Page 10 of Icing the Play

“You be quiet.” Finley threw Sutton a look. “We’re not working on you right now. I’ve got to get this offensive line acting like a well-oiled machine.”

“Maybe if we still had Hodge…” Neuman skated a circle around the goal.

With a howl, Sutton said, “Way to chirp on the guy who might give you assists. Damn.” He shook his helmeted head.

My chest pricked, and I skated toward Neuman. “You wishyou could play half as good as Hopkins. Then maybe I wouldn’t feel like I had?—”

“Cummings!” Coach grabbed my arm and swung me around. “That’s enough.” He faced me and in a low voice, he said, “I know all your friends have moved on. But you’ve got to work with the guys we’ve got this year. You can do this, Cummings. I think you’ve got what it takes to be in Neuman’s line. But I’m not going to just give it to you. You’ve got to earn it.”

My gut knotted, and I chewed on my mouthpiece. This was fucked. Neuman was kind of an asshole and a showoff. Mason was too, but at least he had the skill to go with it. “Yeah, okay. I’m sorry.” Hanging my head, I skated a circle around Coach, resting my stick on my thigh pads. With a huff, I locked my gaze on Neuman. I had to pull my head out of my ass. “Come on, man. Let’s go again.”

After the morningskate and peeling off all my gear except my compression garments, I headed into the workout room and grabbed a roller from the corner. My hip was stiff this morning. I didn’t need a fucking injury right now. Throwing the roller on a mat on the floor, I lowered to the ground.

Neuman hopped off a stationary bike and stepped to me, his blond curls wet and hanging over his blue eyes. “Hey, I’m sorry about what I said at practice today.” He knelt to sit beside me with his legs crossed. “There’s a lot of pressure this year. Feels like more than normal, doesn’t it?”

“Sure does.” With a grimace, I pressed my thigh to the roller and rocked. After an initial sting, the muscle relaxed. My gaze met his. “Hey, apology accepted and I’m sorry too. It’s been hard not playing with the squad this year.” I looked around the workout room, most guys stretching, some on bikes or treadmills. “I think I’m the only queer guy on the team now.”

With a chuckle, Neuman patted my ass. “How do you know? Maybe some guys aren’t out yet. Maybe they’re watching you to see how you’re treated before they make any announcements.” He tilted his head, watching me. “You had the benefit of your buddies when you all came here.” With a shake of his head, he smirked. “You were all pretty bold. Especially fucking Hopkins.” He dipped his head. “You know I idolized him, right? You weren’t wrong out on the ice. Hopkins was, and still is, the best.”

Warmth crept through my chest. Maybe Neuman wasn’t all that bad. I eyed him. “Are you coming out to me now?” I lifted the edge of my lips.

“Fuck no.” He hopped up. “I have a girlfriend who I adore, and it’s staying that way.” He swiveled and walked off, chuckling to himself.

I scanned the room again. If some of these guys were queer, who would it be? Could it be I wasn’t alone after all?

After showering,I headed across campus in the midday sunshine to my next class. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I stopped, sliding it out and holding it to my face.

JJ

Hey, are you busy?

I tapped the screen.

Myles

Heading to an ethics class. You?

The three dots blinked at me.

JJ

I was sitting here thinking about last night. We clicked, right?

My heart stumbled, and I parted my lips. Was he about to askme on a date? How did I feel about him? My dick had been more interested in fucking Cooper. Why the hell wasn’t Cooper queer? I texted back.

Myles

Yeah, we clicked. I had a good time with you.

Well, now I’d solidified it. I pursed my lips. How bad would it be to go on a date with him? If it failed, we were adults. We could admit defeat and still be friends.

JJ

I want to take you to dinner. How about tomorrow night? Do you like Postinos?

A wine bar? He was sort of a wine bar kind of guy... As a smirk slid across my lips, I texted.

Myles

---