“Legally? Yes,” Sutton says. “I searched the public records, and they have a marriage license.”
I laugh. “Okay. But are they in love?”
“Hard to tell,” Andi says. “I mean, hedoeshave a fine ass. That’s more just a statement of fact.”
I can’t do anything but nod. Declan O’Grady isveryattractive. If a woman is into dark, broody, totally intimidating, powerful men.
Which I’m not.
But I get it.
I lean over and push play on the podcast again.
“So you’re playing ‘fun hockey’,” Sam says.
“Hockey with heart,” Astrid interjects.
“Right. Okay,” Sam says. “But there’s singing and dancing, Astrid. So it’s nothockey. What is this? A mid-life crisis? And if so, is it yours or your brother’s?”
“Well, see, Sam, right there’s the problem. Some of you don’t appreciate sports unless they’re all polished and glamorous, right? It has to be flashy and pretty to catch and keep your attention. And I get it. Your attention spans are short, and it’s all just one big dick-measuring contest at the end of the day. Well,Iwanted to go somewhere to hang out with people who just really love the game. So I came to Rebel, Louisiana.”
“Oh, I see, that’s what this is? The love of the game?” Sam asks.
“Yes,” Astrid says. “The players and fans are all here for the same reason. To have a really good fucking time. To hang out together, to watch some hockey, to have some laughs. But then both teams leave the ice and go hang out at the bar together. The fans dress up and cheer their team on, but then they leave the arena and go staff the bake sale together, or hang out at book club. This is just a bunch of really great guys getting together, having a hell of a good time, and helping the fans feel a part of it. Because we all love hockey and want to show that we can do that, and just that, and not let money and egos get in the way.
“I want all of these players to remember why they picked up that hockey stick the very first time. Before they got caught up in the competition, in the glitz, in the idea that everything always has to be bigger and better and faster. And yes, that’s what I want for my brother. This past year has been tough on him. I want to give him some joy in hockey back.”
I don’t hear exactly what Sam and Crew say in response.
I’m totally caught up in what Astrid said about Alex.
I already really liked Astrid Olsen O’Grady—wait, did she take Declan’s last name? I need to look that up—but I like herso muchright now.
I want Alex tolovehockey.
Not the life hockey has given him. Not the safe bubble he’s in because of hockey. Not this sense of self that he thinks only comes from being Alex Olsen, number fourteen for the Portland Grays. Just hockey. The game. And how he feels when he’s on the ice. And how he feels on the iceherein Rebel. And how he makes other people feel because of how muchtheylike hockey.
“I’m thinking this is right up your alley, McNeill,” Astrid is saying when I focus again. “If you ever get tired of Chicago, come down and give me a visit.”
“I do love the spotlight, and I’m not gonna lie, I have a pretty great singing voice,” McNeill says.
“Well, we might just have to make you prove that. I’ve been thinking that we need to have some All-Star guests come down and join our shenanigans.”
Crew chuckles. “Your brother has my number.”
“I’m going to let you go,” Astrid says. “Stop talking shit about my hockey league, Sam,” she says. “If you want to know what it's really about, call me and we’ll do a real interview. Or better yet, come down here and see it for yourself.”
“I might just have to do that. Do you have a fancy box I can sit in?”
“Hell no. You’re going to sit down with the fans and understand what this is really about. And you’re also going to meet some of the best people you’ve ever met and have some of the best food you’ve ever tasted.”
“Sounds like an invitation I can’t pass up.”
“Exactly.”
“And thanks for listening, Astrid. I didn’t know you were a fan.”
“Well, now you do, so watch yourself.”
