Page 60 of Rookie Attraction

Who says bromance is dead? Anaheim, that’s who, destroying the Rush 5–2.

Funny headline. Not.

I try to ignore that shit, but it gets stuck in my head. What if I can’t do this? What if I screw up again, but worse?

Unfortunately, nerves are nerves, and even Berg shows signs of pressure, snapping unexpectedly at Sorensen. But of all of us, Sel’s having the worst day. His form’s locked up, he’s not skating with his normal ease, and with every drill, the communication gets worse. Coach Lee takes him aside, and they have a private discussion. I make up my mind that as soon as we’re done here, Sel and I are gonna talk it out too. Hopefully, one of us on this team can get through to my partner.

Range blows his whistle, calling an end to our session. “Rest up. I want to see you at your best tonight.”

Brady skates by. “We could if we got rid of the overrated queer.”

“The fuck did you say?” I demand, getting up in his face.

Brady offers his usual scowl, and with his scraggly hair and wispy beard he looks like a dog with mange.

“I wasn’t talking to you, rookie. If you have any brains, you’ll back off.”

Suddenly, Sel wedges himself between us. He tries to calm things down, but Brady keeps at it, and I get louder.

“What the hell is going on here?” Range barks as he skates toward us.

“Nothing,” Brady huffs.

“Wrong answer,” Coach snaps. “Someone tell me. Now.”

“Brady was shooting his mouth off,” I reply. “Insulting Sel, professionally and personally.”

Brady sneers at me. “Your word against mine. Maybe you didn’t hear right?”

I’m about to let loose again when Range turns to Brady.

“In case you forgot, Brady, you’re paid to play hockey, not act as a commentator.”

Brady says nothing, but I can hear his teeth grinding.

Fuckhead.

“Go,” Range adds as he points to Brady. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Brady heads off, and I’m about to do the same when Range motions for me and Sel to stay.

“Tell me exactly what he said.”

I repeat what I heard, and Range’s expression goes from irritated to icy.

“Leave it with me.”

Coach skates off, but I need a moment to calm down.

When I glance around, I notice that Sel is back at it, practicing circle drills.

“Save your energy for the game,” I call out, trying to break through to him.

He comes to a sudden stop and glares at me. I ignore it, knowing his anger isn’t aimed at me, but at Brady.

“I know what I’m doing, Finn.”

“Then why wouldn’t you even look at me today? How are we supposed to get back in the groove if we don’t communicate?”