Page 208 of Rookie Attraction

“Because six months ago, I was trying to get somewhere safe first. And I did that. I found a team that values me, a partner who supports me, and eventually, the strength to fight back. This isn’t about revenge, it’s about accountability. What happened to me shouldn’t happen to anyone.”

Finn

“Sel, do you and Finn worry about backlash?” Another reporter asks. “How are your teammates handling the news?”

“Not to be cocky, but I’d say that as of this moment, we’re the best defensive pairing in the league,” Sel insists. “The tape doesn’t lie. Tonight proved that. I think that alone deals with potential backlash. As to the second question, our teammates just found out and they support us. If anyone has a problem with who we are, that’s their issue to work through, not ours.”

“We’re here to play hockey,” I add. “And like Sel said, we’re damn good at it. The team, including management, has our back, and hopefully the fans do too. The rest—” I shrug. “The rest is noise. We know some of it will never go away, but it’s not going to stop us from being who we are.”

A third journalist at the back of the room calls out.

“Sel, are you worried that the lawsuit might mean retaliation from Chicago, Donaldson in particular?”

Sel’s jaw tightens, but his voice stays level.

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. I have the truth on my side. I’m not intimidated anymore, and I won’t be pushed out of this league. Not by anyone.”

“What do you want people to take away from your experience in Chicago?” someone else calls out.

I glance at Sel, and in his eyes I see everything we’ve built together: the trust, the partnership, both on the ice and off.

“Integrity and excellence aren’t mutually exclusive,” Sel replies. “Organizations have a responsibility to protect their players. All of them. When they fail to do that, there are consequences.”

“Finn, your thoughts?”

The camera flashes blur into one giant light and I can hardly see at all.

“I can’t say it any better than my partner has.”

Hugo stands up. “Thanks, folks, one more and we’re done.”

“Finn, now that you and Sel are a public couple, what⁠—”

I hold up my hand.

“Before you ask the rest of that question,” I interrupt. “Keep in mind that one of these days Sel’s going to be my husband, so be nice or we’re not inviting any of you to the wedding.”

The tension in the press room erupts into laughter.

If I’m coming out, I might as well go all the way.

Sel

Stepping into the hallway, Finn pulls me into a private nook. We’re still holding hands, and anyone could walk by. I hope everyone does.

“I’m so fucking proud of you, baby.” His grin is crooked and a little wild. “Holy shit, Sel! You did that! I did that!”

“We did.” I pull him into my arms and press my forehead to his. “No going back now.”

“Good,” he says. “I don’t want to go back.”

Neither do I.

Footsteps and loud voices echo down the hallway. It’s my mom, Will, and the rest of our friends. Axel’s got his phone out, probably texting Jace. Silas and Damien clap and grin like they’ve watched us win the Cup. I tug Finn’s hand as we move toward them, and suddenly we’re mobbed by hugs. For the first time since September, I can breathe all the way in.

“You good?” Finn mouths.

My boyfriend’s protective, even in this. I nod, blinking away tears. I used to think that the only reason for my life was hockey.