“Uh, okay,” Sam mumbled. “But Cross wasn’t out as anything LGBTQ.”
“I guess I am now,” Cross said, actually smiling. He seemed happier about that than Rusty would’ve imagined. “I should’ve come out when Scotty did, but I had things to work through. The best time was then, but the second-best time is now.”
“You really want to support this story?”
“The queer part, sure.” Cross gave Rusty’s hand another squeeze. “Probably not any of the rest, but I’d need to read it.”
“How the hell did that get out in the first place?” Rusty demanded. “Isn’t Tyler still in jail? How could he talk to the press?”
“His lawyer smuggled the story out to sell, I’d bet.” Sam sounded disgusted. “Making sure he got paid, probably.”
“Makes sense. Tyler’s broke ass wasn’t going to afford a lawyer otherwise.” Rustyhatedthat their relationship was going to pay to help the guy who fucking kidnapped them. That felt like an extra kick in the nuts.
Cross asked his agent, “What do you suggest now?”
“You’ll want to call the Rafters, if you haven’t told them already. Then make a statement. I can arrange for a news conference later, if you like. I’ll try to load it with gay-friendly media.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let me know when and where.”
“Do you want it to be just you, Cross, or the two of you?”
Cross raised an eyebrow at Rusty.
The last thing Rusty wanted was more publicity as the token queer. He just wanted to play hockey. But he also wasn’t letting his boyfriend take on the world without him. “Whatever you want, babe. I’ll be proud to be beside you, or you can keep me in the background. Whatever’ll make it easier on you.”
Cross told Sam, “We’re a package deal. We’ll do this together.”
“Okay, I’ll set it up and text you the info. I got this number from someone in your organization. Is this the best contact?”
“Yeah. Lost my old phone. Use this one. And Sam?”
“Yes?”
“Areyou comfortable representing a queer player?”
“If you’re comfortable with me pointing out realities. My sister’s a lesbian. I personally support you. But as your agent, I have to tell you not everyone will. I expect to hear from a couple of your sponsors, any time now.”
Cross’s laugh sounded bitter. “Scott Edison’s my friend. I’m pretty in touch with the realities. I also don’t need their money. So sure, if anyone wants to drop me, let them know that’s fine, although I will mention their choice on my social media.”
“You think it’s wise to blackmail your sponsors?”
“Explain it as very logical social consequences, not blackmail. And you know what? I don’t give a damn. Like I said, I don’t need their money. If choosing between a queer athlete or the backlash of visibly ditching a queer athlete makes them sweat, let it.”
“What about your, um, boyfriend? Is he onboard with that? If you’re not playing nice with sponsors, they won’t take a chance on him later on.”
Rusty said clearly, “If they’re going to ditch Cross for being queer, they’re not going to ever look at my gay ass. I’ve got his back.”
Cross added, “It’s not like my boyfriend’s going to need their money either.”
Rusty flashed him a frown because fuck, they were going to havewordsabout that. But now was not the time.
“All right,” Sam said. “I’ll make your position clear.”
“Thank you.”
“And I’ll let you know when we have a press conference set up. I’ll coordinate with Rafters management so you’ll want to call them before I do.”
“I’ll do that. Touch base with my security too. I know you have Ms. Nelson’s number.”
