Page 99 of Skating to Him

“I don’t think Aaron would out you.” Teddy tutted. “He’s not stupid.”

“And he looks up to you.” I wound an arm around his shoulder, a headache starting in my temples. Explaining ourselves was really going to suck. What the hell were we in for?

“So what should we do?” Rowan looked from me to Teddy and then tipped his head back. “Fuck, I have to come out to my brothers.”

“Why not just come out to your whole family?” Teddy grabbed Rowan’s forearm. “They’ll be behind you on this.” He looked past Rowan to glance at me. “You two are solid.Whatever happens, you have each other. There’s no denying the love between you. Your parents will see that.”

“Even through black eyes, split lips, and a nasty bump on the head?” With a shake of his head, Rowan freed a stuttered chuckle. “This is so fucked up. They’re probably going to think we got beaten for being a gay couple.”

“But you didn’t. Just tell them…” Teddy choked out a laugh. “Jesus, Rowan, the shit you get yourself into.”

We pulled to the curb in front of a brick apartment complex, and Teddy opened his door. “Just tell them the truth. It’ll work out.” He stepped out of the SUV. “And call me when it’s over.”

“Okay, thanks, man.” With a quick hug, Rowan kissed his cheek. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Teddy shut the door, stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket, and walked up a path toward the building.

As the car drove off, I slid my hand into Rowan’s, threading our fingers. “No matter what happens, Teddy is right. We’ve got each other. I’ve got your back, all the way. Doesn’t matter what happens. Okay?” My gaze locked on his.

“Okay. Thanks, babe.” He rested his head on my shoulder.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ROWAN

The Uber dropped us off at my home, and I looked over the front yard at it, lit up like a fucking Christmas tree. They were all up and waiting for us. “Here we go.” With my gut churning in knots, I held tightly to Tyler’s hand and walked up the steps to the front porch.

The door swung open, and Aaron stood there, his brows furrowed. “Did you get my text?”

“I did.” With a glance at Tyler, I walked toward Aaron.

Danny stepped out from behind Aaron. “I tried to tell him it was no big deal.” His mouth dropped open. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Let us inside, and we’ll explain.” I brushed past them, taking Tyler with me, and strode into the warmth of the house. As I shrugged off my jacket, my gaze caught on Dad, who was studying me with a hardened gaze. “What happened?” His gaze softened, and he rushed to me, looking me over. “You got in a fight?” His gaze landed on Tyler. “Both of you?”

Tyler pursed his lips. “Yes. It was…” He clenched his jaw and peeked at me. “I’m going to let Rowan explain.”

“Aaron, go get some ice packs from the freezer.” Dadgrabbed my arm, inspecting my face. “Well, I’ve seen this before, but usually it’s after a game.”

Tyler took off his coat, laid it over the arm of the couch in the front room, and sat at the end of it. He rested his elbows on his thighs and his face in his hands.

“Shit, you okay, Tyler?” I dropped beside him, throwing my arm around his shoulders. He might have been hurt more than he’d let on. “Get me some Tylenol.”

Danny ran off.

As Aaron brought me two ice packs and some paper towels, I pressed one against Tyler’s forehead and helped him lean back. He looked terrible. “There you go, babe.”

“Babe?” Aaron giggled through a scoff. “So this is real? You’re gay?”

I didn’t give a fuck anymore. “Yeah, I mean, no, I’m bisexual. But Tyler is my boyfriend.” I fixated on Aaron and then on Dad, who was rubbing his forehead, his gaze dashing across Mom’s patterned rug.

Danny came back with a glass of water and two pills. “Here. How’d he hit his head?”

I gave the pills and water to Tyler, and he swallowed them. “The asshole who posted the picture came into the bar looking for a fight. He’s a hockey player for Providence, and the guy’s been pissed at me for years for hooking up with hisgirlfriend.Once.” I spat out the last words, a hot poker slicing through my chest. “His girl is a cheater, and he’s an idiot for not knowing it.” I squeezed the back of Tyler’s neck. “You feeling any better?”

“Yeah, just got a little woozy for a minute.” He gave me a forced grin.

I looked over my family, all watching us with wide eyes except for Dad. He wouldn’t look at me. Why? “Anyway, one of the guy’s goons went after Tyler and head-butted him when Tyler tried to defend me.”

---