Ivan Brennan found me alone in the hallway once the shutout was over, and he made no move to step back. He had been finding me alone all season, and I had stopped pretending it was chance. Everything I would not admit to wanting was suddenly on the table.

I played the cocky rookie like it was second nature, but my inexperience burned hotter every time his commanding stare landed on me. He cracked his knuckles once, and I wanted him to use that control on me instead. The equipment room was where it would happen, with the championship and our roster spots hanging in the balance. He told me to meet him there after the next game.