Page 175 of Rookie Attraction

I raise my hand to offer a final wave. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, Sel!” Peter calls out.

Will waves in return. “Merry Christmas to you and your family. Safe travels.”

Once we step out into the hallway, Finn grabs my bicep.

“You said you’re staying at the Bancroft, right?” Finn asks.

I nod.

“What room are you in?” he whispers.

Finn steps closer and my heart pounds wildly.

“Eight twenty-six.”

“Can I stop by in a couple of hours and spend the night? I know it’ll be late, and you have an early morning, but I want a few hours with you. Alone.”

“Yes.”

“If it makes it easier, I can tell them I’m staying at Will’s. He’ll cover for me.”

“I don’t think you need a cover story. Didn’t you notice that I screwed up in there and reached for your hand?”

Finn shakes his head.

“Your dad saw it, and from the way your mom looked at me just now, I’m sure she knows what’s going on too. Or suspects.”

Finn nods with determination.

“Like Will,” he mumbles and bites his lip. “That’s it, I’m telling them the truth.”

“Are you sure this is the right time?”

“I need to tell them now more than ever.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“No, but thanks for offering. I want to come out to them on my own. I gotta do this for me. It’s my choice.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.”

Finn’s hand is steady on my arm.

“You sound confident.”

“I am confident. Once I told Will, some of the pressure eased. I’m ready.”

“And I’ll be waiting, in case things go⁠—”

“They won’t.”

I’m not sure that’s a promise Finn can make.

Four hours later, I’m lying in my hotel bed, staring at my phone, wondering when Finn will arrive but knowing there’s a chance he won’t. What if his parents reacted badly? If so, why didn’t he call me right away?