Burdened Beginnings

After his father's death, Joey becomes the de facto parent to his younger siblings, Charlotte and Matt, while his mother works overtime. The weight of responsibility is crushing, leaving Joey exhausted and emotionally isolated. He juggles school, hockey, and keeping his siblings out of trouble, but Matt's self-destructive behavior and Charlotte's struggles with self-image only add to his stress. Joey's sense of duty is relentless, and he feels invisible—everyone expects him to be strong, but no one is there when he needs support. The pressure to be perfect and the fear of failing his family shape Joey's every decision, setting the stage for his struggle to find his own happiness.

Nightclub Collision

Nick, a confident football player, seeks release at a gay club, craving connection and pleasure. He spots Joey, a nervous but athletic stranger, and their chemistry is immediate and electric. Their encounter is raw, passionate, and anonymous—neither knows the other's name, but both are left shaken by the intensity. For Joey, the experience is liberating yet terrifying, stirring desires and vulnerabilities he's long suppressed. For Nick, it's a rare moment of genuine connection, leaving him wanting more. The night ends with both men haunted by what they shared, uncertain if they'll ever cross paths again.

Afterglow and Anxiety

After their hookup, Joey is wracked with anxiety. He worries about being recognized, about what it means for his identity, and about the risk of being outed as the captain of the hockey team. The pleasure of the night is quickly overshadowed by self-doubt and the crushing weight of his responsibilities. He tries to rationalize the encounter as a one-time thing, but the memory lingers, making it impossible to ignore the emptiness in his life. Joey's struggle to reconcile his desires with his obligations sets up a pattern of avoidance and longing.

Unexpected Reunion

At the campus gym, Joey and Nick unexpectedly cross paths. The shock is mutual, and the tension is palpable. Both try to play it cool, but their attraction is undeniable. Nick, more comfortable with his sexuality, offers Joey a no-strings arrangement—casual, discreet, and convenient for two busy athletes. Joey, desperate for relief and connection, agrees, but sets boundaries to protect himself. Their physical relationship reignites, but emotional walls remain. The rules are clear: no complications, no feelings, just mutual satisfaction. Yet, beneath the surface, both crave more.

Rules of Engagement

Their arrangement quickly becomes more than just sex. Cuddling, late-night talks, and small acts of care creep in, blurring the lines between friends and lovers. Nick is patient, attuned to Joey's needs, and eager to help him explore his desires without judgment. Joey, for the first time, feels seen and valued for who he is, not just what he does for others. But the fear of exposure and the demands of their sports keep him guarded. Both men struggle to balance their growing attachment with the risks and realities of their lives.

Cuddles and Confessions

As winter break isolates them from the rest of campus, Joey and Nick's connection intensifies. They share secrets, fears, and dreams, finding solace in each other's arms. Nick becomes Joey's safe space, the one person who lets him be weak and needy. For Nick, Joey is a revelation—a partner who matches his intensity and craves his care. Their intimacy is both physical and emotional, but Joey's anxiety about being outed and his family's constant demands threaten to unravel the fragile happiness they've found.

Cinnamon Roll Secrets

Nick introduces playful intimacy, using food as a sensual tool, and Joey is both embarrassed and exhilarated. Their private games become a symbol of trust and acceptance, but when their secret nearly becomes public, Joey's fear resurfaces. The tension between wanting to be seen and needing to hide becomes unbearable. Nick reassures him, but Joey's instinct is to retreat, convinced that happiness is always temporary for someone like him. The cinnamon roll becomes a metaphor for their relationship—sweet, messy, and fraught with the risk of exposure.

Public and Private Selves

As the semester resumes, the realities of campus life intrude. Joey is torn between his public persona as team captain and his private self with Nick. The pressure to perform, both on the ice and in life, is suffocating. Nick, meanwhile, is ready to be open, but respects Joey's need for caution. Their relationship becomes a series of stolen moments and coded glances, each one a reminder of what they stand to lose. The fear of being discovered is ever-present, but so is the longing to be fully known.

Cracks in the Armor

Joey's family crises escalate—Matt's addiction spirals, and his mother's blame intensifies. The weight of responsibility becomes unbearable, and Joey begins to withdraw from Nick, convinced he can't afford the distraction of love. Nick, feeling helpless and rejected, struggles with his own fears of abandonment. Both men are haunted by past traumas—Joey by the loss of his father and the burden of care, Nick by the memory of a lost love he couldn't save. Their inability to communicate threatens to destroy what they've built.

Family Ties, Frayed

Joey returns home for spring break, only to be pulled back into the toxic dynamics he tried to escape. His mother's emotional neglect and Matt's self-destruction leave him feeling powerless and unseen. Charlotte, his sister, is equally trapped, and together they mourn the childhood they lost. Joey's sense of failure is overwhelming—no matter how much he gives, it's never enough. The visit becomes a crucible, forcing Joey to confront the reality that he can't save everyone, and that his own happiness matters too.

Team Dynamics

Back on campus, the hockey team faces its own challenges—injuries, infighting, and the pressure of the season. Joey's leadership is questioned as his performance falters, and he feels increasingly isolated. Nick, meanwhile, finds camaraderie with his football teammates but misses the depth of connection he has with Joey. Both men are reminded that teams, like families, can be sources of both support and pain. The need for acceptance and the fear of rejection play out on and off the field, mirroring their personal struggles.

Breaking Points

The mounting stress pushes Joey to a breaking point. A panic attack during an away game leaves him raw and exposed, and he finally reaches out to Nick for help. Their late-night video call is a lifeline—Nick's calm, commanding presence grounds Joey, reminding him that he doesn't have to carry everything alone. For the first time, Joey allows himself to be cared for, to be vulnerable without shame. The experience is transformative, but also terrifying—can he trust that Nick won't leave when things get hard?

Panic and Comfort

The aftermath of Joey's breakdown brings a new level of intimacy. Nick becomes his anchor, offering comfort without judgment. They talk openly about their fears, their pasts, and their hopes for the future. Nick shares the story of Emma, the girl he loved and lost, revealing the depth of his own wounds. Their mutual vulnerability becomes the foundation for real trust. Both realize that love isn't about fixing each other, but about being present and steadfast, even when life is messy and uncertain.

Ghosts and Guilt

Joey's guilt over his family's struggles and Nick's unresolved grief over Emma threaten to pull them apart. Each man must confront the ghosts that shape their sense of self-worth. Joey's decision to finally stand up to his mother and set boundaries is a turning point—painful but necessary. Nick, with the support of his own family, begins to forgive himself for not being able to save Emma. Together, they learn that healing is possible, but only if they stop carrying blame for things beyond their control.

The Weight of Wanting

As graduation approaches, the pressure to decide their future intensifies. Joey is offered a chance to move forward—with Nick, with hope—but the fear of being a burden, of not being enough, lingers. Nick is unwavering in his commitment, but worries that Joey will run when things get hard. Their love is fierce, but so are their insecurities. The question becomes not whether they want each other, but whether they can believe they deserve happiness.

Collisions and Consequences

A final confrontation with Joey's family—his mother's slap, Matt's breakdown, Charlotte's support—forces Joey to choose himself for the first time. He leaves home, determined to build a life that isn't defined by sacrifice and pain. Nick, witnessing Joey's courage, is inspired to pursue his own dreams, including adopting the foster children he's come to love. Both men realize that love is an active choice, not a passive hope. They choose each other, fully and without reservation.

Letting Go, Holding On

Joey, Charlotte, and Matt begin to heal as siblings, acknowledging the damage done and the need for change. Matt commits to recovery, Charlotte finds her own path, and Joey lets go of the need to fix everything. With Nick's unwavering support, Joey learns to accept help and to believe in his own worth. Their relationship, once defined by secrecy and fear, becomes a source of strength and joy. Together, they imagine a future built on mutual care and shared dreams.

Homecoming Hurts

Joey and Nick reunite on campus, their bond stronger for having survived distance and doubt. They are open about their relationship, no longer hiding from teammates or friends. The support they receive is overwhelming, and the sense of belonging is healing. Nick's family embraces Joey, and plans for the future—together, in Washington, with the possibility of adopting children—take shape. The past still lingers, but it no longer defines them.

Sibling Reckonings

Joey's siblings visit, and the three confront their shared history. Apologies are made, tears are shed, and a new understanding emerges. They are no longer children trapped by circumstance, but adults choosing to support each other. Joey's decision to prioritize his own happiness is met with acceptance, and the burden he's carried for so long begins to lift. The family, fractured but resilient, starts to rebuild on healthier terms.

Choosing Each Other

Nick asks Joey to move to Washington with him, to build a life together and possibly adopt the twins his parents are fostering. Joey, scared but hopeful, says yes. They acknowledge their fears but choose to face them together. Their love is imperfect, but it is real and hard-won. Graduation becomes not just an ending, but a beginning—a chance to write a new story, free from the chains of the past.

Graduation and New Beginnings

Surrounded by friends, family, and the ghosts of who they once were, Joey and Nick celebrate their graduation. The future is uncertain, but they face it hand in hand, ready to build a life defined by love, honesty, and mutual care. The burdens of the past are not forgotten, but they are no longer insurmountable. Together, they are worthy of happiness, and they choose it—every day, for the rest of their lives.

Characters

Joey Carpenter

Joey is the eldest sibling, forced into adulthood by his father's death and his mother's emotional absence. He is fiercely responsible, self-sacrificing, and deeply loyal, but struggles with anxiety, low self-worth, and the belief that he must always be strong for others. His role as hockey team captain mirrors his family dynamic—he leads, protects, and absorbs everyone's pain, but rarely allows himself to be vulnerable. Joey's journey is one of learning to accept help, set boundaries, and believe that he deserves love and happiness. His relationship with Nick is transformative, offering him a safe space to be weak, needy, and cared for. Over time, Joey learns to let go of guilt, confront his family's dysfunction, and choose his own future.

Nick Wyhe

Nick is a football player with a big heart and a history of loss. Raised in a loving but busy foster family, he is comfortable with his sexuality and unafraid to pursue what he wants. Beneath his confidence lies a deep fear of abandonment, shaped by the disappearance of a girl he once loved and couldn't save. Nick is nurturing, patient, and attuned to the needs of others, but struggles when he feels helpless or rejected. His relationship with Joey challenges him to be vulnerable and steadfast, even when things get hard. Nick's desire to build a family—through adoption and partnership—reflects his longing for belonging and purpose. He is the anchor Joey never knew he needed, and together they heal old wounds.

Charlotte Carpenter

Charlotte, Joey's younger sister, is strong-willed, practical, and fiercely protective of her brothers. She shares Joey's burden of responsibility, often stepping in to manage Matt's crises and support Joey emotionally. Charlotte's own needs are often sidelined, but she is determined to break the cycle of self-sacrifice. Her relationship with Joey is one of mutual support and understanding, and she encourages him to pursue his own happiness. Charlotte's journey is about learning to set boundaries and prioritize her own well-being.

Matt Carpenter

Matt is the youngest sibling, deeply affected by their father's death and their mother's neglect. He acts out through substance abuse, self-destruction, and defiance, becoming a constant source of stress for Joey and Charlotte. Matt's behavior is both a cry for help and a means of punishing Joey for not being their father. His eventual decision to seek therapy and recovery is a turning point, offering hope for healing and reconciliation. Matt's arc is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the possibility of change.

Mrs. Carpenter (Joey's Mother)

Mrs. Carpenter is a widow struggling to keep her family afloat. Her grief and exhaustion lead to emotional neglect and misplaced blame, particularly toward Joey. She relies on him to manage the household but resents him for not being perfect. Her inability to see Joey's pain or acknowledge his sacrifices is a source of deep hurt. Mrs. Carpenter represents the generational cycle of trauma and the difficulty of breaking free from it.

Brent Wyhe

Brent is Nick's best friend and confidant, offering support, humor, and tough love. He grounds Nick during moments of crisis and provides a model of healthy masculinity and friendship. Brent's presence is a reminder that chosen family can be as important as blood, and his unwavering loyalty helps Nick navigate his fears and insecurities.

Bryce

Bryce is Joey's hockey teammate and roommate, providing comic relief and quiet support. He notices Joey's struggles and offers help without judgment. Bryce's presence highlights the importance of friendship and the value of having someone who cares, even if they don't always understand the full story.

Debbi

Debbi is a minor but memorable character, representing warmth, acceptance, and the pleasures of simple joys. Her cinnamon rolls become a recurring motif in Joey and Nick's relationship, symbolizing trust, intimacy, and the risk of being seen. Debbi's gentle presence offers a counterpoint to the chaos of Joey's family life.

Brendon Oiler, Paul Johnson, Jeremy Albrooke, Preston Carmichael

These hockey teammates provide camaraderie, support, and occasional chaos. Their own struggles with identity, relationships, and belonging mirror Joey's journey. The team's acceptance of Joey and Nick's relationship is a source of healing, reinforcing the idea that family can be chosen and that acceptance is possible.

Emma

Emma is a figure from Nick's past, a foster child who disappeared under mysterious and tragic circumstances. Her memory haunts Nick, shaping his fear of loss and his drive to protect those he loves. Emma's story is a reminder of the lasting impact of trauma and the importance of closure.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The story is told in alternating first-person chapters from Joey and Nick's points of view. This structure allows readers to experience both men's internal struggles, desires, and fears, creating a sense of intimacy and empathy. The dual narrative highlights the ways in which miscommunication, trauma, and longing shape their relationship, and how each must learn to trust and be vulnerable.

Symbolic Motifs

Cinnamon rolls, donuts, and other pastries become recurring symbols of intimacy, pleasure, and the risk of exposure. Hockey and football serve as metaphors for teamwork, aggression, and the need for support. Physical touch—cuddling, sex, hugs—represents both the fulfillment of longing and the fear of being seen. These motifs ground the emotional arc in tangible, relatable experiences.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The narrative uses foreshadowing to hint at the characters' past wounds—Joey's burdened childhood, Nick's lost love—and parallels their journeys toward healing. Both men must confront the ghosts of their pasts, set boundaries with their families, and learn to accept love. Their stories mirror each other, reinforcing the theme that healing is possible through connection and mutual care.

Found Family and Team Dynamics

The importance of found family—teammates, friends, mentors—is woven throughout the story. The acceptance and support Joey and Nick receive from their peers contrast with the pain of their biological families, highlighting the power of chosen relationships. The team's evolving dynamics reflect the broader journey from isolation to belonging.

Emotional Honesty and Communication

The plot is driven by moments of emotional honesty—panic attacks, late-night confessions, confrontations with family. These moments force the characters to confront their fears, articulate their needs, and choose each other. The story emphasizes that love is not just about passion, but about showing up, listening, and being willing to change.

Analysis

Off Sides is a deeply emotional exploration of what it means to be responsible, to love, and to be loved in return. At its core, the novel is about two men who have been shaped by trauma—Joey by the crushing weight of family obligation, Nick by the pain of loss—and who must learn to believe they are worthy of happiness. The story challenges traditional notions of masculinity, showing that strength can coexist with vulnerability, and that true intimacy requires honesty and trust. Through its dual narrative, the book offers a nuanced portrayal of anxiety, self-doubt, and the slow, often painful process of healing. The recurring motifs of food, sports, and physical touch ground the emotional journey in everyday experiences, making the characters' struggles and triumphs feel real and relatable. Ultimately, Off Sides is a celebration of found family, the courage to set boundaries, and the transformative power of love. It reminds readers that while we cannot always choose the burdens we inherit, we can choose who we walk beside—and that, together, we can build a future defined not by pain, but by hope.

Last updated: November 15, 2025