Chapter Thirty-One
SELWIN
NEW YORK
Arriving at LaGuardia airport is always an adventure.
Especially in late December when there’s snow, ice, and wind gusts that have you clutching tight to the armrests until the plane rolls to a full stop.
Despite that, I’m glad to be home and ready to play hockey, even though Finn will be a week behind me.
His mom’s resting at home now, on oral antibiotics, and while his dad got back to work on the farm, Finn decided to stay a few more days to assist her.
I thought my mother would give me a break by letting go of her need to talk to Finn as soon as possible, but she insisted, and he graciously agreed.
Of course, Finn charmed her so much they’re now texting and planning a meetup next month.
I’m thrilled, even if my gut tells me that those two are going to be trouble together.
I can only imagine what’ll happen when Finn meets Karson and Atticus…
More than anything, I’m returning to New York with nerves flying high.
Not for me; for Karson. We spent a lot of time on our break hanging out, no distractions, and the more Karson talked about coming out, the more at ease he looked.
I suggested he reach out to a therapist and start from there.
He agreed. Good thing Karson’s smarter than I am.
He’s taking his time; I made up my mind in the summer and winged it from there.
Still, you can have the best strategy to win the game, but shit happens, and you gotta be prepared to pivot.
I’m hoping my brother has an easier time than I did, but I’m also aware that he might not.
As I make my way through the arrival area, I’m so busy thinking about all this stuff that I don’t clock the group of reporters until their mics are crammed in my face.
Cameras flash and I reach for my sunglasses.
The shouting starts and while I’m tempted to haul ass, I pause and let them ask their questions.
I don’t know who tipped them off about my arrival time—Hugo—and I’m pissed. Pissed, but not running away.
“Kirkland! Any further comment on your breakup with Taylor Grimaldi?”
“How are you feeling after that road trip in December? Is the defensive team helping or hurting the Rush?”
“What about Brady saying you’re the reason the team’s struggling? And his suggestion about your relationship with the rookie?”
More questions are lobbed at me, but it’s hard to hear with all the noise. I clear my throat and raise my hand.
“I have no further comment when it comes to Taylor, so please, move on to other, more exciting news.”
A couple of reporters chuckle and I continue.
“I gave a statement a week ago and commented on the team’s efforts.
I won’t be answering any more questions on this topic.
When it comes to Brady, he has a lot of opinions, but I don’t care for any of them.
If I have something to say about my relationship with Finn Baran, I’ll be the one to say it.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go home and do laundry before practice day. ”
Hugo’s going to be ticked off at my comment about Finn, but I don’t give a shit, especially if he’s the one who sicced these reporters on me without warning.
Finn and I discussed how we want to handle this and I’m sticking to it.
Brady tried to put a target on our backs.
We can’t stop the speculation that’s followed, but we’re not going to tell anyone anything until we’re ready.
I offer a polite smile to the reporters and push my way through the crowd.
When I finally escape into my rideshare, I tap my phone.
Sel: You’ll see me on the news shortly. Reporters got me when I landed in NYC. I think I handled it pretty well but be mindful on your return. You may get ambushed. Text or call me when you can. Love you.
A minute later, my phone buzzes.
Finn: Are you okay?
Sel: I’m fine. They caught me off guard, but I’m handling things better now, don’t worry.
Finn: You’d tell me if you aren’t?
Sel: Swear on my skates
Finn: Okay. How did they know where/when?
Sel: Hugo’s my best guess. I’m calling him next.
Finn: Wow, welcome home
Sel: Right? Call you later, miss you, love you
Finn: Miss you, love you too
I take a deep breath and tap on Hugo’s number. He answers on the third ring.
“How was your flight, Sel?”
“You should know,” I snark. “By the way, thanks for the heads up on the welcoming committee. What the fuck, Hugo?”
“I work hard to turn negative press into positive coverage. You can handle it. Besides, there’s been so much media about the team this week—you in particular—that I wanted to keep the momentum going. ”
“Don’t do the same thing to Finn.”
“Are you telling me how to do my job?”
“In this case, yes. He had an injury, his mom was in the hospital, and now he’s—” My voice catches. “He’s dealing with a lot. Do not ambush him, do you understand?”
“I don’t like your tone.”
“I don’t like your tactics.”
I hang up and silence my notifications. I don’t care if Hugo complains to Range or management. If Hugo pulls this shit on Finn, he’ll be the one looking for a trade.
There’s another surprise waiting for me at the condo.
“Holy shit!”
I drop my bags and reach for my phone.
“Are you still at the airport or stuck in traffic?” Finn answers on the first ring.
“I’m back at my place,” I explain. “When you said Christmas tree, Finn, I wasn’t expecting—”
“A six-foot behemoth that looks like the real thing? I had the store decorate it. You like?”
“Like?” I walk into the living area and all I can see is this big, beautiful tree. “Finn, it’s incredible! There’s a silver puck at the top!”
He chuckles.
“Did you notice the lights?”
I step closer and start to laugh.
“You didn’t?”
“I did.”
I can’t help the grin on my face.
“They’re shaped like skates. How did you find them?”
“It’s a secret.”
“This is too much.”
“Baby, I wanted our first Christmas, even if it is late, to be special.”
My chest aches. I wish he was here with me and not thousands of miles away.
“It’s the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received,” I admit. “Other than you.”
“I’ll wear a bow when I get back.”
The next morning
I’m prepared for Hugo’s lecture as soon as I see him at the rink, but he’s busy talking to Range and doesn’t even acknowledge me. I take advantage of the break and pick up my pace. Only, when I’m about to walk past them, Range turns to me.
“Hold up, Kirkland, we need to speak. My office.”
Great, I’m gonna get a lecture from Coach too…
Once we’re in his office and the door’s shut, I wait silently. Range looks at Hugo and Hugo nods.
“I wanted to inform you that, as of this morning, Brady is no longer a part of the Rush organization.”
It takes a couple of seconds for the news to sink in. Is this for real or am I dealing with jet lag?
“Where’s he going?” I ask Range.
“I have no idea. He’s been terminated.”
“We can’t go into details,” Hugo adds. “But suffice to say, he won’t be bothering you anymore.”
“Not in person. But I’m guessing he’s still going to blame this on me.”
“Then he needs to look in a mirror. He should have kept his mouth shut,” Range replies.
“He showed no effort on the ice this season, he went rogue on our PR team, made public insinuations about teammates, and ignored calls from management. That isn’t the way to do business.
Most important of all, his attitude with the rest of the team was shitty, and his behavior toward you was inexcusable. ”
“Speaking of going rogue—” I glare at Hugo.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, Sel. Answering questions from the media is part of your job. And you want to talk about rogue? What was that comment yesterday? If you have something to say? Care to enlighten me about that?”
“Not at this time.” I smirk. “But hey, aren’t you happy with all the attention my comments received?”
Hugo rolls his eyes, and I glance at Range, who looks like he wants to yell at both of us.
“Can we focus please?” Coach grumbles. “I’m going to inform the team about Brady asap. Kirkland, get changed, and Hugo, I’ll meet you in the conference room after for the presser.”
I do as I’m told and head for the locker room. Most of the guys are busy sharing stories about their holidays, and I do the rounds. When I get to Berg, he gives me a knowing look.
“How was your break?” he asks.
“Awesome. Cali sun and time with the fam. You?”
“Quiet, but restful,” he replies with a grin. “I’m psyched to get out there. Seems like the air is charged today.”
“I know what you mean.”
Sure enough, by the time I change, Range appears and makes the announcement to the team. There’s silence, questions—like who’s going to replace Brady—and when Range is gone, celebration.
Even St. Clare, Brady’s buddy, pulls me aside.
“Is it weird that I’m relieved too?” St. Clare admits.
“Brady got so vicious, and I felt—sorry, I feel shitty about the things he said to you, things I went along with at the beginning. I should’ve tried to put a stop to it, but instead I just kind of withdrew.
Man, I can’t believe I was once tight with that guy.
What am I saying? I’m no better than him. ”
He shakes his head and looks away.
“Look, I don’t think anyone could’ve convinced Brady to change. He made up his mind when I arrived and that was it, and he stopped playing the way he should’ve. He’s the one to blame for this situation, not you.”
“You’re way too forgiving, Kirkland,” St. Clare mutters. “Seems like we have a lot of work ahead of us. Me more than anyone.”
St. Clare stalks off before I can say anything else. I head back to my stall and check my phone. Finn’s already messaged me.
Finn: Range called! Holy shit, it really happened? The asshat is gone?
Makela starts blasting music and gets everyone singing and dancing. I snap a pic of the room and send it to Finn.
Sel: He’s gone, and as you can see, you and I aren’t the only ones happy about it.
Sorensen ambles up to me, and I frantically shove my phone back in my bag.
“How’s Finn?”