Page 157 of Rookie Attraction

“That’s good news. When I saw Donaldson hit you like that, I almost put my fist through the nearest wall. What a dirty move. And no ref calling him out? Well, he got five minutes, but he should’ve been kicked out of the game. Then he tried the same thing, twice, in the third period. Boy, if I ever see that prick in person⁠—”

“Easy, Dad. Unfortunately, shit like that happens sometimes. There are a few players who are vicious and will do anything for an advantage. Also, that wasn’t the worst of what he did.”

“How can it be any worse than injuring you?”

“I’m talking about Sel,” I pause. “This is between you and me, alright?”

“Of course.”

“Things were bad for him in Chicago when he came out; his team turned against him. That’s why he was anxious to get traded. Last night, Donaldson told Sel that he went after me on purpose. Me, Makela, Brady. But I was the preferred target since we’re partners. Donaldson’s hoping we’ll turn against Sel too.”

“That fucking asshole!”

“Then Donaldson yelled homophobic slurs at Sel and… well, you saw the fight after that. Sel knew the first game against the Bandits would be rough, but he didn’t expect that.”

“How’s Sel doing?”

“He’s shaken up, but he’s been too busy worrying about me to talk about it,” I offer. “And he’s concerned about the rest of the team, of course.”

“Sounds like you and him are close.”

“We are,” I whisper hoarsely. “Um, I better go and, uh, rest. I’ll call you and Mom later, okay?”

“We’ll be here,” he replies. “Take care of yourself, son. Give our best to Sel. Take care of each other.”

Does he suspect anything?

I pause, biting my lower lip so I don’t confess to him right here, right now. I haven’t hidden anything this big from my family before, and it’s killing me.

“We will.”

“You sure you’re okay? Your voice sounds different.”

“Probably the meds. I’m good, or at least I will be once I get this shoulder healed up and I can get back to playing hockey.”

“Love you, Finn.”

“You too, Dad.”

Once I tap end, I call Silas. I need to tell someone the truth before I literally explode.

“Took you long enough to call me, bud,” he answers.

“I needed sleep, Si.”

“I know, I know, I’m busting your balls. They release you yet?”

“Yes, only, I’m not at mine.”

“Why?”

“Boyfriends,” I blurt out.

“What?”

“I’m staying at Sel’s because he insisted he wanted to help take care of me. The story we’re telling people is that I had a leak in my unit and he offered me his guest room. The truth is that he did offer, and I wanted to stay, but in his bedroom.”

There’s a momentary pause on the other end of the line.