Page 31 of Crossed Sticks

I wondered why Harper already had time off from a brand-new job. “Buffalo’s a pretty good place,” I said. “How did you like D.C.?”

“Too fucking hot, and too many people who think they’re far more important than they are.”

“Totally get it. I’ve been there a few times when we’re—” I barely cut myself off before saying “on road trips.” While I struggled to finish my sentence, inspiration struck. “I have some time off, too. If you want, we could knock around town together. There’s a lot to do here, and I’d enjoy showing you around.”

“I’d love it if you’re sure you have enough time.”

“A few months.” Remembering the coming photo shoots, I added, “There are some work things for the next few weeks, and then I’ll be totally free until October.”

“Wow. I only have until September.”

For the hundredth time, I wondered what Harper did for a living. Was he a teacher? He was plenty smart enough, and that would explain having the summer off. Tonight, I would come clean about playing lacrosse, and dinner seemed like the right time to do it. We’d have a chance to deepen our connection first. “Until September? Plenty of time to explore the Queen City together.”

He laughed. “Queen City?”

“Funny, huh? When I moved here, I was so curious I looked it up. It’s called the Queen City because it’s the second largest city in the state.”

“And there I thought it was because a lot of gay people live here.”

I snickered. “Well, there is that. And now there’s one more.”

After a polite chuckle, he grew quiet again. I tried to come up with a good topic of conversation, but he spoke up before I thought of one.

“Luca?”

I glanced over, surprised to see sweat on his forehead. “Should I crank up the AC?” I asked. “It’s hot outside.”

“I’m good.” After a sigh, he dropped the bomb. “What do you do? You have a long time off from work, so I was wondering.”

Fuck me. Shit, shit, shit. I wasn’t a praying guy, but right then, I chanted, genuflected, and lit a candle in my head.Please,please be the one guy in the universe who thinks this is no big deal.

9/

harper

Luca froze,the color draining from his cheeks. He clenched his jaw so hard the tendons stood out on his throat, and his trembling lips made me wonder if he might cry. Telling someone what you did for a living wasn’t usually a big deal. It was different for me, considering guys’ reactions when they learned I played hockey, which is why I’d asked Luca the question. I wanted to get the big reveal over with, and I assumed he’d ask about my job after telling me about his. Instead, he might be having a panic attack.

His voice shook when he finally said, “I play lacrosse.”

“That’s cool.” I thought about it to be sure I hadn’t missed something, and nope, he said he played lacrosse. When in doubt, go with it. “I played lax in high school. It’s a fun game.”

The frenzied look in his eyes made me wonder if he was about to pull over and run. He took a few quick breaths before glancing at me. “You don’t understand. I play professionally. I’m a goalie for the Buffalo Steamrollers. National Lacrosse League?”

I knew next to nothing about professional lacrosse, but I’d heard about the Steamrollers somewhere. It took a moment toremember it had been at the shinny game we had last week. Logan told me the Steamrollers practiced at our facility.

“It’s no big deal, Harper. I’m just a normal guy, I promise. Lacrosse is a lot different from other professional sports, and I don’t even like all that?—”

I started laughing. The cold dread that had weighed me down for days began to lift. I’d been terrified to tell him I played in the NHL, only to learn he was part of the big-time as well.

“The fuck?” he snapped. “What’s so funny?”

I held up my hand and tried to cut the laughter. “It isn’t funny. Listen, you may not believe what I’m about to tell you, but it’s true.”

He looked over again, blinking hard. “Okay.”

“I play hockey. I just got traded from the Barracudas to the Warriors. I’ve been afraid to tell you because guys don’t always take it well.”

“You’re serious?” He twisted his head, glancing between me and the road. “Youareserious.”

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