Page 25 of Rookie Attraction

Coach rolls his eyes. “On that note⁠—”

Hugo comes up to the table to check the mics, the phone in his hand buzzing like a hive of bees. “You gentlemen ready?”

No, no I’m not.

“We’re here, aren’t we? Let’s get this over with,” Makela huffs with a dramatic wave of his hand.

“So grouchy,” Berg chuckles.

Makela scoffs. “Like you enjoy this any more than I do?”

“Not when I’m in the hot seat, no, but I don’t bitch about it every time either.”

“Is not healthy to suppress my opinions. Finnish people don’t do that. Especially when it comes to dealing with these same questions.”

“Zip it, Makela. Save your complaining for later,” Hugo snaps. “Range, you’re up first.”

Hugo grabs a mic and introduces us to the reporters. Coach Range gives a brief overview of the game highlights, and then it’s over to the journalists for their questions. I expect Range or Berg to get blasted about what went wrong, but nope, they go right to me.

“Sel, how are you liking the move to New York? Are fans here supportive of your coming out? What about your colleagues?”

I take a deep breath and lean forward.

“The move has been positive, and I know I made the right decision.”

I’m so full of shit, but it’s all I’ve got.

“You’ll have to ask the fans and my colleagues what they think,” I add.

“What about the loss tonight? Is all this attention on your sexuality affecting your game? And the team’s?”

Coach Range holds his hand up before I can answer. “Don’t go there. Next question, please.”

“But Coach—” The reporter talks back.

Hugo steps in and gives the reporter a death glare that has him shutting up quick.

“Next question,” Hugo barks.

“Evan, what’s your analysis of tonight’s loss for the Rush? What went wrong?”

Berg steeples his hands, and like the captain he is, he takes his time answering. “Everyone on our team played their heart out. Our defense was solid, and our offense was aggressive. But Miami got the drop on us in the third and we’re going to be reviewing why.”

“You’ve got two new defensive players in your lineup, one who’s under intense media scrutiny and another who’s a rookie. Aren’t you worried about how this will play out for the Rush?”

“No. We’ve all been the rookie, including me, and look how I turned out,” he offers a cocky grin to lighten the tension. “And media attention is something experienced players know how to deal with. I have every confidence that we’re focused on the game. And when I say ‘we,’ I mean every player on this team.”

“Mats, talk us through your goal early in the third.”

“Do I have to?” Makela offers an eye roll and a loud sigh that his mic picks up.

A round of laughter echoes through the media room. Hugo shakes his head, and I know for sure that Makela is number two on the PR shit list.

“I joke,” Makela adds and then does his bit by detailing the play and his goal.

My brain shuts off at that point. Even though all the attention in the room is on Makela, I’m anxiously anticipating more questions. Is this the way it’s going to be from now on? My personal life comes first and hockey second?

Chapter Six