Page 63 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

Not that it matters. Aries has a twenty-point plan of tasks to complete. He’s not going to stop at one. These guys are going to regret ever going after Rodney without anyone even raising a fist in their direction.

I would love to hit them, of course. But Aries tells me it’s not good. Especially with me being here as an exchange student. I can’t do anything that would jeopardize me getting sent back to Russia and away from my little genius.

Bellamy, whom I’m finding to be just as unhinged as his best friend at times, believes I won’t need to resort to violence. I have to trust they know best in this situation.

“We’re going live in five,” says one of the camera people. The crew here is small. Four people, including the host. It’s a well-run system.

“Anything off-limits?” the woman asks. I can’t remember her name, so hopefully she says it at some point. Or maybe one of the others will address her.

I feel like an ass by not speaking yet. It’s not like I have much to say. I’m supposed to be playing along with the plan, not running it.

“Stay away from sex stuff. I don’t want to embarrass my husband by accidentally telling secrets,” Bellamy admits.

Aries snaps his fingers. “Ohhhh yeah. Same for us. The rest is pretty obvious. Ask away.”

Nodding along with him feels right. It must be since the host smiles, then straightens her top as the man behind the camera counts down, “Three… two… one… We’re recording.”

“Greetings, Bellport Babes and Beaus. I’m Thea Drax, your friendly neighborhood gossip here to bring you all the latest news in our fun city. Today we have a special surprise for everyone. Let me start by saying this is a sports heavy episode. If that’s not your jam, then maybe skip it, mmk?

“Alright then. Moving on. We have three guests with us. The eldest Bellport, Bellamy, is here, along with his bestie, Aries Merry. Both play for the Bulldogs, our fabulous football team. Our final guest is Andry Rykov, a new recruit to the Bellport U hockey team. He’s also somewhat important to the Merry bunch from what I hear.”

“That’s right, Thea,” Aries says, jumping in with a grin. “This is my brother Rodney’s boyfriend, aka my future bro-in-law. I also think he’s good enough to play for the Bears in a year or two, so he’s definitely one to watch.”

Her eyes practically sparkle with the news. “Oh, that’s wonderful! We here at BB&B believe in supporting our LGBTQIA+ family. It’s exciting to know we have more athletes in the community. How long have you two been dating, Andry?”

“A while now. I don’t like to put a time limit on it since it feels like he was destined to be mine, you know?” I’m laying it on thick, I know. But I blame Aries for how I feel the need to show off.

He wiggles his brows at me, then slaps me on the back for good measure. “My brother is a lucky guy. It’s obvious how much Andry cares for him, which is why I’m totally in support of their dating.”

“Same here. I met Andry after they got together, and since Rodney is like family to me too, I knew I had to vet the guy.”

“Did your digging turn up anything nefarious?” Thea asks excitedly.

Bellamy shakes his head. “Not a bit. If anything, it’s like they’re a perfect match. Add in the fact that Andry fits in with all our friends so well, and it really does feel destined.”

“Your friends? As in the team or…”

At Thea’s question, Aries leans forward. “The team, sure, but we mean the close friends. There’s me and Bell, then Brutal Bishop and Atlas, his partner. You know him, right? After that is Jake and his boyfriends, Maddox and Leon. Then you’ve got Coach Luke Swift and his partner Timothy. I think that’s everyone for now. Some more of the hockey guys jump in from time to time to hang, but that’s the core group.”

Thea fans her face. “Wow! That’s a lot of attractive men in one place. How do you deal with fans who want to approach you when you’re out? Is it hard with this many famous people — and soon to be famous?”

She winks at me, to which I simply smile in acknowledgement. “It’s not weird for me. Then again, I’m mostly in the background right now.”

“Not for much longer,” Bellamy says. “You’re having a hell of a season already. I expect the fans to start tracking you down on campus soon.”

Aries claps as if to say he agrees. Thea looks like a wild animal on the verge of pouncing on its prey. Bellamy looks casual for the most part, except for the tiny curl at the corner of his mouth.

“Tell me what else is going on with you guys. Word is you’ve all got busy schedules coming up.”

I try not to let my surprise show at her words. Since Aries set this all up, I have no clue what Thea does and doesn’t know. I also have no idea what else the man has planned for us.

Aries doesn’t leave either of us waiting long. He holds up his hand and starts ticking off items.

“Well, Thea, there’s a lot to be excited for. We’ve got some charity events set up later this month, one for the Bears and another for the Bulldogs. While you’re our first stop because we love your show,” Thea swoons at his words, “we’ve got a few more places to speak with about sports and all things Bellport. I want people to know Andry here is family, and as one of mine, he’s taken care of. People need to keep an eye on his playtime because he’s going to do great things. Also, it’s been forever since I’ve done any press, so I’m getting my PR hours in. You’re welcome, Cherise!”

At his words, everyone in the room laughs. I join in, though I don’t get the reference. I’ll have to ask who Cherise is later.

“Then we’re honored to be the first stop on your media tour. Tell us more about what we can expect from the team this season. Things are heating up already.”

---