Page 131 of Rookie Attraction

“Jordan Range speaking.”

“Hey, Coach, it’s Kirkland. You have a minute to talk?”

“Of course.”

“I viewed the tape of Chicago’s last game against Toronto, and I thought I could share my insights with you given my history.”

“Definitely. We need every advantage we can get.”

After giving Range my opinions about the plays and the players, I pause.

“Great stuff. Is there anything else?” Range asks.

“Yeah. I’m sure you know that my coming out didn’t go well and that was the reason for the trade.”

“You didn’t say it directly, but yes, I assumed, given how long you were there and the fact that you left during training.”

I take a deep breath.

“It went far beyond the cold shoulder. It ended badly, so it’s fair to say I was worried about my safety then and I’m worried about my safety tomorrow. Our guys should be prepared.”

“Shit, I’m sorry you had to endure that. I was planning to say something anyway, since facing your old crew for the first time can be tense, but I’ll tell everyone to be on their guard.”

“I know my old teammates are going to come after me because according to them, queers don’t belong in this sport.”

“Jesus Christ,” Range hisses. “What rock are they living under? Have they not been paying attention to the Women’s Pro Hockey League? Several players are out, hell, some are married to each other, and no one has an issue.”

“Do you think the WPHL would let me play with them?” I quip.

“We’re not letting go of our best defenseman,” Range replies with conviction. “Plus, I can’t stand that old-style hockey bullshit about no queer players and women don’t belong in the sport or on staff. You know, I championed for Laflore as my assistant because she’s one of the best players I’ve ever witnessed and she knows her stuff. Management had concerns, but I didn’t budge.”

“Marley’s great,” I agree.

“I trust her completely,” he replies. “But back to you. Players are paid to play, not have an opinion on a colleague’s personal life.”

“Tell that to Brady and St. Clare. Well, mainly Brady because he’s the one always making underhanded comments.”

“We’re monitoring him for a variety of reasons.”

Range doesn’t say anything more, but a part of me feels calmer.

“I’ve got to go, but we’ll talk tomorrow,” he insists. “The Rush team has your back, Sel.”

Thankfully I’m on the phone and not talking to him in person because fuck, I’m getting emotional again, and I swallow past the lump in my throat.

“Thanks, Coach. See you then.”

I tap “end call” and scroll through my texts, including one from my mom.

Mom: I know tomorrow will be a hard day for you, kleine wolf, but you are brave. I love you and I’m so proud, but also, when are you getting me tickets for a NY game?? I’d like to be there before the end of the season, yes? Also, send me a Rush jersey so I can show it off.

Sel: Not sure that’s the best idea.

Mom: But Rush are treating you right, yes?

Sel: Yes, but I’m worried about you. How some fans might react. Most seem supportive or don’t care, but there are always haters.

Mom: Fuck them. I raised three teenage boys on my own, so I can handle homophobic assholes NP.