Page 99 of Role Model

“I am. I know a lot of guys hate it, but I never thought I’d be invited, y’know? Now I’m going for the second year in a row. Plus, I’m heading to Vancouver for the rest of the week to hang out with my nephew. I can’t wait. Lisa is going to meet me there.”

“Nice. Is Ilya excited, do you think?”

“He seems to like All-Star games,” Wyatt said. “I think he enjoys the opportunity to annoy all of the biggest stars at once.”

Troy smiled at that.

Later, when he was walking to his car, Ilya caught up with him. “Big plans for the week off?” Ilya asked.

“Not really.”

“Just hanging around Ottawa?”

“Yep.”

Ilya smirked. “Interesting.”

Troy narrowed his eyes. “No it isn’t. It’s the opposite of interesting.”

“You could make it interesting. With Harris.”

“Shut up!” Troy glanced around frantically, but they seemed to be the only ones in the garage. “I’m going out with him tomorrow night.”

“Holy shit, Barrett. That is adorable.”

Troy scratched the back of his head nervously. “It’s a date, I guess. I mean, I think it is. I hope it is.”

Ilya poked his shoulder. “He is a good guy. Treat him well.”

“I know. I will.”

“Yes,” Ilya agreed sternly. Then his face softened into a crooked smile. “Where are you taking him?”

“He’s taking me to a concert. Fabian Salah.”

“Fabian! I did not know he was in town.”

“You know him?”

Ilya stared at Troy like he was an idiot. “Yes. He is Ryan Price’s boyfriend. Ryan Price who coaches at my camps.”

“Right. I forgot.”

“I saw Fabian play once,” Ilya said. “In Montreal. He is very good. Very...pretty.”

“Oh yeah?”

Ilya grinned. “Fabian and Ryan is like Beauty and the Beast. Wait until you see.”

Troy nodded, and hoped his face didn’t show how anxious he was about the possibility of seeing Ryan Price again.

“Speaking of beasts, I will be making Dallas Kent’s weekend very uncomfortable.”

Troy huffed. “I can’t believe he’s a fucking All-Star this year.”

“I know. I am sorry you weren’t invited.”

“I’m fine with it. I don’t want to see Dallas, and the commissioner is pissed at me, so—” Troy cut himself off. He hadn’t meant to tell Ilya—or anyone besides Harris—about the call from Commissioner Crowell.

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