Page 54 of Tough Guy and the Show Off

“I’m no stranger to tough winters. Grew up in Indiana.”

“Midwest guy, nice.” He hits his key fob and the lights on a luxury black SUV flash. “I know a great pre-game place to eat.”

“I’ll trust you.”

“And when we have a cheat day, I know the best places for that too.”

“I need to try deep-dish pizza. Never had it.”

“It’s good. We’ll get you Chicago-ized soon enough.”

I chuckle as I slide into the passenger seat.

“Did you like Boston?” Diego asks.

My heart flutters in my chest. “I did, yeah. It’s a great city.”

“It is. I like it too. The fans are great. I mean, they suck when you’re the visiting team, but I could always see how loyal they are.”

“Ride or die. Chicago fans seem pretty intense too.”

Diego chuckles. “They are. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” His phone rings and he smiles as he hits the button on his console to answer hands-free. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey, you.” A man’s deep voice comes through the speaker, startling me before I remember that Diego came out recently. “What are you doing? How’s the new guy?”

“The new guy is sitting next to me listening to us talk.” Diego winks at me. “I’m taking him to Tipperary for lunch.”

“Yum. I’m jealous.”

“He can come if you like,” I say quietly.

“Can’t,” the man on the phone says. “I’m at work.”

“He’s a trainer,” Diego explains. “Beau, this is my man, Callan. Callan, meet Beau Bozeman.”

“Bozy,” Callan says. “Welcome to Chicago.”

“Thanks, man.”

“We’ll have you over for dinner when you get settled in. I know how to feed in-season hockey players.”

I chuckle. “I appreciate that.”

“I’ll talk to you later, babe,” Diego says. “Love you.”

“Love you back.”

My stomach flutters again witnessing the open love between two men.

“What’s it like being out in the league?” I turn to look at him. “I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Don’t mind at all.” He smiles. “It’s fine. Mostly it’s the same. Every now and then some bigot talks shit or comments online, but those things don’t even register to me. Callan is worth it.”

“What about the team? Were they different?”

“Not really. They were a little surprised, but they accepted it and treat me the same. Pretty sure that’s how they’d treat anyone who came out.”

The implication is there, but I just smile and nod. “It’s good to see. Players coming out and feeling safe enough to do it.”