Chapter Four #3
“The Kirkland trio. My mother deserves her own medal for putting up with us. She spent most of her life moderating sibling arguments, driving us to and from hockey practice, games, and tournaments, not to mention dealing with our off-ice antics.”
Finn smiles. “Karson plays for Toronto. Is this his second season there?”
“It is. He was with Tampa before that but he couldn’t stand it. He’s happier now and thriving. Atticus is busy too. He plays in the SLH.”
“Euro pro league.”
“Yep.”
I pass burgers and fries to Finn and then plate my own.
“That’s so cool,” he mumbles with a fry in his mouth. “I’m the only one in my family who plays hockey. My six siblings are only interested in football or farming. Come to think of it, no one in my extended family plays either.”
“Are they proud that you’ve made it to the NHL?”
Finn sits down on one of the stools and shoves another fry in his mouth.
“You could say that. Apparently, Dad used a megaphone at the fall county fair last week to announce it to everyone. Pretty sure half the state heard him.”
His comment makes me chuckle.
“Nice. Family support is important. They keep things real, especially when the attention goes to your head.”
“Tell me more about them. I mean, what are your brothers like?”
I sit in the seat next to Finn and take a bite of my burger. It’s tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. I didn’t realize I was so hungry.
“Karson’s twenty-five,” I explain between bites.
“He was the quietest growing up, but not anymore, and a lot of that is due to hockey; it boosted his confidence. Kar gets along with everyone and makes friends easy. He’s generous and funny, but he also has a serious side that others rarely see.
Atticus is the youngest at twenty-three, outspoken, fiercely protective, and fucking wild.
He accepts any dare, and the riskier the better. ”
“Are they worried about you?” Finn ask quietly as we eat.
“Yeah, but like I said to them, I’ll cope. I made my decision, and I’ll deal with it.”
“Do you date much?” Finn asks, and when I look over, his face is flushed. “Jeez, I don’t know why I asked that. Sorry. Ignore me. It’s none of my business. My mouth is running ahead of my brain again.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” I pause, wondering why I feel this sense of relief.
“There was a woman back in Chicago I used to see throughout the year. She was fun and I took her to parties and events, stuff like that. But other than sex we really had nothing in common. No feelings involved. As for guys, well, all of that was on the DL. And despite having had many partners, I’ve never been in a relationship.
I think I’d like to meet someone, but with my work and the traveling, it’s not easy.
Still, watching Damien fall in love made me realize I want that someday.
A person to call my own, maybe even a family. ”
Now I’m the one rambling.
“What about you?” I ask.
“Me? Not much. I had a girlfriend in high school but nothing since then, no dates or anything else,” Finn admits. “In college I stayed focused on hockey. And I think I’ll continue that way, at least for now.”
From what Finn’s told me so far, I get the feeling he might be demi, but it’s not for me to bring up. Finn starts digging into his meal again, so I silence the questions in my mind.
When we’re done eating, I load the dishwasher, and we make our way back to the sofa to talk more hockey strategies. It feels like no time passes, but when I glance at my phone again, I realize it’s almost midnight.
“Shit, it’s late. I better get going,” Finn announces. “But before I do, do you think we could exchange numbers? I don’t really know anyone else in the city and—”
“Of course.”
We switch phones, and after our numbers are exchanged, Finn slides his tablet into his bag.
He slowly stands up, stretching his arms over his head, and my eyes follow the hem of his T-shirt.
Funny how I didn’t notice until now that he’s got an eight-pack, covered in a constellation of freckles and a smattering of auburn hair.
Whatever, he’s fit, like everyone else I’ve played with.
It’s not a big deal. After all, I’ve already seen his body in the locker room.
“Thanks for tonight, Sel.”
My gaze snaps to his.
“The feedback and the food,” Finn continues. “Plus the company. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime, rookie. It’s been cool to hang out.”
I’m downplaying, because yeah, talking shop and sharing a meal with Finn has turned out to be exactly what I need. I can admit that to myself even if I don’t want to admit it out loud.
I get up and walk Finn over to the foyer, holding the door open.
“And hey,” Finn adds before he leaves. “If I don’t see you around the building, I’ll catch up with you next week.”
“Absolutely. Rest up.”
“Night, Sel.”
“Good night, Finn.”
Instead of closing the door, I step into the hallway and watch him walk away. When he gets to the elevators, he turns and offers a wide smile and a wave. For the first time since my trade, I think that maybe, just maybe, I’m going to be alright.