Page 10 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

The look Coach throws my way tells me he knows what I’m thinking. Liam will likely be a problem this semester. He’ll likely be an even bigger issue once word gets out I’m gay if his reaction to our closeness earlier is anything to go by. Too bad though. I have zero intentions of hiding it. Especially not when I intend to pursue the guy I ran into earlier.

I have to find him first though.

It’s on my list of things to do this week. I doubt he’ll be thrown in my path again today.

“That’s good. I have a feeling you’re going to ruffle a few feathers. The boys aren’t used to being challenged,” Coach says when I don’t elaborate further.

“Yes, sir. I understand.”

He nods to me, basically giving me the green light that our conversation is done. I’ve learned he’s not a very talkative man. His gestures and expressions say more than his words do.

Should I tell him about my sexuality up front? Would it be a good idea to see how he feels about it as a backup in case things escalate?

I clear my throat. “There is one thing I want to talk to you about before I go.”

His gaze holds mine. A calm settles over me. No matter what comes next, I know I’m good at hockey. He can’t kick me off the team, nor can he discriminate me for who I like to fuck. There are legal protections in place, along with a code of conduct from the school. I triple checked before I accepted the offer.

“I’m gay.”

Coach snorts. “Ok, and?”

“Well, I wanted you to know in case it’s an issue for the team. I’m not in the closet, nor do I want to be.”

In fact, there’s a fucking gorgeous guy I want to track down and claim right this minute.

Of course, I don’t say that out loud. No need to make this more awkward.

Though, really, Coach is handling it better than I imagined he would. My research about America prepared me to face some close-minded ways. It’s not all that far off from Russian ideals about the perfect family and good work ethic.

“Son, I don’t care where you get release unless it affects my team. Do you want to fuck a teammate?”

I nearly gag at the suggestion. My fellow athletes are not who I’m attracted to.

“Not at all, Coach.”

He leans back in his chair, a smug look on his face. “Then there’s no issue on my end. You might have some guys talk shit. Just ignore them. Some of the biggest athletes in this town are gay and proud. They wouldn’t dare say it to any oftheirfaces. You’re on the path to being on that level. Don’t let their jealousy and bigoted mindsets tear you down.”

Shit.

That’s kind of poetic.

At least, for a hockey coach it is.

“Thanks, Coach. I appreciate you.”

I leave his office feeling better than before. Grabbing my bag I’d left in the main area, I turn to leave, only to stop when I hear the guys talking shit about some guy named Rodney. They throw around some not-so-nice names, though none are homophobic or hateful. It’s shit people say when they’re jealous of someone else.

Whoever this Rodney guy is, Liam sure has a hard-on for him.Poor guy.

My first class of the day is one of my basic courses: English. While everyone else might find the curriculum straightforward, I’m already concerned about how I’ll keep my grade up. It’s the subject I’m most likely to fail by far.

I get to the lecture hall with ease. Taking a seat near the middle of the room, I pull out a notebook and prepare myself to do my very best. My grades have to stay high enough for hockey. I also need them to be good to keep my scholarship.

A lot is riding on me passing the class.

The rest of the room fills up as the clock ticks down to the start of the lecture. I’m both excited to get started, while also dreading the upcoming lessons.

Except, my dread turns to joy when the professor walks in with a familiar face behind him. It’s the guy from the library.

---