But that didn’t help his re-election chances.
I decide not to tell Alex about the Keep Alex Olsen Out of Rebel petition.
CHAPTER 3
NORA
“Okay,”Alex says. “Take me to Rebel.”
He sounds more resigned than excited, but at least he’s willing to get in my truck. That’s definitely the first step.
But I want him towantto come to Rebel. I know that might be pushing it. He was a professional hockey player for the best team in the league for the past two seasons. He was a huge part of that success until his knee injury. He was making millions. He had a great life in Portland. I’ve seen the interviews and read the articles.
He’s downgrading to come to Louisiana.
Except, now he’s going to be a part of something new and fun andmeaningful. He’s going to be a freaking hero in Rebel.
Eventually.
I have to hope that matters to him.
I look around quickly as we make our way toward the doors leading out to the parking garage. First things first—I need to keep him away from Leo, Brewser, and Wilson.
Those three men are like grandfathers to me, I would do almost anything for any of them, and they can be absolute menaces if anyone messes with someone they love.
I need to come up with a way to keep them from hazing Alex every day he’s in Rebel.
I need him tohappilylive in Rebel and play hockey for our new hockey team with his whole heart. I need him to make our new league a huge success.
“We need to go upstairs and then across to the parking garage,” I tell Alex. “We’ll just—” My foot hits the escalator at the same time I hear someone shout.
“Alex Olsen!”
Dammit! That’s Leo’s voice.
“Nora? Is that you?” I hear Brewser call.
I look back and make eye contact with Brewser. They’re about twenty yards away from the base of the escalator.
“Nora!” he calls.
“Nora, what are you doing?” Wilson yells.
“Crap!” I look up at Alex. “Come on!” I start walking up the escalator.
I feel Alex right behind me.
But Leo’s shout has drawn the attention of more people. Alex isn’t just some guy. He’s a famous hockey player. Ice in Louisiana is a very rare occurrence, but there are still plenty of hockey fans here.
“Alex Olsen?”
“Is that Alex Olsen?”
“Hey! That’s Alex Olsen!”
People on the escalator around us are turning. People on the descending escalator beside ours also turn to get a look. A few pull their phones out. Dammit.
“Excuse me,” I say to the man on the step in front of us.
