Page 28 of Rookie Attraction

“Of course I know it, but straight guys aren’t judged the same way,” I counter. “They’re not ignored by other players or booed in public or harassed online. I deserve some protection and privacy.”

“We’re monitoring all the socials, and if there are any issues, I’ll let you know. And the PR date is temporary. Two months tops. Like I said, both of you get positive press.”

“You hope.”

Hugo doesn’t reply.

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my pocket. I’ve got messages from Finn and Berg, and another one from Damien. I ignore my teammates for now and tap on my friend’s message.

Damien: I’ve been calling and texting you for weeks with no response. I’m worried. More than worried. If you don’t respond to this text tonight, I’m flying down to NYC to check on you. I’m serious.

Hugo starts to yak in PR speak again, but I rudely ignore him and type a response to Damien.

Sel: I’m in a meeting with the team’s PR pain in the ass. I’ll call you back when I get home. I promise.

Damien: I’ll hold you to that. I don’t care how late it is! CALL ME.

Sel: I’m sorry I’ve been MIA. It’s been a lot.

Damien: I know. I’ll be waiting.

I pocket my phone and glance at Hugo.

“Anything else?

“For now, we follow this plan. I’ll be in touch with the next steps.”

“Can’t wait.”

“I’m not the enemy, Sel.”

“Well, you’re sure as fuck not a friend,” I complain.

“I’m on your side, but like I said, this is⁠—”

“Business, I know. It’s not my rookie year.”

Hugo crosses his arms and gives me a sympathetic look.

“You played well tonight. Not great, but I suspect nerves got the better of you. Do you need to speak to someone? We have a wonderful sports psychologist on staff if⁠—”

“No thanks,” I interrupt. “I’m managing fine.”

I’m not, but Hugo doesn’t need to know that. And if I want to speak to someone, I’ll find my own therapist, not the team’s. Bad enough Hugo’s going to be monitoring my every move in this stupid made-for-TV boyfriend scenario, how would I know the team’s psychologist wasn’t going to tattle on me?

“I’ll be in touch. Keep a low profile until then.”

I nod and make my way to the door, wrenching it open and slamming it shut behind me. Heading down the hallway, I remember I need to grab my bag, and I make my way back to the locker room. It’s empty now, save for a few staff who are cleaning the room. Saying hello to them as I pass, I head for my stall, reaching in to grab my messenger bag. I know some of my teammates are already hitting the bars and clubs, but all I want to do is go home and crawl into bed.

Who the fuck have I become?

First, I’ve gotta call Damien back. I’m still not sure I feel like talking, but I also don’t want to lose one of my oldest friends. Besides, Damien understands, because he’s bi and he knows the hockey world like I do.

I head down the hallway and turn right toward the exit, but when I do, I’m surprised to see Finn walking toward me.

“What are you doing here?” I blurt out.

“I work here, remember?” He chuckles. “The truth is, I got so worked up about the game, I left without taking my bag and had to come back.”