Page 9 of The Official Problem
More like Kieran used to be his everything? Like he’d fallen in love with him and then been discarded during the hardest time in his life? Like his heart never fully healed from what Kieran had done to it? How he hadn’t been able to breathe when they’d been on the ice together?
“A history. You said you played together in college.”
“Yes, sir. Half a season.”
Anyone could find that online. Kieran had been the pride of the Michigan State hockey team. If you pulled up his freshman-year roster, Matthieu’s name would be at the very bottom, a footnote in comparison. No point lying about it.
“We didn’t interact much on the team.”Just behind closed doors. Naked.“I never had a problem with the guy.”The opposite, he’d been head over heels. “Then my mom got sick, and you know the rest.”
Scott didn’t know even a fraction of it. Only one other person on earth did.
Scott mulled it over for a long moment, stretching the silence until Matthieu’s anxiety turned unbearable. “I trust you,” he said, tone firm. “I know your character, Matthieu. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I don’t doubt this was just a blip on an otherwise flawless record.”
He felt abutcoming.
“But what the league’s concerned about is the media circus this could drum up. It’s too late to adjust the officiating schedule, and frankly, I don’t have the energy or time to make sure you two never cross paths. It’ll have to be as it is.”
Matthieu’s stomach churned.
“I’m going to call Kieran’s agent,” Scott continued. “I think it’s important the two of you are photographed together outside the rink. A charity event, or something along those lines, would probably be best. Of course, as an official, we don’t want it to look like you’re best friends, but a little positive press showing you getting along would help.”
Matthieu’s heart sank. Seeing Kieran on the ice was one thing, but being in the same space—let alone attending an event together—was unbearable. He’d never admit it to Scott, but even before things escalated, watching Kieran glide across the ice had been torture. It dredged up memories Matthieu had buried deep, ones he’d worked hard to forget. Now they wanted him to spend time with Kieran outside the rink? Pure agony.
He had no choice. “Whatever you think is best.”
“I’ll get something set up,” Scott said. “If anyone from the media reaches out…”
“I know, sir. No comment.” Matthieu didn’t expect the press to hound him. If anything, they’d want that soundbite directly from Kieran.
“Atta boy. Now go get changed and settle in at your hotel. It’s going to be a busy week. I’ll have my assistant send details once we iron things out with Kieran’s agent.”
Scott gave him a brief pat on the shoulder before leaving, promising next time would be under better circumstances. Matthieu doubted it. You didn’t get summoned by the director when things were going well, so he wasn’t planning on seeing Scott again anytime soon.
Matthieu returned to the locker room. It was mostly empty, save for a few stragglers, Alexei among them.
“Thinking of hitting up a gay bar I found online. Want to come?” Alexei asked with a grin.
As tempting as getting drunk and maybe his dick sucked was, Matthieu was dead on his feet. After that reminder he was on thin ice, showing up hungover tomorrow wasn’t a great idea. “Nah, didn’t even make it to the hotel before I got here. I’m calling it an early night.”
Alexei didn’t bother pretending to be disappointed.
“Plus, I need to check in with our favorite exchange student,” Matthieu added.
“Ah! Yes! Say hello to my beloved.” With that, Alexei was gone, leaving Matthieu alone with his thoughts.
A text was already waiting for Matthieu by the time he reached his hotel an hour later.
Julie
Bonsoir mon frère!!!
Julie had sent it two hours ago. With the time difference, she was probably asleep, but he typed back anyway.
Matthieu
You made it to Paris in one piece?
Julie
