.
“No, but I can hire someone who can. Let me take care of this while you’re busy.”
“Deal. But I get to approve the hotel.”
I love that we’re not two hockey players discussing a hypothetical vacation. We’re Kai and Ozzy, making plans like any other couple.
We leave the High Line at 23rd Street and walk back to Kai’s. Along the way, he reaches for my hand and holds it all the way to his building.
“Today was nice,” he says as we step inside the cool lobby.
“It was.”
In the elevator, he surprises me. “You should bring over more clothes and things. Half of the closet in my room is empty, and I’ll move stuff around in the drawers. If I need to, I can put some of my things in another bedroom.”
He’s trying very hard to act casual, as if he only invited me over for a swim, but his eyes tell me there’s a lot riding on my answer. But if I make a big deal out of it, he’ll get flustered.
“Okay,” I say. “I’ll do it while you’re at practice tomorrow.”
“Perfect.”
The elevator opens, and I can’t help but smile as he steps aside so I can unlock the condo door.
Just a normal afternoon with my boyfriend, walking around the city that’s starting to feel like home. Getting a clear signal that he wants me to stay. And my heart racing because I wasn’t sure this would ever happen for me.