Page 51 of Speak in Fever
"You get her number?" Terrible asks.
"Got her number, took her to dinner the next night, and we've been texting every day since." Raul's smile is soft in a way that suggests this is more than just road trip fun. "She might come visit Portland."
"Damn, Raul," Harley says with genuine approval. "That's serious."
"Maybe," Raul admits, but he's still smiling. "We'll see."
The conversation continues around the table, teammates sharing stories about dates and near-misses and the complicated logistics of dating as professional athletes. Percy finds himself listening with half an ear, more focused on the way Rath has gone progressively quieter as the night has worn on.
"What about you, Cap?" Terrible asks, turning his attention to Percy. "You've been suspiciously quiet. Any road romance brewing?"
Percy's eyes flick briefly to Rath before returning to his beer. "Not really my scene," he says carefully. "I prefer to keep things simple on the road."
"Simple's boring," Torres protests. "Live a little! We're young, we're professional athletes, we're in a different city every week. The opportunities are endless."
"Endless opportunities for complications, you mean," Percy replies dryly. "I've got enough to worry about without adding dating drama to the mix."
"Fair point," JP concedes. "Though you can't stay single forever, Cap. What are you waiting for?"
The question hangs in the air, and Rath finds himself holding his breath, waiting for Percy's answer. But before Percy can respond, Terrible's attention shifts.
"What about you, rookie?" Terrible asks, focusing on Rath with obvious interest. "You seeing anyone or just hooking up on the road?"
All eyes turn to Rath, and he feels heat climbing up his neck. This is dangerous territory—too many questions, too much attention on his personal life when he's been so careful to keep things private.
"I plead the fifth," he says finally.
"Oooh, that sounds complicated." Terrible leans forward with obvious interest. "Long distance? Secret relationship? Married woman?"
"Jesus, Terrible," Raul mutters. "Let the kid have some privacy."
"I'm just curious! He hooks up with one girl while we’re on the road and suddenly he’s being mysterious."
Rath takes a long pull of his beer, trying to figure out how to navigate this conversation without revealing too much. The problem is, his teammates are like dogs with bones when theysense a mystery, and his evasiveness is only making them more curious.
And, maybe, this is something he wants to tell them. Maybe this is something he doesn’t want to keep to himself anymore.
"I didn’t hook up with a girl,” he says carefully, and feels a little emboldened when JP nudges his foot underneath the table. “Just so we’re clear.”
The table goes utterly silent for a long moment, and Terrible’s mouth opens in a surprised ‘O’. Across the table, JP smiles at him. He doesn’t dare look at Percy.
“Well that explains a lot,” Torres finally says, taking another draw from his beer.
"So this is why you've been so cagey about dating," Terrible observes. "Makes sense. Can't be easy, being in the closet in hockey."
Rath feels the tension in his body slowly drain.
"I'm not exactly broadcasting it," Rath admits. "The league isn't exactly known for being progressive about this stuff."
"Fuck the league," Harley says bluntly. "Your personal life is your business. Anyone has a problem with it, they can take it up with us."
The fierce loyalty in his voice makes Rath's throat tight with gratitude. He'd been so afraid of this moment, so convinced that coming out would change everything, but his teammates are just... accepting it. Like it's no big deal.
“Hey, this doesn’t explain why you never hit on anyone at clubs,” Raul says, bringing the conversation back around. “Do you need us to hook you up? Should we go to a gay bar?”
“If we go to a gay bar then Harley is gonna get hit on more than anyone,” Torres says, and Harley snorts into his beer.
“No, I’m serious. We should be better wingmen.”
