Nothing about last night was as I’d expected. None of that was usual.
I ammoreaddicted. I don’t feel in control at all. I feel like I’m a snowball rolling down a mountain, only gaining momentum and speed and losing the ability to slow or stop. And when I crash at the bottom it will be a huge mess. And the chances of wiping out a bunch of…stuff…is very real.
But what stuff?
Oh, just life as I knew it before coming to Rebel.
“Thanks. But Nora and I are temporary, you know. Just until April.” I return to the table.
Astrid gives me a wide-eyed WTF look. “I was talking about the hockey stuff, but do you want to talk about you and Nora?”
I do not. Because I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with her, and I’m equally sure my sister will realize that and make me admit it. And what good will that fucking do?
“Nope.”
“Okay.” She rolls her eyes as she takes a sip of tea.
“What are you happy formeabout with the hockey?” I ask.
“All of it. You were great last night,” she says. “Seriously great. And we’re upfour hundred ticketsthis morning. Well, last night when I checked. So, thank you.”
Well, holy shit. Okay, thatisgood.
“I was kind of pissy about all of it,” I admit.
She laughs. “Yeah, that was pretty obvious.”
“Other people could tell?”
“So much, Alex.”
I sigh. “I’ll work on it.” If I can keep working out my “frustrations” with Nora the way I did last night, I’m already less annoyed by the upcoming games and scrimmages.
Wayless annoyed.
Nora makes everything better.
More chaotic. And better.
How is that possible? What has happened to my life?
But Astrid shrugs. “Your pissiness made it more fun and funny.”
Nora said the same thing. “Do you think so?”
“Yeah. It’s like the players are all a bunch of different characters out there. Beckett is the enthusiastic golden retriever who’s having the time of his life. Lawson is the intense, uncomfortable one who’s trying his damnedest and looking awkward, but hot at the same time, somehow. Wes is the onewho acts like he’s actually playing serious hockey even when it’s ridiculous. It’s like he pulls off this sarcastic thing while he’s doing it. Ingrid is like a superhero ninja or something. She’s hilarious and fun to watch. Teddy is a goofball, but in a different way from Beckett. He’s quieter and more subtle, which makes his humor different funny. And then there’s you, the total grump who thinks it’s all silly and beneath you.”
She shakes her head, but she’s grinning. “It’s like each one of you appeals to a different person watching. There’s someone for each person in the audience to relate to. Some people will show up and think it’s the best time ever, and they’ll think Beckett and Teddy are great. Some people won’t totally get it, and they’ll probably relate more to Lawson or Wes. And then there will be people who are outright appalled that we’re doing this to hockey. You’ll be their favorite.”
I think about all of that. It’s an interesting theory, and it just might work.
“But did everyone have a good time?” I finally ask.
“Absolutely. I was watching the crowd intently. And yes. But if I had any questions about it, I just had to get on social media. Oh, and our team email. Everyone is really excited.”
I’m surprised to feel a surge of pride hearing that.
“And don’t worry, Miles is keeping track of everything and passing it on to Declan. Or passing it on to Iris to pass on to Declan.”
