Rookie Move (Playing for Keeps #1)(77)

Bowling said, “The league has made it a point to stress how inclusive they are—or try to be. We have a handful of queer players. Garrett and Ramsey are some of the best players in the game. The only reason they would get traded right now is because they’re together, which doesn’t seem real inclusive to me.” He eyed Coach and management. “I don’t think it would reflect kindly on the Rush organization to let them go because they’re in love with each other.”

Terrapin and Coach exchanged a glance, and then Coach said, “You’ve both earned your spots on this team, no matter what your personal relationship is. What we’ve gotta figure out is how to get a little ahead of how this plays out.”

My brows hiked to my forehead. “Wait, you’re saying you’re keeping both of us?”

“How hard did you get hit, son?” Coach squinted at me. “Isn’t that what I just said?” I decided it wouldn’t be wise to point out he hadn’t said that exactly, but some of the tension drained from my body.

Marsh stood and started pacing in front of the windows. “From a PR point of view, here’s what we’re thinking: We need to get through the rest of this season without distracting from the game. We need everyone’s head in it, not on what’s happening within the team. So we need you two to keep lying low and get through it.”

Terrapin added, “We called this meeting before the next game because we wanted your focus to be solely on it and not what might happen in this room.” He gave Ramsey a pointed look.

“Understood.” Ramsey nodded. “And thank you.”

“After the season ends,” Coach said, “I’ll lead a team meeting to bring everyone up to speed.”

I grimaced, thinking of Nance. Probably a few other guys too. “That might cause some problems.”

“It’s definitely gonna cause some rumblings, yeah. Problems? We’ll see.” Coach put up his hands placatingly. “But we’ll deal with it, take it as it comes. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. Part of my job is negotiating team dynamics, even when two knuckleheads go throwing a wrench in everything. You just keep doing your job and let management do ours.”

I glanced at Ramsey to find him already watching me, the relief in his eyes evident, and stretching all the way to the smile that followed.

“What about the media?” I asked.

“We’ll handle that too.” Marsh inclined his chin toward Ramsey. “We can set up a conference if you want to make an announcement. Come out publicly and whatnot. Showing people that the Rush is inclusive wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

“What if…” I interrupted.

“Oh God.” Ramsey chuckled, but I put up a hand so he’d let me continue.

“Nah, just listen. Why do you have to make some big announcement? It’s not the sixties anymore. If we want to normalize loving whoever the fuck we want, then do we even need a spotlight on it? Why can’t we just continue on as normal, minus the hiding part, and if the media comes to us, fine, we can deal with it or talk about it then.”

All eyes moved to Marsh, who considered a moment and then shrugged. “We could play it like that. It’s not the worst idea.”

I beamed.

“I wouldn’t say teammates in a relationship is ‘normal,’” Terrapin said.

Bowling straightened beside me, and I thanked my lucky stars I’d chosen him as my agent. He’d always gone to bat for me. “Okay, true. But, no way it never happened before in the history of all sports.”

“I’ll bet it happens far more often than people are aware. Warner and Garrett are just sick of hiding it,” Allen said.

“The league has barely gotten used to players being out, much less an open relationship between teammates.” Coach rubbed his jaw, then shrugged. “But, like we said, however you two want to play that part, we’ll support it at this point, provided you both keep playing the way you have this season.” He gave us a meaningful look. “And I have faith that you both will.”

“Yes, sir.” Ramsey nodded, and I did as well.

“Thank you,” I said simply, then clamped my lips together so the rush of gratitude I felt wouldn’t come barreling out.

Once our agents were gone and we were in the parking lot alone, Ramsey sank against his car and blew out a long breath. “That went better than expected.” His gaze flickered to me. “You okay?”

“I’m good.” I leaned next to him, my shoulder brushing his, soaking in the warmth of his body. “Relieved I’m not getting traded. Yet. I really like my shitty house. And being near you isn’t bad either.” It was tempting to lean in and kiss the smile that followed, but I held back. Management had asked for discretion for the time being, and we could both do that. “What’d you think about not having a formal conference?”

Ramsey’s forehead crinkled. “I see your point, but I want to think on it some more.”

“I’m game for however it goes down. I just wanted you to feel like you have options. You get to make the decision.”

“I know.” Ramsey winked. “Part of what gets me all hot over you.”

“Hold on.” I narrowed my eyes. “That was specifically meant for the whole coming-out thing. You don’t get to make all the decisions forever.”