Page 183 of Rookie Attraction

After dropping off my luggage in my bedroom, I unpack my toiletries and leave the rest for later. I head for the pool house, change, and when I step out, I spot Karson waiting for me, poised to jump into the water.

“Finally!” he calls out.

We cannonball into the pool like we’re teenagers again. I race him to the end, but I lose. I’m the faster swimmer, but my mind is a million miles away.

“Okay, slowpoke, what’s up? It’s obvious you need to get something off your chest,” Karson says as we rest our arms on the edge of the pool to catch our breath.

“Later.”

“It’s something big.”

I swipe at the drops of water on my face and nod.

“Does this have to do with Finn?” Karson whispers.

“Yes.”

Karson squints and nudges my arm, but I shake my head.

“Okay, we’ll save the deep conversation for later. How about another race?”

“You’re on.”

I win the second one but lose again in the third and call for a time out. My brother and I spend the next hour soaking up the last rays of the sun, and when we’re fully dry, we head for the kitchen to see if we can help with dinner. Marinated steaks are ready to grill, and I’m put on Caesar salad duty.

When the meal’s prepared, we sit out on the patio, the weather still balmy and beautiful despite the darkened sky.

“I have something I want to discuss with you guys after dinner,” I announce. “It won’t take long.”

“Is everything alright?” Mom asks.

“Yes. Sort of.”

Karson opens a beer bottle and offers it to me. I don’t hesitate to take it. My brother steers the dinner convo to the rest of the hockey season and aligning our schedules so all four of us can get together in person. I’m about to suggest a summer getaway in Italy when my phone starts to chime.

It’s messages from Miki and Hugo asking me to call them. My stomach clenches so hard I’m in danger of losing my supper.

What now?

“I’ve gotta call my agent and PR rep. I’ll be right back.”

Heading inside the house, I tap Miki’s contact info, and he answers on the first ring.

“Apologies for interrupting your vacation Sel, but have you looked at socials lately?”

“No, not for a few days. I’ve been busy. Why?”

“Taylor was spotted with another guy and confirmed you two have broken up.”

I sigh with relief.

“That’s it? What’s the big deal? We agreed that was done.”

Not until January, but what’s another week?

“The media want confirmation from your side,” Miki explains. “But there’s another, more important reason I called. Brady went to the press this morning and it’s all about you. You and Finn. I’m sending you the links. Basically, Brady called you an ‘arrogant, overpaid defenseman who can’t keep his personal life off the ice.’ He stated that your ‘relationship with Taylor was distracting to the team,’ and that your ‘situation with the Rush rookie is more than a bromance.”

“That fucking prick!” I hiss.