Page 45 of The Reality of Wanting Him

Chad claps a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, Liam. We’ll make a sports fan out of you yet.”

I snort before my face breaks out into a smile. “Yeah, that’s not happening.”

Blake grins wider, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “You don’t have to like the sport to have fun at a game. Have you ever been in a box before?”

“No, but watching sports is still watching sports, it doesn’t matter how fancy the room is,” I point out. Blake laughs like I’m missing out on an inside joke. And with that, I let them drag me onto an elevator toward the fancy private suites at the top of the arena.

I really do want to do things Blake likes, and I know part of marriage is compromise. But I’m silently hoping we can findotherthings to do together that we both enjoy. Blake and Chad, on the other hand, are thriving. They’re hyping each other up and talking about what they think will happen in the game.

When we finally make it to the box, my gut sinks as we step inside. I knew that Blake would probably have more friends here, but I guess I was naive in hoping there would only be a couple more people joining us. Instead, the private room is packed. There are a few cameramen and people here with the show, and at least ten or so other guys standing around, all wearing matching Dragons jerseys. A hush falls over the room as they all turn to face us. Some obviously look confused, glancing around, not focusing on me at all.Do they think I’m also working on the show? Are they waiting for some hot girl to appear behind Blake?

Won’t they be surprised.

“Okay, listen up everyone,” Blake says loudly to the group,despite the room already being so quiet you could hear a pin drop. “I’m only going to say this once, and if you have a problem with it, you can get the fuck out of my box.” There are a few nervous chuckles as they all focus on Blake expectantly.

“You obviously know about the show by now, I’m sure they’ve made you sign a bunch of shit saying you’re okay being on TV. In case it wasn’t clear, I signed up to go on a dating show hoping to finally settle down and get married.”

No one seems surprised by that part at least, and the room remains quiet as Blake continues. “The thing that makes this show unique is you’re anonymously dating, so no names, no ages, no faces, you don’t even know people’s genders or what they sound like until you decide to move in together. I was super lucky to find someone who’s way cooler than anyone I’ve dated before, and I’m really happy they’ve been willing to put up with me so far. So, I’m going to be really pissed if any of you assholes say anything to scare him away, okay?” Blake levels the room with a serious look as they all continue to look confused.

One of the men finally speaks up, breaking the silence. “Did you say ‘scarehimaway’? Are you dating a guy?” He sort of sounds like he’s in shock, but I'll take that over angry or disgusted.

I didn’t fully appreciate that today would mean Blake was coming out to all his friends, and I really admire how he’s just going for it. I should have known he wouldn’t ease anyone into this with how confident he’s been, but seeing it in action is making me a combination of nervous and so damn proud of him. I really am glad to be at his side. I might not know these people, but I also didn’t get the impression in our previous conversations that Blake’s group had any queer friends in it, and I don’t think he knows how his friends will take the news of him being with a man.

He might be risking years of friendship with these guys right now by announcing our relationship this way, but he isn’t hesitating.Blake really is an amazing person. I’m glad we’ve gotten through all the hurdles we’ve faced so far. I want to walk up to him and hold his hand for comfort and support, but I’m going to let him have his moment first.

“I don’t get it, are you saying you’re gay now?” one of the other men asks curiously.

“Nah, I think I’m bi,” Blake announces casually, turning to me to grab my hand and pull me to his side. “This is my boyfriend, Liam.”

“And everyone is going to be really nice and accepting of their relationship,right?” Chad cuts in before Blake can say anything else. There’s a chorus of “yeah,” “of course,” and “cools” as the group finally reacts. Some of the men seem genuinely unfazed, while a few others still look confused as they exchange glances with each other, but no one says anything against us.

It’s not lost on me how big this moment is for Blake. He lived almost thirty years thinking he was straight and then he walked right into a relationship with a man without even realizing it. And instead of running or panicking or trying to deny it, he’s fully embraced it. And now, he came out to his friends and labeled himself for the first time. I’m so damn proud of him, and more than that, I’m excited because this means something big for him and for us.

Conversation returns among the group and a few guys come forward to introduce themselves. When that part’s done, I’m left standing with Chad and Blake again. I know I need something to distract myself with because this has beena lot, even if it has been in a good way. “So, where’s the beer and nachos?”

Blake just grins. “See? You’ll fit right in. But there’s way fancier food than that in the box.”

“Cool, I need something to occupy myself with for the next hour of my life.”

“At least two hours,” Chad corrects with a grin.

I glare at him for a moment before I drop the act and finally shrug, smirking as I let out a chuckle.

If Blake can come out to his friends so fearlessly, I can sit through a hockey game tonight and be a good sport.

The three of us make our way over to the fancy buffet that’s prepared against the back wall, making plates of the gourmet sliders and sides they have prepared. A waiter comes around and takes our drink orders, then Blake guides us out onto the balcony to find seats. We’re practically on the ceiling of the gigantic arena, and I quickly claim a seat so that I don’t feel like I’m about to trip and fall to my death. I focus on my food while Blake and Chad talk about the season and the team.

The announcer introduces some of the players, and someone sings the national anthem before the game starts. For the first twenty minutes, I think I might actually survive this. I zone out, let my thoughts drift, and nod along whenever Blake nudges me and informs me of what’s happening on the ice, but I just can’t get into it. Blake is shouting, jumping up, gripping Chad’s arm, losing his mind over every tiny thing that happens. I swear, I’ve never seen him this animated before.Not even when I was literally sucking his dick.

When the buzzer sounds and Blake tells me the first period is over, we all head back into the private box. He’s quickly pulled into a conversation with one of his friends, and I hang back, letting him catch up. Still, I feel a little out of place. These aren’t my people, at least, not yet, and I’ve never been great in big social settings where I don’t know anyone, especially ones where I feel like I’m being quietly sized up. A few guys glance my way, and I can’t help but wonder what they’re thinking. I’m sure they’re trying to figure out what Blake sees in me, or who fucks who, since that seems to be a thing straight people obsess over for some reason.

I try not to let it get to me, but it’s hard not to feel like I stick out. So, rather than hover, I head to the bar and scroll through myphone, pretending to be absorbed in something. I’ll give Blake his space—he deserves it without feeling like he needs to look out for me.

“No way Blake is actually going to marry a dude, he isn’t gay. I played football with him for years, and he never checked anyone out in the locker room. He probably lost a bet or something,” I overhear one of the men say on the other end of the bar and the two guys he’s talking to both laugh.

Awesome, casual homophobic stereotyping. Just great.

“Don’t listen to them,” another guy says, drawing my focus before I can say anything to the ignorant man claiming to know more about Blake than I do. “I’m Ash. I also used to play football with Blake back in the day, and despite being very attracted to men, I can assure you I never checked anyone out in the locker rooms either. Wasn’t trying to paint that target on my back,” he says quietly.

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