Page 129 of Rookie Attraction

“I was, uh, chatting with Finn about it, but the more support, the better. I’m so fucking nervous, even though I know I gotta face them sometime. It’s inevitable.”

“Facing your old team isn’t easy for anyone, but for you and given what happened? Shit, Sel, I’d be as anxious as you are.”

“My biggest fear is that three periods will turn into one gigantic fight. We’ve all been in scraps when adrenaline and tempers run hot, but fans want to see hockey, not a three-hour boxing match. I’m worried they’re going to come after me and it’s going to be brutal.”

“Have you talked to Coach Range about it?”

“No. You think I should?” I ask.

“You don’t need to tell him everything, but he needs to know how your old team reacted.”

“Given how quickly I got traded after my announcement, I think he’s smart enough to figure it out.”

“Yeah, but you need to tell him how it affected you,” Damien continues. “Mentally and physically.”

“I think you’re right.”

“And your teammates. Maybe open up about how bad it got so they can prepare too. Things on the ice could get nasty and you don’t want them blindsided.”

“I’ll think about it. Thanks, D.”

“Of course. Silas sends his best. We’re both rooting for you guys,” he replies. “By the way, how’s the bromance with Finn? In real life, not on the ice.”

I choke on my spit and cough.

“Take the ‘b’ away and it’s going,” I confess. “I think I’m, fuck, I don’t know if I can admit it out loud yet.”

There’s a moment of silence.

“Sel?”

“This is the real deal.”

“Are you shitting me?” he whispers.

I hold my breath for a second.

“It’s serious, for me and for him,” I admit. “But obviously we’re keeping this a secret. We need time before we say or do anything about it. And if this continues, I don’t know if Finn will be comfortable with both of us playing for the Rush. He might not want to come out either. There are our careers to consider, his family, the media… It’s a hurricane waiting to unleash.”

“Personally, I’m happy for you, but also very concerned,” Damien replies. “Have you told Miki yet? Or your PR rep, what’s his name again?”

“Hugo. And no. Only when—I mean if—Finn wants to come out. If this relationship lasts. We’ve only known each other a couple of months. Finn could change his mind, decide I’m not worth if it means fucking up his hockey future. And if that happens, that’s the end of it. No news to tell.”

Will Finn change his mind? The idea has chills racing through my body.

“But you’re together now. I think you should warn Miki,” Damien replies. “What if something gets leaked to the press? Your agent’s gotta be prepared. Hugo too.”

“I’ll talk to Finn first and see if he’s okay with it.”

“Look at you, being so mature and shit. Am I talking to the real Sel Kirkland or some imposter?” he chuckles.

“Fuck off.”

“Seriously, I hope things work out for you and Finn. No matter what, Silas and I support you. And we’re only a plane ride away.”

“Thanks, D.”

“I’ll be watching tomorrow’s game, and if anyone tries to hurt you⁠—”