Page 89 of Rookie Rules

They ate at the island. Luca asked about the joint interview schedule. Rowan said Claire had sent Tuesday afternoon. They discussed the next opponent's penalty kill, Finn's growing grievance with local graphics, and whether Mateo could complete an entire week without turning recovery equipment into competition.

Every subject fit between the rules.

Luca finished half his bowl.

"You don't like it," Rowan said.

"It's good."

"You stopped eating."

"I'm not very hungry."

Rowan looked at him. Luca always ate after practice. The returned container sat beside the sink like a closed account.

"Is this about the interview?"

Luca set down his fork. "No."

"The story is hockey only. Claire confirmed it."

"I know."

The same two words as the message.

"Then what?"

Luca laughed quietly, without amusement. "You ask that like we haven't spent a month making sure there can't be an answer."

Rowan's body went still before his thoughts did.

"If there is a problem, say it."

"Captain voice."

"I am asking you directly."

"Okay."

Luca pushed back from the island and carried his bowl to the sink. He stood there for a moment with both hands on the counter.

Rowan waited. Patience worked in negotiations, with coaches, with players deciding whether to tell him what a room needed.

Luca turned.

"Yesterday was good," he said.

"The game?"

"Your house. The recovery. You asking me to stay."

The room changed around the words. Rowan looked toward the windows though the blinds were already closed.

Luca saw the movement.

"That's what I mean. No one is here."

"I know."