Page 85 of Icing the Play

“You are?” What the hell would they talk about? I stared at him as he walked through the sliding doors and into the backyard with Dad. This was so weird.

Mom narrowed her eyes. “Okay, so how long have you been dating Cooper?”

“I don’t know, a few months?” Had it only been that long? We’d been living together, so it felt like longer. “He’s living here with me.” I pressed my lips together.

“I know. Your father told me.” She cocked a brow. “It’s a little quick to be living together. But he seems like such a nice boy, eh.”

“He is, Mom. He moved into the house before we started dating.” I’d never spoken to Mom about anyone I’d dated. It was kind of nice, but also strange. I shifted on the couch and my knee ached. My damned leg was getting stiff.

“Myles, I have so many questions. Like, have you had a boyfriend before?” She lifted her brows.

“No, I haven’t. I don’t date much. I, uh…” Fuck, how do you tell your mom you only like hookups? After biting my lip, I said, “I’ve been focusing on hockey.”

“Oh.” She moved the phone to her other hand. “How bad is your knee? Will you be out long?”

“It’s a sprain and the ER doc thinks I’ll be out for four to sixweeks, eh.” My chest constricted. I should call Dean next. My injury probably doomed my chances with the scout.

“Oh no, dear, that’s terrible. Your father said a scout wanted to see you this weekend. I suppose that’s off.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” I couldn’t dwell on it too much, or I might lose my shit again. I tensed my jaw.

“You were playing so well, too.” She tsked.

“Mom, is that Myles?” Ethan’s voice carried through the phone.

“It is.” She glanced away and then focused on me. “He doesn’t know yet. I’ll let you tell him…” Her brows wrinkled. “And tell him everything, okay?”

“What’s going on?” Ethan dropped in next to Mom, his dark hair curling on his forehead and his brown eyes focusing on me. “Hey, bro, I heard the Kraken are looking at you?”

A knot formed in my stomach. At this rate, he’d surely be signed before me. If it ever happened. “They were, but I sprained my knee. A guy on a scooter hit me on campus?—”

“What the hell, dude?” His brows lowered. “A fucking scooter?”

“Language, Ethan,” Mom said with a scoff. “I’ll let you boys talk.”

“Yeah, I’m on crutches and won’t be playing for four weeks.” I wouldn’t let this go the full six weeks. Fuck that. I sipped my whiskey, glancing at Dad chatting with Cooper on the patio, the two of them grinning at each other. Holy shit…so damned odd.

“Don’t worry, bro. With how you’ve been playing, I’m sure they’ll come back around.” He beamed at me. “You’ve been an inspiration this year.”

“What? I have?” I widened my eyes. Would I still be an inspiration after I came out?

“Sure. I’ve been using the move you taught me over the summer, the one where you deke the goalie and shoot into the corner of the net? Love it.” He chuckled.

“Oh, yeah.” If only I had his confidence. “Ethan, there’s something I have to tell you, eh.” I gritted my teeth.

“Yeah? Go ahead.” He glanced away from the screen. “What, Mom? I’m listening.” He scoffed, his attention shifting to me. “Mom says you have something important to tell me.”

“Ethan, I’m gay. I’m uh, I have a boyfriend.” I winced as my heart pulsed.

He stared at me, his jaw dropping. “Oh.” His lips curled into a smile. “That explains the lack of puck bunnies.” With a snicker, he said, “Who’s the lucky dude?”

I took a deep breath. Okay, it had been easier than I’d thought. “It’s Cooper Hayes. He was my friend in high school?—”

“Oh yeah, I remember that guy. Is he still playing football?” He gave me a warm grin.

“He is. He’s going into the draft this year.” I peered out the patio doors. Dad and Cooper were in some deep conversation.

“Cool, so with you both playing in professional leagues, you two will make bank.” He rubbed his fingers and thumb together.

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