Page 150 of Secrets and Lies
“Little bit of both.” I bring the packet to my lips and suck the mix down.
It’s thick and warm and tastes like salt and chemicals, but it’s effective. And I’m definitely going to need the electrolytes after scoring two goals in the first period, and we still have two periods to go.
“Really?” Hazen asks. “He’s not cool with people knowing he’s into dudes when his bestie just came out and he seems to have no issues with it.”
“It’s more his family,” I say. “It’s complicated, but he’s not ready to tell them.”
“So is this a thing, or are you just getting your dick wet and having some fun?” Connor asks.
“It’s a thing,” I tell them. “I’m not sure what, exactly, but it’s something.”
“Yeah, kinda figured it was, considering you’re you.” Hazen bumps his arm against mine. “So you like him?”
I nod.
“You don’t just like him, you love him.” Connor claps gleefully. “Oh my god, our little boy is all grown up and falling in love.”
I elbow him in the side. “Could you maybe use your indoor voice so the whole team doesn’t hear my private business?”
“Sorry,” he whispers theatrically and leans closer. “I’m just excited because now you’re officially one of us and you know how fucking annoying it is to catch feelings for someone.”
“I never said I caught feelings.”
“You don’t have to.” Connor pats my head like I’m a toddler. “It’s so obvious, and it’s kind of adorable that you’re fighting it so hard.”
I turn to Hazen. “Can you rein your brother in so I don’t catch a murder charge?”
“Fuck no.” Hazen grins. “I’m so ready to be an only child, it’s not even funny.”
“Where’s Rath?” I ask. “Why aren’t you guys bothering him?”
Hazen points to the far end of the locker room where Rath and the other goalie are in a heated discussion about something. “He’s busy.”
“Okay, boys,” Garrison calls as he waddles into the center of the locker room. “Circle up.”
“Awesome,” Connor deadpans as the three of us stand. “Another rousing pep talk from our captain.”
Connor isn’t wrong. Garrison gives the worst pep talks and motivational speeches I’ve ever heard, but we still have to listen to him and pretend like we’re all pumped up after he’s done droning on about some fable or historic moment he thinks is relevant to the game.
“Before the fall of Rome,” Garrison starts when we’re all gathered around him.
I immediately tune him out and spend the time thinking about what I have planned for West after I get my hat trick tonight.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I check the time. It’s just after one in the morning.
My stomach tightens with excitement, and I’m almost giddy with anticipation as I open my text thread with West and read the last set of messages I sent him.
Mr. X: I know I said our deal was for a hat trick, but I scored an extra goal just for you
Mr. X: these are your instructions
Mr. X: 1- you’re going to go to bed before midnight
Mr. X: 2- when you’re in bed you’re going to use your plug and get yourself nice and prepped for me
Mr. X: you can have some fun while you’re doing it, but no coming
Mr. X: 3- then you’re going to go to sleep wearing only a pair of sleep pants and wait for me to give you a night you’ll never forget
