You’ve been open about your sexuality with the club. How important was it to you to be upfront from the start?
It was very important to me. I didn’t want to begin this new chapter of my career hiding part of myself, and so I made the decision to let them know before we’d even agreed on a contract.
Have you found the reception at Glevum to be supportive?
Yes. The management, the staff, and the players have all been welcoming and supportive. And having Jordan Emery and Theo Lewin at the club, who opened the door for out LGBTQ+ players in the Premier League, made it easier for me to be open about who I am.
That’s good to hear. Anything else you’d like to add?
I guess I’d like to say that yes, I’m bisexual, but that’s just one aspect of who I am as a person. First and foremost, I’m a football player, and that’s what I hope people will focus on. I’m determined to prove to everyone at the club that they made the right choice in signing me.
“This is really good,” I murmured, leaning into Cody as we read through the rest of the interview together. “I hope I get an okay reception when it’s published. I mean, I’m realistic, and Jordan and Theo have spoken to me about some of the shit I can probably expect, but—” Cutting myself off, I shook my head. “I just want people to understand that being bisexual is a part of who I am. I can’t change it, any more than I can change my eye colour or how quickly my hair grows. It’s me, and they need to either accept that or find something else to be outraged about.”
Cody pressed a soft kiss to the side of my face. “You’re you, and there’s nothing I’d want to change. I’m proud of you.”
The sincerity in his low voice did something to me. Throwing my phone down, I straddled his thighs, sliding my lips across his. “You’re amazing.”
“Mmm. Is that so?”
“It is. Best boyfriend I’ve ever had.”
“The only one you’ve ever had.”
There was that sexy growl again. Fucking hot. I leaned in to kiss him again, and then my phone buzzed.
“Fuck,” I breathed, yanking myself away from him. “I need to get that.”
“Good to know where I come on your list of priorities,” he muttered. Yeah, I was pissed off about the interruption, too, but if it was Rory?—
“Fuck, yes!” I fist-pumped the air as I scanned the long wall of text on my screen. “I have the best agent in the world.”
Cody’s brows lifted. “Any reason?”
“Well…” I tried to play it cool. “It turns out he’s got a mate who manages a hockey team.”
Cody stilled. Licking my lips, I continued, hoping this was as exciting as I’d originally thought, and not a huge mistake that my boyfriend was going to hate me for.
“Uh, so, the guy could use some advice. Apparently. He’s doing a youth training thing, and I dunno, it sounds like he might be having some issues. Rory thought maybe you could help him out. Y’know, since you’re an NHL player.”
“Rory said that?”
“Yeah, and he wants to know if I can put you in touch with his mate. He says to tell you there’s no pressure, but if you’re interested…” Trailing off with a shrug, I attempted a smile as I eyed Cody cautiously. His face was expressionless, and I had no idea what he was thinking. Should I just carry on talking? Yeah. Best to get it all out.
Clearing my throat, I read the rest of the text. “The team’s Cheltenham Storm.” I blinked. “Wait. Cheltenham. That’s local.”
Cody’s lips twitched, and encouraged, I continued. “They play in the EIHL. Uh. The Elite Ice Hockey League.”
“I know what EIHL stands for.”
“Oh, okay. Yeah. Course you do.” Fucking hell, I was a babbling idiot when I was nervous. “So what do you think? Want me to give Rory your number to pass on to this guy?”
Cody was quiet for a long time, but eventually, he nodded.
When I’d showered and changed after completing the set of cardio exercises Glevum’s physio had given me to do, I found Cody sitting at the kitchen table with a notepad covered in scribbled writing.
Crossing to the fridge, I pulled out a carton of orange juice. “Want some?” I asked Cody.
He nodded, and I dipped down to kiss his cheek on my way to the cupboard that held the glasses. I noticed the words “Cheltenham Storm” written on the pad and stopped dead, forgetting all about our drinks.
