Page 118 of The Truth of Our Secrets

Jayce

The media room fills with half of the usual press outlets. I recognize almost everyone from my playing days. The outlets that didn’t show up will kick themselves for missing out on the shit show I’m about to share. I’m grateful not everyone thinks I’m newsworthy.

Emmet and Madyson flank me, keeping my panic in check. I considered doing a written press release, but this will get more airtime and cut off Peter’s manipulations.

My hands shake and they each palm my back, steadying me. I could never do this alone. Ideally, I’d live my life out in the open without addressing my sexuality publicly. No straight person has to declare their preference. But breaking free from Peter is worththe gossip. I can ignore the press. I can’t ignore Peter hurting my loves.

Our director of PR greets everyone and motions for me to step up to the microphone. My stomach acid makes mincemeat of my internal organs.

Clearing my throat, I begin, “I’ll get right to it. I’ve been in divorce mediation, but talks have broken down and things are becoming uncivil.” There are shocked and confused looks as the room assesses Madyson. I carefully avoid looking at the cameras, focusing on the people.

“I married a man in Iowa several years ago in a private courthouse ceremony.” There are loud gasps and people text at an alarming speed.

“It was not a healthy relationship, but despite that, I agreed to have a child with him and Madyson.” I hold out my hand and she’s there, leaning in to support me.

“We began a consensual polyamorous relationship. She showed me what true love means. As our relationship grew, our partner displayed unacceptable behavior, and we ended the relationship with him. But he’s refusing to grant a divorce.” People are already raising their hands for questions, but I ignore them.

“Almost two months ago, we reconnected with a man we’d met when he was in high school.” I set the paper on the podium, reaching for Emmet. He’s a pillar of strength next to me. “Emmet’s everything we’ve been looking for. He’s our family.”

People shout questions, but the PR director steps in to settle everyone down.

“I’ve never commented on my sexuality or personal life, but my ex is threatening to sell lies to the media. Here’s the truth. I never cheated on my husband. Madyson and I never had an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Thank you for coming.”

I turn away and let the PR director deal with the free-for-all of questions being hurled at my back.

Emmet threads his fingers with mine, and Madyson links our elbows. We walk until I steer us into a room used for watching film.

When the door closes, they wrap me up in a hug, and my heart rate slows. I pull them close to inhale their combined scents. The scent I’ve been chasing since the day I met them. They’re all I need and the rest of the world can go fuck themselves.

If it’s unbearable, I’ll take a leave of absence from my job until everyone forgets about the bi former hockey player in a throuple.

“I think we should move apartments,” I blurt out.

Madyson claps her hands, but Emmet shuffles his feet.

“I’ve thought about this and have some ideas. There’re not a lot of apartments we could buy that we’d consider move-in ready.” Iguide them over to the couch the coaches usually use. “Zero real estate listings have a soaker tub.”

“Heathens.” Madyson scowls and rolls her eyes playfully.

“If we have to do renovations, why don’t we start from scratch?” Their confusion would normally make me smile. “I went up to the top floor of the gallery a few days ago. It’s a messy blank canvas.”

Emmet’s frowning but silent. Madyson’s expression is calculating, mentally weighing the pros and cons.

“We could design exactly what we want, and it’s close to everyone’s work. But Madyson, if it’s too close for you, we can find something else.” Living in the same building as my office wouldn’t be ideal, so I’m unsure if she’ll like it.

“It’s bigger than what we have, and we can design it for all of us.” She’s twirling her hair around her finger.

“Are you handy?” I ask Emmet.

“I’ve done some construction work on the side, but nothing like a large-scale renovation.”

“We would hire a contractor, but if you could do some of the work, we’d save money and it can be your financial contribution until we sort out your mother’s debt.” I run my fingers throughmy hair, waiting for his reaction. It’s presumptuous, but it’s practical.

He juts his chin out. “I can hang drywall and lay flooring. I’ll save the fuck out of that money for you.”

My fingers trace from his forehead to his jaw. “For us. It’s an investment in us.” My thumb rests on his bottom lip and he nips it with a gleam in his eyes.

“I love the idea.” Madyson launches into all the things we could do to maximize the space for the three of us. She clearly has a to do list already forming in her head.

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