Chapter Thirty #3
“I’m fine with a comment about Taylor but that’s it. Finn’s off limits. If there’s anything to be said, I’ll be the one to say it on my own terms, or we’ll say it together.” Shit. “You get what I mean.”
“I don’t even want to know, do I?” Hugo replies. “Care to enlighten me?”
There’s a loud pause on the line and I’m pretty sure Hugo is growing more gray hair than Miki.
“No,” I state firmly. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Not at this time,” Finn adds.
“Fuck me,” Hugo hisses.
Running an agitated hand through my hair, I cup my neck and will myself to stay calm. Or as calm as I can get in this situation.
“Can we please get back to the statement?” Miki adds.
“Okay, here goes,” Hugo starts. “We’ll confirm that you and Taylor are no longer dating, but are still friends. It’s all amicable.”
“Which is true—”
“And as to the rest of it,” Hugo continues.
“Yes, the Rush have temporarily lost one d-man to injury, but there’s no blame on any individuals when it comes to losing games.
The team will be back in the new year stronger than ever.
The personal life of players isn’t affecting the game, and speculations about friendships among fellow teammates is off limits. ”
“And what about Brady?” I walk around, pacing faster. “Are you going to tell him to back off, or do I need to go to management directly, because I’m done with his shit.”
“I will if he answers me. Meantime, he’s got a meeting with head office when he returns from break.”
“Is there anything else?” Finn asks.
“I think that’s it. Miki, I’ll work on this press release now and send you a copy to approve,” Hugo adds. “That work?”
“That’s good for me.”
“Super, everything’s settled,” I sigh. “Now, if you don’t mind, Finn and I would like to get back to our respective families, and I’m sure you’d like to do the same.”
“Of course,” Miki replies. “Happy holidays.”
I’m not sure about that...
“Same to you, Mik. And to you, Hugo.”
They disconnect from the call. Finally, it’s just me and Finn.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?”
“Never mind me, are you alright?” Finn asks. “I can’t believe Brady said those things about you. Jesus, wait until I’m back in New York. I’m going to kick his stupid fucking ass.”
“He’s not worth it.”
“But you are.”
His protectiveness makes me smile.
“Fuck, I miss you.”
“I miss you more.”
We say our goodbyes and feeling drained, I stroll back to the living area where Mom is sitting with Karson, showing him something on her tablet.
“Hold on,” she says.
The comfy leather couch across from them is calling my name, and as soon as my ass hits the cushion, Coco and Bean pounce on me.
Like psychic twins who can sense my discomfort, the dogs curl up on my lap and fall asleep.
I don’t mind the company at all. In fact, I think I’d like to adopt a dog eventually.
Or better yet, maybe Finn and I can adopt one together.
That idea improves my mood exponentially.
Holy shit, first a boyfriend, and someday, a pet parent? Sel Kirkland, what the hell’s happened to you?
“I’m in love with Finn,” I announce loudly.
Four sets of eyes look at me. Yes, even the dogs notice that something major is happening.
“Shit, I meant to keep my mouth shut until Atticus called.”
“He just did,” Mom replies and turns her tablet around.
My baby brother’s face appears. With a mop of chestnut curls, angelic gray eyes, and a mouth that knows no boundaries, he can pretty much get away with saying, or doing, anything. He’s biting his lower lip to keep from smiling. The razzing’s about to unleash and I know it’s going to be brutal.
“Celery, you fucker!” Atticus yells, and his sudden voice scares the dogs off my lap. “You always know how to make a dramatic entrance.”
“Fuck off, twerp.”
“Ooh, you’re getting testy as you near thirty.”
“I’m not nearing thirty!”
“You’ll be twenty-nine in June, do the math. I can, and I’m already drunk,” he giggles.
“Shut up.”
Reluctantly, I move to sit beside my mom so we can all see Atticus, and she gives me a raised eyebrow.
“You’re in love with your teammate?” she asks quietly.
“That wasn’t the way I wanted to tell you.”
“How else were you going to say it?” Atticus grins. “Hey fam, Finn and I are fucking!”
Mom turns to the screen with a warning look, and my baby brother doesn’t make a sound.
“As I was saying,” I continue. “It’s not just sex. I love him. And we’re exclusive.”
“You? Wait, hold on, you’re in an actual relationship? And you’re monogamous?” Atticus blurts out.
“No that it’s any of your business, but yes.”
“I thought you were allergic.”
This time, it’s my turn to give Atticus a glare.
“I know it’s crazy because, hello, we both work in the hockey world, and you’re going to ask me if I’ve lost my fucking mind and all common sense, but I haven’t. I love him, he loves me. It’s real and it’s right. And I wanted you guys to know because I don’t want to lie to you.”
“What about dating that football star—” Mom starts.
“Fake. And it’s done.”
“But Finn isn’t out, is he?” Mom continues, her eyes filling with worry.
I shake my head.
“And what will management say when they find out about the two of you? The rest of your team?”
“First off, Finn just told his family about us. He needs time to process that. Miki knows, Hugo sort of knows, and our teammates and management will know when we feel the time is right.”
“Which is when?” Karson adds.
“We don’t know yet, but sooner rather than later.
Taylor confirmed to the press he and I are done.
Add to that, Brady’s mouthing off to the media that I’m a distraction to the team and fueling rumors about me and Finn.
Then again, I’m not sure that announcing that the rookie and I are dating is a smart idea right now. One shocking news item at a time.”
“Are you and Finn going to distance yourselves in public?” Atticus asks. “I mean, except for the ice time.”
“Not anymore. Our teammates know that Finn and I are best friends, and the fans can assume the same. We’re not hiding. People can infer what they want.”
“I’ll talk to Finn,” Mom states with a determined gaze. “As soon as possible.”
“Mom—”