Page 202 of Rookie Attraction

We head up to the private lounge to find Miki and Hugo, along with Range, Laflore, senior executives, and the team owner, Leif Hansen, waiting for us. Hansen’s from Norway and he started his career playing right wing for Detroit, retired here in New York a decade ago, and now, at forty-four, is a wealthy entrepreneur. He knows the game, the players, and the business.

Sel and I say our polite hellos and take the last remaining seats at the table. Miki offers us an encouraging nod and some of my tension eases.

“Let’s go on with it,” Hansen announces and crosses his arms. “We have a game to win.”

I offer my news, then it’s Sel’s turn, and finally, our news together. There are questions and comments from around the table, mostly from the execs, and it takes a while to answer all of them. Hansen, on the other hand, waits until everyone else is finished, and only then gives his input.

“There’s a lot to absorb here. I’m not thrilled about the timing, and how it might impact the last leg of the season, your focus, the team’s focus.” Hansen explains.

He’s known for being blunt but honest, so it’s not surprising.

“Most of this will affect you directly, but it also filters through the entire organization, and some may not be happy about it,” he continues. “That’s not my personal view of the situation but you need to be prepared.”

“We are,” Sel replies. “As to your concerns, I think our stats from the last couple of weeks prove that we’re not going to let trolls or one-off players mess with our game.”

Hansen nods and stares at me.

“Baran?”

“Sel and I have talked at length about this. We have a good support system, and we’re committed to this team. Like he said, I think the proof will be what happens out there.” I point over my shoulder to the rink below.

Hansen glances at Range.

“Your thoughts, Jordan?”

“I agree,” Range replies. “Marley?”

Laflore nods, her green eyes sharp. “You know my opinion on this. It’s time the league grew up.”

In the end, there’s consensus.

Hansen looks around the table and stands up.

“You know my position when it comes to the Rush organization and the changes I want to see moving forward. Baran, Kirkland, if you can handle it, work things out with PR. If there are issues, we address them immediately.” He pauses. “I expect nothing but the best from both of you, understood? I want the team’s momentum to continue. This is an organization that I’m extremely proud to own. Don’t let me down.”

“No, sir.” Sel and I reply simultaneously.

“Good, I’ll be watching from my suite,” Hansen confirms. “Now, and later.”

With that, he’s gone, followed by our coaches, the execs, and HR.

Then it’s just me, my boyfriend, Miki, and Hugo.

“That went better than I expected,” Miki states. “But you guys tell me if there’s pushback or worse, alright?”

Sel nods. “Promise.”

“Good. I’ll leave you with Hugo for now.” Miki gets up and walks to the door. “I’ll see you guys after the game.”

“Thanks, Miki,” I call out before he leaves. “For everything.”

“You ready to tell the guys?” Hugo comments. “I still want to go on record to say I agree with Hansen, the timing’s not great, and you should wait until⁠—”

“The sooner we tell the team, the better for everyone,” Sel explains. “We want to come back after this break to a fresh start, for us and for the Rush.”

I nod in agreement, reaching for Sel’s hand, interlocking our fingers. His palm’s sweaty, like mine, but his grip is strong. And holy mother of hockey, we’re holding hands in front of people. Well, Hugo, but I guess he counts.

“Finn?” Hugo offers me a questioning look. “You sure?”