Page 168 of Rookie Attraction

“Sel.” I look away and stare out the window. “It turns out he’s leaving Minnesota today, and he’s got a layover in Omaha before he heads to California to see his family.”

“What’re the odds?”

“I know, right?” I don’t look at my dad for fear that everything I’m thinking about Sel will show on my face. “And since he and I have become…close…he wants to stop in and say hi, see if we need anything.”

“That’s awful kind.”

“It is. He’s—” I clear my throat. “Wonderful.”

My throat is so dry that I can’t say anything else.

“You sure you’re okay here?”

I turn to him and nod.

“Will’s stopping by soon.”

Dad walks over to me and pulls me into a bear hug.

“Thanks, son.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

The door swings open and Will appears, rolling into the room with a tray of coffees and a bag from my favorite downtown bakery.

“We were just talking about you,” I smirk as Will offers me the tray.

“And Finn’s teammate, who’s gonna drop by,” Dad adds.

Will stares at me, confused, and I mouth, “Later.”

“I was awake early.” Will smiles. “I thought you could both use real food.”

“Thanks.” Dad pats his shoulder. “But I’m heading home for a bit to shower and rest.”

“Good,” Will replies. “It’s about time.”

Dad gives Will a hug before stopping by my mom’s bedside to take her hand. I can’t hear what he’s whispering to her, but I can tell he’s scared to leave. Once he’s done talking, he turns back to us.

“Any change, you call me right away,” Dad insists.

“Yes. Now go get some sleep,” Will calls out over his shoulder.

I didn’t think I was all that hungry, but suddenly my appetite is making itself known. Snatching the bag from Will’s lap, I rip it open. Ah, runza. They’re like pizza pockets only stuffed with beef, cabbage, spices, and sometimes, cheese.

“Oh, man, I’m going to eat all of these.”

Will chuckles. “I bought two dozen just in case.”

“I wonder if they make these in New York.” I grab one of the pastries and stuff half of it into my mouth. “I’m gonna have to do some research when I get back.”

Will eyes me as I sit down.

“So, what’s this about a teammate in town?”

“Sel Kirkland. I’ve talked about him before.”

Will nods.