Chapter Twenty-Seven #3
“He wears the jersey,” I interrupt. “He represents the Rush like everyone else, from the staff to players to management. If the team supports inclusivity, show, don’t tell.
I’m done ignoring Brady’s bullshit. And Hugo, I’m also done with your plan regarding Taylor.
People can deal with the fact that I’m bi and speculate on who I’m dating if they want.
If the press continues to ask me questions about my private life, I’ll ignore and remind them I’m here to talk about the game. ”
Until Finn and I come out as a couple and the questions start all over again.
Hugo nods.
“What Brady implied about you and Finn—”
My body goes rigid, and I give Hugo my coldest stare.
“We’ve become best friends, not that it’s any of your business. Do you ask every player about their relationships with their teammates?”
“Well, no, unless there’s a conflict, but—”
“This conversation is about Brady,” I remind him.
“I agree,” Range adds. “We have a meeting with management coming up about this escalating situation. But Kirkland, I want you to bear in mind that this may not be resolved tomorrow or even over the next couple of weeks. That’s not my personal preference, but I’m giving you a realistic picture of what to expect.
Given Finn’s out until the New Year, and our upcoming games, management will likely move slow on this. ”
“I get it.”
I get it, but I don’t like it. But I can handle Brady for a few more weeks. If he keeps his stupid mouth shut. And if not, he’s going to wish he did.
“You’re free to go, Kirkland.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
I ignore Hugo and step back into the hallway.
I’m desperate for a cooldown, but not from practice.
By the time I make it to the locker room, it’s empty.
I change and head upstairs to find most of the guys in the gym.
Not Brady. Slapping on my headphones, I slide onto a bike and ride until my legs let me know it’s time to stop.
I wipe down the machine, down half my bottle of water, and walk back to the lockers to take a much-needed shower.
When I’m done, on impulse, I pop down to the recovery room to see if I can get a massage.
My tension hasn’t eased one bit. The door’s open and I notice several of the usual staff, but no sign of Cody.
Maybe he’s already working with another player?
The head RMT, Errol, greets me and shows me to a room.
“We’re short staffed with vacation and sick days. I’ll be there in a few.”
Forty-five minutes later, and despite Errol’s expert hands and the calm of the music, I walk away uneasy. I’m confident in what I said to Range and Hugo, but the growing speculation about me and Finn is worrying. Worrying, but not enough to ruin the rest of the day.
I spend hours running errands and then finally pick up dinner.
By the time I make it back to the condo, it’s nearing seven, and I’ve got several heavy bags of food and an armful of crimson tulips.
It took me over an hour to find the right flower shop, but it was worth it because I’ve never been more excited to come home.
I always thought being on the road and going out partying was where I belonged, but not anymore. Not unless Finn’s with me.
I can already hear his voice from the other side of the door, and my heart beats triple time.
Only, when I step inside, there are two people in my home instead of one.
Finn’s sitting on the couch with his sling off, and Cody’s beside him, examining my boyfriend’s bare, bruised shoulder.
I should be freaking out with panic, but the only thing I feel is insanely possessive. Why is Cody touching what’s mine?
Listen to yourself.
Finn needs support, not caveman behavior. Well, not until he’s fully healed…
Cody slips the sling back onto Finn’s arm and turns around to face me.
“Hey, Sel.”
“Cody.” I nod. “Great to see you again.”
The timing is shit, but there’s nothing else to do but play along.
“You too,” he replies with a grin. “I had a day off, so I texted Finn. I wanted to pop by and see how the shoulder looks. He told me all about the leak; what a nightmare. It’s so nice of you to loan him a bedroom.”
“What are best friends for, right?”
“I texted you when he arrived,” Finn explains as he stares at me. “Didn’t you get my message?”
“I haven’t checked my phone since I left practice.
Needed some time to clear my head. Brady and I got into a shouting match before practice, and Coach overheard.
I’ll explain more later,” I reply quickly.
“Oh, I almost forgot, Finn, these flowers were left at the concierge desk as I came in. I believe they’re from your, uh, family. Anyway, I grabbed them for you.”
Finn rolls his eyes, but Cody seems to buy my explanation.
“Well, I better get going,” Cody says as he stands up.
Before I can think about it, I open my mouth.
“Why don’t you stay, join us for dinner? There’s plenty of food.”
Cody cocks his head.
“Really?”
Finn’s eyes widen comically but I give him a reassuring nod.
Time to change tactics across the board.
At first we downplayed our friendship, but now our teammates know Finn and I are tight.
I just admitted we’re best friends to a staff member.
It’s the truth. Not all of it, but still.
It’ll be a lot easier if we’re as comfortable in front of others as we feel with each other, minus the PDA of course.
“Definitely,” I offer with a smile.
“That’d be awesome!”
Awesome. That’s one way to put it.