Page 173 of Rookie Attraction

I get nothing but my boyfriend’s middle finger for my comment.

“I meant it as a compliment,” I insist.

“Said no one ever,” Finn huffs and picks up his menu.

“Said me.”

“He’s right, Finlay. You have a unique way of making your opinions known,” Will teases.

“If you two are going to make fun of my nervous rambling, and my name, I might as well sit by myself at the bar.”

“No way.” I shake my head. “I’ve waited weeks to see you. You’re not going anywhere.”

I reach under the table and squeeze his thigh.

“Don’t do that here,” he hisses.

“Why not? No one can see, and Will knows.”

“And it’s so obvious now that I’ve watched you together,” Will admits, his blue eyes intent. “The way Finn looks at you, shit, hearts practically pop out of his eyes like a cartoon. Not to mention the hug in the hospital room was a dead giveaway. You guys can’t lie for shit.”

“You really enjoy saying that, don’t you?” Finn offers a finger to his brother this time. “Can we get food already and change topics? Please.”

Will shakes his head and points at me.

“On a serious note, and as Finn’s older brother, it’s my duty to ask the tough questions. Like how this relationship, if he comes out, will affect his career, his future. I followed the media chatter since your announcement in Chicago. What are you going to do to support Finn when he faces this?”

“Will, I’m going to be twenty-three this year,” Finn snaps. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Was I talking to you?”

I remove my hand from Finn’s thigh.

“It’s alright.” I nod. “I get where you’re coming from, Will, because I’m the eldest brother too. And yes, everything you said is relevant. Any openly queer person deals with that, at work, in public, everywhere. If Finn decides⁠—”

“When, not if,” Finn interrupts.

“When he chooses,” I continue. “There’s no question Finn will be scrutinized. There’ll be more pressure, and there will be haters, in person and online.”

“You know I used to play football, right?” Will remarks and I nod. “Different sport, same stupid machismo, so I get why guys still hesitate to come out. Finn’s safety is what worries me.”

“We’re both aware of the risks. When it comes to hockey, the Rush have been supportive overall. I feel safe there, and I hope the same will hold. Yes, there are people like Donaldson and Brady who have a problem with queer players, but that’s also true outside hockey. There are assholes everywhere. Most of the younger guys coming up don’t have an issue, though. You know from Finn’s friends and your work with colleges that some athletes are coming out before they hit the pros. It’s not a lot, but it’s starting to happen.”

Will nods.

“All this to say, I’m done letting these jerks dictate my future.” I stare at Finn and the words keep tumbling out. “Our future. I’m in this relationship for the long-term. I will stand by Finn’s side and protect him with everything I have. I swear on my life.”

Shit, was that too much?

My face heats, Finn blushes, and Will grins.

Finn turns to his brother. “Now do you get it?”

“I’m starting to.”

“What about swearing on your NHL stats?” Finn asks me.

“That goes without question.”