Page 174 of Rookie Attraction

“You guys are weird,” Will snickers.

“Weirdly amazing,” Finn chirps. “Will, you know me. When I make up my mind, there’s no going back. I told you everything that’s happened, and this is what I want.”

“Everything?” I squeak.

“Not that.” Finn nudges me and grins at his brother. “I know my life will change forever, it already has, but I’m ready to take that risk. Just like when I was a kid, I was determined to play hockey no matter what, and look at me now? There are a lot of unknowns, but this is what I need to do. I know how I feel. This is right for me.”

“And the Taylor relationship?” Will asks. “That’s just media bullshit, right?”

“From the beginning,” I insist. “And it’s over.”

“Does the press know that?”

“They will come January.”

Will offers me a tentative nod of acceptance and then flags down our server.

“Good. Let’s eat.”

We order ribeye steaks, medium, along with every side dish on the menu. For the first time in weeks, I decompress. The discussion with Will went better than I imagined. Then I remember Finn’s parents. Is he planning on telling them soon? And the rest of his siblings? How will they react?

So much for relaxation…

I shove my questions aside as we settle into casual conversation. The Baran brothers offer stories about growing up on the farm, Finn’s hockey obsession, and Will’s business. As we talk, the restaurant gets busier, louder, and before I know it, our food’s ready. Will’s right, the steaks here are some of the best I’ve ever had. I order a meal to go for Peter, and once we’ve devoured ours, I settle the bill and it’s time to head back.

The temperature’s dropped again. The walk back doesn’t take long, but it’s so frigid I can’t feel my extremities. Not until we get inside the hospital. We gown up and step inside to find Mallory asleep and Peter scrolling on his phone.

“We brought you dinner,” Finn states and hands over the box of takeout to his dad.

“You didn’t have to.”

“We did,” Finn snarks. “Eat up.”

Peter rolls his eyes. “You might be a big-time NHL player now, Finlay Hubert Baran, but here at home, your mom and I are still the ones in charge.”

Hubert? I can’t see most of Finn’s face, but I notice that his ears are pink. Without thinking, I start to reach for his hand.

Oh, fuck.

I catch myself in time, but Peter doesn’t miss it. He stares at me with wide eyes.

I clear my throat.

“Well, I better get going. My flight’s early tomorrow and I’m sure you need your sleep,” I announce, as I pivot and offer my hand to Peter. “It was a pleasure to meet you, and maybe someday, the rest of the family. I hope things continue to improve for Mallory.”

“Thank you, Sel. Your being here has meant a lot to Finn.”

That reply doesn’t come from Peter, but from Mallory herself. I turn around and find her studying me. I walk over and take her hand, surprised by the firmness of her grip.

“Finn is a strong man,” Mallory whispers. “But he’s got the softest heart. You take care of him.”

“He is, he does, and I will.”

I doubt if we’re thinking the same thing when it comes to taking care, until I spot the glint in her eyes. She knows. She just met me and she knows. I don’t bother to worry about it.

Suddenly, Finn’s standing next to me.

“I’ll walk you out.”