Page 32 of Cross Checks

It was a cold early December evening with light snow falling past the streetlights of downtown Cold Pines. I slipped inside a favorite seafood place and did my best to shake off the cold.

Scanning the room, I found my firefighter buddy, Lyle, already seated at a table. He caught my eye and waved me over.

“Long time no see, big guy,” he exclaimed as I hugged him in greeting.

“What was it? Three hours ago at the firehouse?” I asked.

Lyle chuckled as he sat. “I guess I should have clarified it’s been a long time since the last social call outside of work. You’ve looked happier recently than I’ve seen you in a while. Is there a special someone?”

As I settled into my chair, my cheeks flushed. “Is it that obvious? I guess life has been treating me pretty decently lately. There is somebody.” I hesitated to share the details, but I knew Lyle probably wouldn’t be too surprised.

He leaned across the table with a raised eyebrow. “And? Come on, you can’t tease it like that and leave me hanging. Who’s gotten so lucky to snag you?”

“Okay,” I sighed. I couldn’t stop another smile from tugging at the corners of my mouth. “I’ve been spending time with Chase Taylor, the forward from the Cold Pines Cougars hockey team.”

“Chase Taylor?” Lyle’s eyes opened wider. “Wasn’t he the guy you…”

I nodded.

“And the one you thought you might…”

I nodded again to confirm his memories.

“He’s the guy you visited in the hospital, and you were all worried about before you went. Well, I guess that was a hit with him, eh?”

“I guess so.” I blushed again. “He’s a great guy.” I leaned forward toward Lyle so I could whisper in his ear. “He’s sexy as hell, too, but we’re still keeping it quiet.”

“Sexy…damn, both of you. I could rub one out visualizing that.” Lyle laughed.

I held a finger to my lips. “Shh, you’re gonna make me blush all night long, aren’t you?”

“You’re cute that way, so maybe.” He playfully winked at me.

“Aww, damn,” I groaned.

“Oh, I’m just teasing, but seriously, I’m happy for you. Two great guys are getting together. I’m all for that.”

“He’s kind of incredible if you ask me, but he’s out of town on a team road trip right now, and I miss him so badly.”

Lyle leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, I get it now; I’m the substitute, the guy who’s supposed to keep you entertained so you don’t pine away about the sexy hockey guy.”

I rolled my eyes, and just in time, our server showed up to take our order. Once we’d opted for lobster rolls, Lyle settled down.

“It sounds like you’ve found something special. You deserve it.”

“Thank you. Chase has turned my life upside down, in a good way.”

Lyle leaned back in his seat. “So,” he began carefully, “are you and Chase out?”

“Out? No.” I shook my head. “That’s complicated. We’re taking things slow and trying to figure it out. A few others know, but they’re keeping it quiet…like you will.”

He nodded. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve been burned in the past, so I won’t do it to somebody else. I know how it feels.”

“Thanks, Lyle. I appreciate that.”

“Coming out can be tough, especially for someone like Chase who has to do it in the spotlight as a local celebrity. Unfortunately, sometimes people can be cruel.”

“Yeah.” I sighed as I thought about the backlash Chase could face. “I try not to worry about that. We’re happy together. That’s what matters most.”

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