Page 108 of Rookie Attraction

I laugh out loud at Makela’s ego.

“Well, Mercury, have fun at Sorensen’s,” I say as the elevator stops at my floor.

“You want to join us? Then we can have your dessert.”

Sorensen didn’t invite me, so no, I’m not going to show up like that. Then again, he didn’t see me after practice, and I don’t think I exchanged numbers with him. But Finn didn’t text me either, and I wonder why and… why it hurts. Jesus, I’m being dramatic again. It’s Sorensen’s place, and if he’d invited me, maybe I’d have gone.

“Thanks, but another time.”

I step out of the elevator and Makela shouts before the doors close.

“I’m having party before we leave for February break. Remember to bring pastries!”

I head down the hallway but before I unlock my door, I check my phone.

Still no text from Finn… stop it.

Shaking my head, I step inside, drop the bakery bag on the island, and rummage through my freezer for dinner. While my food’s in the microwave, I turn on the TV and settle on a comedy series. What I need now is a good laugh and lots of distraction.

It doesn’t work.

My stomach’s all nerves and it takes me longer than usual to eat. Once I’m done, I mute the TV, turn on my notifications, and text Damian. I should call but I’m not in a talking mood.

Sel: How are things going in Vermont? Still binging on cheese and maple syrup lol?

I wait a few minutes for his reply.

Damien: FU, cheese and maple syrup = awesome. And just for that, I’m sending you some this week and you’ll never want anything else.

Sel: Speaking of wanting…

Awkward segway, Sel.

Damien: Go on.

Sel: I have it bad for someone

Damien: Whoa! Details, now! Is it that football player, Grimaldi?

Sel: Jesus, you sound like me when you first mentioned Silas.

Damien: Déjà vu, right? So, is it him or someone else?

Sel: It’s not Taylor. It’s more complicated than that. Are you sure you want to know?

Damien: Only if you want to tell me.

Sel: Okay, but DON’T tell anyone, including your husband.

Damien: I swear

Sel: It’s a hockey player. In the league. Who happens to be my teammate.

Damien: Fuuuuuck

Sel: Yep, only, he’s just discovering he’s into guys. But he’s not the same as me. What I mean is, he’s not into the casual thing, and shit, I said too much. Ignore that.

Damien: How did this happen?