Page 99 of Tough Guy and the Show Off

“We’re not,” I say. “We’re bi.”

“Cool,” Albert says.

“Congrats,” Jurowski says. “Now we do shots to celebrate.”

Basilio huffs as he slumps in his chair. “Bad enough I have to defend against both of you again, but now I have to watch your stupid in-love faces too.” He winks to show he has no real animosity.

“Sorry about your life, Assilio.”

“Sure you are, Show-Off.”

We all laugh and drink up, and for the first time since I figured out I was in love with Travis I feel like everything is falling into place. In a few days, we’ll be back in Chicago and I can show Trav all the cool places I’ve discovered.

We can start working out at Sweat, Diego’s man’s gym, and get the best Italian beef sandwiches known to man at the little hole in the wall a few blocks from our new condo.

We’ll spend the summer exploring the city and bonding with the team, but mostly we’ll spend it being in love and together. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

“Look at this,” Harlson says, showing us his phone screen.

On it is a big banner plastered to the side of the arena in Chicago that says “#ShowBeau-t is BACK. Go Huskies!”

Travis smiles, squeezing my thigh under the table. “We’re so back, baby.”

“Oof, don’t call me that in public or I’ll embarrass myself more than the bad singing.”

“Wasn’t anything embarrassing about that.” He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “I’m impressed you did it.”

I lean in close to his ear. “Impressed enough to turn me inside out tonight?”

“Hell yeah.”

“I think I like this softer Travis,” Jurowski says. “You are less asshole.”

“Nah, I’m still the same asshole.” Trav winks.

“You’re gonna give us hell next season, aren’t you?” Basilio asks.

“You better believe it. I got shit to prove.”

Harlson raises his shot glass. “A toast.”

We all follow suit.

“To hockey and kicking ass on the ice.”

“Wait,” Peters says. “To Boston and Chicago. Two cities that rock.”

I get ready to drink, but Klaussen chimes in. “To Bozy and Show. Nothing but the best.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Trav says.

We all slam our shots back, and after another hour or so of conversation, Trav squeezes my thigh.

“We’re heading out. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow finalizing things before we hit the road.”

I watch the team stand and hug it out with first Trav, then me, and as we walk out of the bar together, I know this chapter of my life is officially closed.

“The future awaits,” Trav says, bumping his arm into mine as we walk to the parking lot. “I can’t wait to build it with you.”