Page 109 of Rookie Attraction

Sel: It started out innocently at training camp. We hit it off as friends, then it became more. I hope it’s more. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. It’s like I’ve been knocked over the head and I have no idea what hit me. Today, I got pissed when someone offered to show my—I mean, him—around town. I was jealous, Damien. Me!

Damien: Does your guy feel the same?

Sel: I don’t know. Like I said, this is new to him. Could be a crush.

Damien: And you’re sure he’s got no ulterior motive? Like, he’s not doing this to trap you and create a scandal?

Sel: No way, not him. He’d never do that.

Damien: Does anyone else suspect?

Sel: Berg told me about a rumor he overheard, talk that this teammate and I are more than friends. I dealt with it, well, I denied it, and Berg told me that would be the end. I think it’s fine.

Damien: Now I’m really worried. After the shit you dealt with in Chicago.

Sel: No one will find out, and chances are it’ll be over soon. Both of us are under a lot of pressure with a new team, and I’m thinking this guy may change his mind and say it’s too much, that I’m not worth the risk.

Damien: Wait, back up. This player is new to the Rush?

Oh, Jesus.

Sel: Did I say that?

Damien: Motherfucker, there were only two additions to the NY roster this fall; you and Finn. It’s him???? Seriously??

Damn my big fucking mouth.

Sel: No comment.

Damien: It is! Fuck me, I did NOT see that coming! Wait, did this start in the summer at my camp?? Chatterbox Finn was so subdued around you, but I assumed it was because of his mom’s health. Or maybe, he was in shock meeting his idol.

Sel: Nothing happened until we met again in NY. And he was quiet for the reasons you mentioned. That’s all.

Damien: Hold on a sec…

Three dots pop up, then vanish, then pop up again.

Damien: Shit, sorry, Silas’s brother is calling me. Phone me tomorrow night and we’ll continue this talk, okay?

Sel: Thanks, bud

At least some of the pressure of keeping this secret is off my chest. Placing my phone on the table, I sit back and close my eyes. Sleep calls and I don’t know how long I’m out, but I wake up when I hear another buzz from my cell. I tap on it and realize I’ve been asleep for two hours and it’s already 9:00 p.m.

I also realize it’s Finn texting me and in a split second, I’m wide awake, my heart rate skyrocketing.

Finn: You at home?

My hands are shaking as I type.

Sel: Yes

Finn: Can I drop by?

Sel: Anytime

Finn: C u in a few

With Finn, I have absolutely no chill. Throwing the phone on my coffee table, I rush for my en-suite bathroom, brush my teeth, and run my fingers through my hair. My expression is slightly panicked but mostly excited.