My eyes are stinging by the time I’m done.
“Oh my God.” I look up at Ruth. “This post has a hundred and five thousand likes.”
She nods. “He’s got a huge following. You should read the comments. People love this.”
I scan through.
First responders deserve all of our respect! Good for you!
This is hilarious! The rich, cocky pro athlete hauling lumber! Don’t get a splinter, pretty boy!
Awesome! Our blue-collar workers rock!
Where is this new team????
You’re in Louisiana?! How did I not know that!
How can we get tickets???!!!
Women in hockey! Yes, please! More of this!
Love it when rich, privileged people realize that regular people exist.
Why don’t you just share some of your money with these teammates so they don’t have to work backbreaking jobs?
Maybe they love their jobs?! I love mine. Yes, it’s hard work, but I love it and I wouldn’t change it.
I’m a firefighter. Thanks for the shout-out from one of my favorite players.
And they go on and on.
“This is really good,” I say softly.
“It is. It’s good for Alex, too,” Ruth says. “He seems to really be enjoying it, and it’s good for him to get to know the other players, right?”
“Of course.” My mind is spinning.
Alex has always only ever seen himself as a hockey player. His family, his country, hell, the sports world, even some clothing companies, and a sports drink company have only ever seen him as a hockey player. Interviewers have asked him about his favorite things, his habits, have photographed his apartment, but even then he hasn’t told them hisactualfavorite movie. He wears clothes other people send him. He abides by a schedule other people set for him.
Is it possible that the first time the world around him has been…more? The first time the people around him have caredabouthimas a person so it’s the first time he’s really let himself be more?
I realize that yes, that’s possible.
I pull my phone out and immediately follow him on all the social media platforms.
Then I text him.I know you’re probably going to need a nap this afternoon, but later I HAVE to see you.
I’m surprised, and pleased, to get a reply within a minute.
Ditto.
That’s followed by another message a second later.
But I have to help Beckett with some deliveries. And then practice.
I grin. Alex is busy. In Rebel. And not entirely with hockey.
Nora:I’ll wait up for you. *winky face*
