Dating Washington (Discovering Me #2)

by Ann Maree Craven

  With a wince, Kenny reached for his phone. “It’s okay. I stuck the landing.”

  “You’re flat on your back right now, aren’t you?”

  “Of course not. I’m a hockey superstar. I don’t let a little ice trip me up.”

  “Superstar, huh?”

  “Yep.” He suppressed a groan as he picked himself up. His entire body ached, but at least it didn’t seem like he’d hurt himself.

  His phone beeped, and he looked at who was trying to call. “Ash, I’ve gotta take this.”

  “’Kay. Talk later. Don’t go slipping on anymore ice.”

  “Hardy, har, har, funny guy.” He switched over to take the call from the McCullen Agency. They were the ones who’d assigned Kyle as his family advisor a few years ago with the expectation he’d become his agent when he went pro.

  “Kenneth Montgomery?” a deep voice asked.

  “Uh…” Kenny bent down to pick up his fallen books as he wedged the phone between his shoulder and his ear. “Yes. That’s me.”

  “It’s Albert McCullen.”

  He straightened. The head of the agency? “Hello, sir. How can I help you?”

  “Young man, forget the sir business. Call me Albert.”

  Kenny couldn’t believe it was Albert McCullen on the other line. He’d had a decade-long NHL career before starting his agency, and now represented some of the biggest names in the game. “Yes, s—Albert.”

  “Now, the reason I’m calling is that I need to apologize to you on behalf of the agency.”

  “Why?”

  “We have a moral code here at McCullen, a code of conduct all our agents sign when they come on board. Kyle Henderson did not act in your best interests, and with this media storm, he has harmed the integrity of our agency. He has been fired, Kenny, and I wouldn’t blame you if you looked for representation at a different agency when it comes time to turn pro.”

  “Honestly, I haven’t really thought about what I need to do next.” He was ashamed to admit it. The draft was in six months, and he’d been too distracted to focus on his future hockey career. Distracted by his mom’s mess, but more importantly by Asher and just coming to terms with himself.

  “Kyle always spoke very highly of you, Kenneth, and we think you have a bright future. We’d like to keep you. I never handle the draft-eligible kids myself, but I want to be your advisor.”

  Kenny found his way to a snow-covered bench and sat down, not caring how the snow soaked into his pants.

  “You don’t have to give us an answer right away. I know our agency has probably lost your trust.”

  “No. I mean yes,” Kenny blurted. “I want to stay.”

  “That’s good. Very good. We’re happy to have you on board. I’ll email the paperwork today. You and a guardian will need to sign it and send it back. I’m looking forward to getting you to the NHL, son.”

  He hung up and Kenny sat there in a daze. The first time he’d been approached by Kyle his freshman year, he’d been told a pro-hockey career was possible.

  Now, it seemed more than possible. He’d get there.

  That night, he played hockey as if all the weight had lifted from his shoulders, and he could enjoy the game again. The media still circled his family, but that wasn’t anything new, and he’d get through it. He always did.

  This time, there were no more secrets, nothing left to hide.

  The Defiance Academy Knights won their game in Columbus in an uneven score with Kenny leading the way.

  The team cranked the music in the locker room as they showered and changed. Kenny couldn’t help but smile at the texts rolling in.

  Wylder: Dude… why am I watching this game online? Being friends with you is hard.

  She was not a sports person.

  Nicky: You played a-wait for it-mazing!

  He’d binged too much How I Met Your Mother. Kenny laughed.

  Killian dropped onto the bench next to him. “Stop the smiling. It’s weird, dude.”

  Kenny shrugged. For the first time since he was a kid, he had true friends. His family may have been messed up, but he wasn’t alone anymore.

  “Someday, Killer, I’m going to laugh when you meet a guy who wipes that scowl off your face.”

  “Not happening. I’m a sad sack by nature.”

  Coach appeared in the doorway of the visitor’s locker room and motioned for Kenny to join him. They stepped into the hall.

  “Yeah, Coach?”

  “You played your best game tonight, Montgomery.” He met his gaze. “But that had nothing to do with the points you scored. You were a leader out on that ice like I always knew you could be.”

  “Thanks, Coach.”

  “I wanted to check in after the news article this week. How are you doing?”

  Kenny shrugged. “I’m okay.” He wasn’t about to spill his guts to the coach. He wouldn’t tell him he couldn’t stop thinking of his dad or that the new advisor contracts burned a hole in his hockey bag, lacking a parent’s signature.

  “You’re a strong kid, Montgomery. Remember that. Not everyone is as strong as you.” He eyed him one final time before entering the locker room.

  Kenny stayed in the quiet hall, alone save for the occasional trainer walking by. Not everyone is as strong as you.

  After a few moments, he went back in, ignoring the jibing of his teammates as he dug through his bag and pulled out the folder holding Albert McCullen’s contract.

  “Killer.” He looked up. “You drove Will’s car, right?” Killian and Will drove up separately to haul some extra equipment.

  “Yeah, I think they’re packing the trunk right now.”

  “I need the keys.”

  Killer stared at him for a moment, not asking the questions anyone else would ask. After a bit, he reached into his bag and pulled out the keys, tossing them to Kenny. “I’m telling Will you stole these from me.”

  “Thank you.” He lifted his eyes to Killian's. “Really.”

  Killian only shrugged as Kenny slung his bag over his shoulder and raced from the room. He barely noticed anything as he left the rink behind and found Will’s blue BMW in the parking lot.

  Sliding in, he started the car and peeled out of the parking lot. He had over six hours to figure out what he was going to say when he got there.

  The familiar townhouse sat on his right with its brick facing and intimidating oak door. Glancing at the clock, he cursed himself for the millionth time for coming to DC on a whim. It was four in the morning, but Kenny wasn’t tired. If anything, the adrenaline pumping through his veins made him more awake than ever.

  His dad wouldn’t be awake for another two hours, so Kenny left and spent time driving around the town that had seemed like home once upon a time. He passed the White House, picturing Asher curled up on his bed and wishing he was with him. But this trip wasn’t about Asher.

  At a quarter of six, he stepped inside his favorite bakery and picked up a sack of bagels and two coffees. They were going to need them.

  He found himself back at his family’s townhome a little after six. It was early, but his father was a creature of habit, and Kenny doubted even his life falling apart would break that. At this moment, he’d be walking down the stairs to make his coffee before heading into the office early.

  Some people aren’t as strong as you.

  Kenny gathered all his strength to knock on the door. It swung open only a moment later, revealing a disheveled looking senator. His suit looked like he’d slept in it, and his hair stood on end.

  “Kenneth.” He stepped back to allow Kenny in out of the cold. “I didn’t know you were in town.”

  You’re using Asher Brooks to get back at me.

  Your lifestyle does not fit into our world.

  His father’s words rumbled through his mind as he looked at the man, and he suddenly didn’t know why he’d come.

  “I brought coffee and bagels,” he said dumbly.

  His father nodded and took the coffee from his hands. “I wa
s just doing some work in the office.”

  “But it’s six in the morning. You never get up before then.”

  “There are things to be done, Kenny.” He led him into the kitchen where dirty dishes littered the normally immaculate counters.

  Looking from his dad to the mess, he scrunched his brow. “Are you sleeping, Dad?”

  He refused to look at Kenny as he took a long pull of coffee. “Like I said, there are things to do. The job is all I have left, so I must give it everything.”

  Sympathy he hadn’t expected to feel for his dad curled inside him. “It’s not all you have, Dad.”

  For a moment, he wasn’t even sure his dad heard him. “She’s gone, Ken. And I don’t think she’s ever coming back.”

  “I wasn’t talking about Mom. I’m right here, Dad. I’ve always been right here in front of you.” And never seen. He’d tried to be a good son, but nothing ever made his parents proud.

  His father turned away from the counter to look at his son, but didn’t respond.

  Kenny had to get the rest out before he broke down. He set the bagels on the counter. “Nothing I ever did was enough to make you proud. I’m good at something, really good, and you only said hockey wasn’t enough. I abandoned my best friend when he needed me because you didn’t approve of him. I hid a relationship for two years! All because I didn’t want to disappoint you. But I can’t live my life that way. I can’t live it for you.”

  His father walked on unsteady legs to lower himself into a chair at the table. Resting his elbows on the solid wood, he hid his face in his hands. “I struck you last time we spoke. My own son. Maybe I deserve to lose you too.”

  Kenny sighed. “Yeah, you probably do. But I don’t deserve to lose my dad.”

  “When I was a young man, Ken, I had all these ideals. I wanted to serve in public office because I could make a difference. I lost my first election. I’d run on a platform of inclusiveness and fighting for all peoples. It wasn’t until I married your mother that I started to play the game.”

  “The game?” Kenny sat across from him.

  “That’s what politics is, son. Say the right thing, move forward two spaces. Make a mistake, return to the beginning. Calculate every move, every word. Your mother won me this seat in Congress that I’ve held ever since. Do you want to know how?”

  Kenny nodded.

  “She told me if I wanted to win a conservative seat, I had to run a conservative campaign. And once you go down that road, you can’t come back. In the age of the internet, our words are never forgotten, our positions aren’t allowed to change.”

  “Are you trying to tell me you’ve had to be against your own son because of politics?”

  He lifted his face. “I’ve never been against my son.”

  “That’s what you don’t understand, Dad. You can’t pick and choose which parts of me you accept. Either you love me or you don’t. There is no in between, no gray area. My sexuality isn’t just a shirt I put on or a phase I’m going through. It’s me, Kenny Montgomery.”

  “I do love you, Kenny.”

  Kenny sighed. “I think that’s the first time in years I’ve heard those words.”

  “I’m…trying. You’re right, as much as I deserve it, I haven’t lost everything.” He rubbed his face. “When you were born, it was the happiest day of my life. I wanted to be a good father, but I never have been.”

  “I’m only eighteen, Dad. You still have a lifetime to be a good dad. But I won’t keep trying to make someone accept me if they aren’t capable. I deserve more than that.”

  His dad stood and walked into the kitchen. He opened the bag of bagels and pulled two plates out of the cupboard. After slathering both bagels with cream cheese, he set a plate in front of Kenny. “You deserve so much more, son. And I can promise you I’ll try to get there.”

  “Try?” Kenny wanted more than that; he needed more.

  “Kenny, I need you to understand something. I don’t disapprove of you or who you choose to love. It has never been about that. I used to think I’d win this game at all costs, but now I think some costs are too high. Having a bisexual son may be like putting a bomb in the middle of a conservative position, but not having my son is like putting a bomb in the middle of my life. I don’t want to be alone, son. Whatever happens with your mom, I need my family. You.”

  Kenny slid his chair back and stood. “I don’t want to be alone either.”

  Shocking both of them, his dad pulled him into a hug. Kenny couldn’t remember ever hugging his dad, but he closed his eyes, letting a tear slide down his cheek. It would take some time, but it was a start.

  “Son, can I ask you a question?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Did it have to be Asher Brooks?”

  Kenny laughed and pulled away. “It couldn’t be anyone else.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck with a wry grin. “I’ll never hear the end of this from Nora.” His face sobered. “Kenny, I’m…I’m…”

  “I know, Dad.” His dad didn’t need to actually say the word sorry. It might take some time, but he believed they’d be okay.

  His dad blew out a breath. “Will you stay for a couple days? I have to head into work. We have an important vote today, but you and I have some more talking to do.”

  He thought of everything waiting back at school. Classes. Practice. Not to mention the fact he had Will’s car. But nothing could have stopped him from agreeing. “Oh, wait, before you go, I need you to sign something.”

  He ran out to the car and returned with the folder. His father read over the documents before glancing up. “Albert McCullen. Even I know that name. I thought I said you didn’t need to fire Kyle.”

  “I didn’t. The agency did.”

  His dad reached for a pen but stopped with his hand hovering over the signature line and looked up. “Hockey is truly what you want, son?”

  Kenny nodded. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “And you’re good enough?”

  “Would it matter if I wasn’t?”

  “No, I guess not if it’s what you love.”

  Kenny didn’t recognize the man before him. “But, yeah, I’m kind of awesome.”

  His dad shook his head with a wry smile. “It won’t be easy for you, will it?”

  “Dad, nothing in this world is easy for people like me, but we still have to live our lives.” He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “And who knows? Maybe I can make it easier for the next person.”

  His father signed the form. “I’m…proud of you.” He handed him the papers. “I’m just sorry this is the first time I’ve said those words out loud.”

  Kenny tried his hardest to keep his eyes from welling up. He’d been so scared to face his dad, so scared of being turned away again. He hadn’t been prepared for this.

  “Thanks, Dad.” He coughed to cover the emotion in his voice.

  With a single nod of his head, his dad stood. “I need to shower and get to the office. But dinner tonight?”

  Kenny nodded.

  As his dad showered, Kenny picked up the house, hoping it would help his dad feel less like everything was falling apart.

  His mom’s silence even after the constant articles spoke louder than words, but for the first time in years, he was at an understanding with his dad and that made everything okay again. He just hoped his mom found whatever she was looking for.

  After his dad left for work, Kenny sat on the couch and turned on the news where they spoke of today’s vote his dad mentioned.

  The senate was set to decide on a bill that would allow states to continue passing their freedom bills, discriminating against people based on religion and sexuality.

  With a sigh, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted Asher.

  Kenny: You awake?

  A few moments passed.

  Asher: I am now. Thanks for that.

  Kenny: If you didn’t want my awesomeness to wake you, then set your phone on silent.

  Asher
: I wish you were here so I could kiss the smirk off your face.

  Kenny: How do you know I’m smirking?

  Asher: ... Ken

  Kenny: What if I told you I could make all your dreams come true?

  Asher: You can bring me Chris Hemsworth?

  Kenny: Better.

  Asher: Sorry, man. There is no better.

  Kenny: I’m in DC.

  Asher: I stand corrected. Tell me where to send my secret service to arrest you.

  Kenny laughed, remembering the dance. Asher was the most ridiculous person he knew and also the best. Standing from the couch, he crossed the room to the front door and practically ran out to his car.

  With everything going on, he just needed Asher’s calming presence. He needed him to say everything was going to work out as Kenny hoped it would.

  22

  Asher

  “You should come spend Christmas here with us.” Asher linked his fingers through Kenny’s. It was another lazy Saturday afternoon spent on the couch in the White House solarium. Kenny’s second weekend visit in a row. This room was quickly becoming their spot. It was one of few places where they could truly be alone. Asher gazed out the huge windows and across the promenade, watching the snow fall outside. Christmas at the White House was magical, and it was Asher’s favorite time of the year. He was already on holiday break and Kenny would be too in a few more days.

  “I was going to try to find a way to invite myself.” Kenny chuckled, his breath warm in Asher’s ear. “I have to train over the holidays, though.” Kenny laid his free hand on Asher’s chest. His other arm was Asher’s pillow. Who knew he loved snuggling so much?

  “So, you’ll come here on the weekends, and I’ll come visit you during the week. But I’d like to spend the holiday with you if we can work it out.”