Page 128 of All In: The Price We Pay

He wraps his arms around me. “Because I am. Happy. Content. Relieved.” He taps my phone. “That was one of the happiest days of my life.”

Nodding, I glance up at him. “Mine, too. Being able to be seen with you is . . . Evan, I can’t put it into words.”

We knew that his coming out, the article, and the fact that we’re together would draw not only positive comments but also anti-queer sentiment. What I didn’t expect, though, is how Evan’s new management is handling it. Grady’s team monitors social media with a meticulousness I have to admire, and they don’t shy away from reporting comments that could lead to criminal charges.

Our everyday lives are worth all of this. I don’t regret a single step.

His gaze softens. “I’m sorry I made things so hard for us for such a long time. All I want is for you to be happy.”

I stroke his cheek. “I am. More than I ever thought I could be.” No longer having to lie or hide has lifted a burden from my shoulders—one I didn’t even know I was still carrying. The fact that this also puts me in the spotlight is something I can handle—thanks to my media training. Evan is also doing everything he can to take the focus off me. But I want to be there for him too. “I’m proud and relieved that I can now tell everyone that you’re my man.”

“I am.” Evan kisses me briefly, steps back slightly and takes my hand.

He spins me once under his arm, as if we were ballroom dancing, and beams at me. In his white shirt and light-colored linen pants, he is my summer dream.

“And now, I’m proudly taking my man out on a date,” he says, looking me straight in the eye. His gaze wanders over my not-quite-opaque blouse to my legs, which are tucked into shorts that are way too short and tight. “We should get going now, or I’ll forget our plans and the reservation will go down the drain.”

Laughing, I slip my phone into my pocket. “Okay. Show me what you’ve come up with for our Hamptons date.”

With a slight bow, Evan opens the door and grins at me. “You’re going to be thrilled; you’ll want to make out with me right in front of everyone.”

Together, we walk toward his car.

I’m on my way to a date with Evan Sinclair. For the whole world to see. Proud as can be.

Because we want to. Because we love each other.

In that moment, something inside me heals. Something that nearly broke eight years ago.

I hold Evan back and pull him close to me. “Thank you for seeing me.”

The smile fades from his face, and he turns serious. “I’ve always seen you. Now I can finally show it.”

And that fact hasn’t been entirely in our hands all this time.

I nod abruptly. “Thank you for showing it to me now that you can.”

His expression changes back to a beaming smile. “Always.” He lifts his head and calls out loudly, “Always.”

Always. my heart echoes, and I know it’s the truth.

Chapter 30 – Evan

I’ve walked the path to the arena countless times in my life. These steps are as familiar to me as my own apartment.

And yet, today everything is different.

It’s the beginning of the season after the Cup win. So far, Coach Denner has only scheduled a meeting and light practice. Still, the atmosphere takes me right back to my first walk there after the draft.

Blake isn’t captain anymore. There are new people on the team.

People I don’t know, who don’t know me, but who already know that I’m gay.

I’m aware that this and the possibility of new confrontations in new situations will never change for the rest of my life. However, I don’t want that at my workplace, with my team, my family, or with the thing I love so much: hockey.

I’m going to miss Blake. Not just because he always had my back without hesitation, but also as a friend. Deep down I’m convinced he’s irreplaceable as captain.

Things will go on. I know that much. But how without his calm presence?