Page 77 of Snapping the Ice
“Just listen and agree.” Mason peeked at Jett. “Right, babe?”
“Right.” With a soft snort, Jett drank some beer.
During the second intermission, we’d gotten some kettle corn to share and more beer. I felt comfortable around them. After taking our seats, I grabbed a handful of kettle corn and passed the bag to Mason.
Mason sipped his beer. “Has Lucas said anything to you about coming out to our parents?” Scooping corn into his hand, he threw it into his mouth.
“No, he hasn’t mentioned it.” I studied Mason. “How do you think they’ll react? I mean, you’re out to them.” And when would be a good time?
“Mom will be cool with it. Dad will accept it, but I think Dad will be…fuck, disappointed maybe?” Mason glanced at Jett. “What do you think?”
“Babe, he’ll be okay with it. Why do you think he wouldn’t?” Jett held his hand out and Mason gave him the Kettle corn bag.
“He wasn’t cool with it when I first came out. Mom had to take him to PFLAG meetings.” Mason scoffed. “Some other dad talked sense into him and then he came around.”
Jett shifted to face Mason. “What do you mean? What did your dad do?”
Had they never talked about this? I focused on them. This was important.
“He told me he didn’t want to hear it and wouldn’t talk about it. At all. It was like if we didn’t discuss it, I’d magically become straight.” He twisted his lips, glancing at the rink. “Dad better not do that to Lucas.”
“Or what, you’ll punch him?” Jett choked on a laugh. “You can’t solve everything with your fists, babe.”
“I want to be there when it happens.” Mason’s hardened gaze cut to mine. “If he mentions anything about coming out tomy parents or tries to set something up, you tell me.” Jabbing his finger into the arm of the chair, he said, “I want to be there.” As his lips curled into a grin, he peeked at Jett. “I’m going to make sure the old man behaves himself.”
My chest swelled with warmth. Mason was serious about this. He stood up for his brother the same way Lucas stood up for me. Protecting those they loved was a common theme for them. “I’ll make sure you know about it.”
“Thanks, Ezra. You’re a good guy.” He smirked at me. “Not just a pretty face.” He settled into his chair, his shoulders relaxing. “Wouldn’t mind having you as a brother-in-law someday.” He drank his beer.
I gaped at him. Had I heard that right? “Thanks. Me too.” I could dream.
After the Firebirds won their game, we said our goodbyes, then Mason and Jett headed home. The next day’s away game meant an early rise for them. I learned more about hockey than any other sport by game’s end. Mason’s rants became humorous rather than intimidating. He was intense, but Jett evened him out. It was clear to see how he’d become one of hockey’s best.
I took an Uber to Lucas’s apartment and strolled to the elevator. As a shadow caught my eye at the edge of the building, my heart leapt to my throat. “Fuck.” Was it Tate or someone else?
I jabbed the call button a few times. The hair rose on the back of my neck. Fuck it, I’d take the stairs. I wasn’t waiting. I jogged to the stairs, taking two steps at once until I reached the third floor, out of breath.
I scanned the balcony in front of the doors. It was empty. It must have been a falsealarm. Taking a deep breath, I strode to the door and slipped my keycard out of my wallet.
Someone had wedged a folded paper in the door frame.
My nerves frayed. “Fucking Tate.” He’d come to Lucas’s apartment? With shaking hands, I slipped the note from the door, unlocked it, and jumped inside. What if he was still here? Slamming the door behind me, I threw the curtains closed on the front windows and pulled my phone out. It didn’t feel safe to switch the light on. Then he’d know for sure I was here.
Hitting the button for my phone’s flashlight, I stomped to the sofa and dropped in. Did I even want to read this? Slowly, I unfolded the paper. Tate’s handwriting was clear as day. I swallowed hard, fighting to steady my trembling hands.
Ezra,
You win. I hope you’re happy with this loser of a hockey player. If he was so great, he’d be in the NAPH by now. But whatever, you’ve made your bed. I wouldn’t take you back now, even if you groveled. You had your chance. Have a nice life.
Tate
I blew out a breath. I’d promised to let Lucas know if Tate came around again. I’d also promised to call the police. Tate had left this before I got here. So would it matter? Plus, the note implied he’d leave me alone. I rose, flicked on the lights, and ambled back to the couch.
I had to tell Lucas about this. But he didn’t need to see the note and the shitty things Tate said about him. Tate was dead wrong. I opened the screen on my phone and a text messagepopped up.
94119
Click here to see a message from CAN Health.
