Page 206 of Rookie Attraction

We don’t line up for handshakes in this game, but most of us skate around and chat with the Titans. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Jace and Finn hugging and having their own conversation. I don’t know what Finn’s saying to his friend, but he’s so excited he lights up the entire arena. Jace says something that makes Finn laugh, and they turn and wave me over.

When I reach them, I offer my hand to Jace.

“Good game, Rowland.”

“Not as good as you,” he teases. “Come on, hug it out.”

He pulls me in and slaps my back.

“Finn told me,” Jace murmurs. “You do right by him, Kirkland.”

I lean back and nod.

“Always.”

I glance up at the corporate seats to locate our family. Of course they’re the noisiest box. My mom’s singing and dancing in celebration, Will’s busting out the vocals too, and Axel is busy showing off Jace’s Philly jersey to the cameras. Damien’s up there too, but I don’t see Silas.

“Guys, let’s go!” Laflore yells.

The team finally heads for the boards and heads down the chute, where reporters are lined up and waiting. Makela and Berg get cornered first so they can talk about their respective goals, then it’s Sorensen’s turn.

“Kirkland! Baran!”

Here we go…

I feel Finn shift closer to me, our shoulders touching. The reporter closest to us leans in, shoving a mic in front of our faces.

“Sel, the Rush’s defensive lineup was on fire tonight. What’s the secret to your on-ice chemistry?”

I look at Finn and he catches my gaze. For the first time, we don’t look away.

“We trust each other.”

It's the simplest truth I know.

The press room is crammed, with reporters and cameras shoved into every available space. Range is here, as well as Berg, but only on the sidelines. Hugo’s organizing the chaos, but when he announces that it’s just me and Finn on the docket, the room buzzes with curiosity.

The media always want more.

They have no idea how much they’re about to get....

I take a seat at the table, Finn beside me.

Resting his elbows on the table, he reaches up to cover his mouth with his hand and leans over.

“You got this, baby.”

I mirror his movements.

“We’ve got this, sweetheart.”

Hugo gives the signal, and the questions start in a predictable way: What does it feel like to shut down one of the league’s top offenses?

I answer on autopilot, and then it’s over to Finn for his viewpoint.

My heartbeat hitches, but the longer I sit, the more confident I am in my decision. Six months ago, I was running, I couldn’t do this. I was devastated, scared. Six months ago, I asked for a trade to protect myself. Maybe I should’ve pushed for an investigation, but I wasn’t ready for one. But I’m not that person anymore. I have Finn. I have a team that has my back.

I found my voice again.