Page 84 of Bar Down

A chorus ofyes, coachgets shouted back and everyone resumes undressing. I keep my head down and rush through my shower. I feel bad for avoiding Juuse when he tries to talk to me about it, but right now I just need some space. I need to deal with the fact that, once again, people found out about me being gay when I wasn’t ready.

I change into my nice post-game outfit and leave right away, opting to text Ash instead of waiting for him.

Need to clear my head. Going to walk back to my apartment.

THIRTY-SEVEN

ASH

I look downat my phone and contemplate what to do. I heard Eli telling Juuse earlier that he needed some space. He’s clearly got a lot on his mind and the last thing I want to do is crowd him. His apartment is already tiny, he doesn’t need me there hovering and worrying about him.

I send a few texts to our friends, giving them a heads up about the situation, in case they see the article too.

A part of me wants to be a little jealous of the fact that Juuse and Eli were so cozy together, but deep down I know there’s nothing for me to worry about. As much as I hate to admit it, Juuse and I are alike. We both enjoy physical touch and flirting, and I don’t think what he did was anything more than just being friendly to Eli.

My heart breaks for Eli and I want to hug him and tell him it’s all going to be okay, but that doesn’t seem to be what he needs right now.

I’m searching for a hotel nearby when Juuse walks out of the arena and comes over to me.

“Meyers.”

“Couri.”

He cracks a smile and pulls me into his chest. I’m so shocked that I just stand there, letting him hug me for a moment. Eventually, he steps back and says, “Thank you, for what you said in there.”

I frown at him. “I didn’t do it for you.”

“I know, you did it for Eli. But—it takes guts to stand up to others like that. I didn’t even have the courage to do it, although I’d like to think that I would have said something if you weren’t there.”

“I’ll always stand up for Eli,” I say, vehemently.

He nods and tucks his hands in his coat pocket. “Good. It might not seem like it, but he needs you.”

I take a breath and look away. He might need me, but not right now. Last time this happened, he sent me away. Eli needs to process things and think them through before he makes any decisions. So I’m giving him the space to do so.

“Where is he?” Juuse asks, looking around. Like a 6’3” hockey player might be hiding somewhere behind me.

“He left early. Went to his apartment,” I say, trying to keep the misery out of my voice but failing by the way Juuse looks at me with pity.

“And what? He left you behind?”

“I heard what he said, that he needs space. I’m gonna find a hotel or something nearby.”

There’s a beat of silence as Juuse considers me. Then he says, “You can stay at my place.”

“Why? You don’t even like me.”

He scoffs. “I like you just fine. Besides, my condo is close by, walking distance to Eli’s.” Another slight pang of jealousy rolls through me. How often do they hang out together?

“I guess,” I relent and type in the address Juuse gives me. I end up following him around in my car and true enough, the condo is only a couple blocks away from Eli’s building.

“Make yourself at home,” he tells me once we enter his place.

“This is—really nice.” I look around, noticing a bunch of abstract art on the walls and a nicely decorated living room and open floor kitchen. The stairs to the right of the entryway lead upstairs to what I assume are the bedrooms. Hopefully more than one.

“Thanks, I paid someone to decorate it.”

I laugh and Juuse smiles at me, and for once it’s a genuine smile.

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