“I smile all the time.”
“You don’t smile all the time,” she argues. “But you smiled during post-game press when they asked about your off-field distractions. Do you remember that?”
I inhale a deep breath and stand from my bed, scratching at my stomach as I think back to the press room after the Omaha game.
“That wasn’t?—”
“I know,” she cuts in. “But you should know, the internet has decided there’s a girl.”
I exhale slowly. “Fuck.”
“So, is there? A girl?” Harper asks as indiscriminately as possible.
“There’s not…” I push my hand through my hair. “There’s not,nota girl.”
“So, it’s not official yet.”
I mean…she kissed me.
But she also said it meant nothing.
It didn’t mean nothing to me.
“What are they saying?”
“Nothing specific. Just that you look…lighter. Happier.”
“That’s not illegal.”
“No,” she agrees. “But I need to know if there’s something I should be prepared for.”
There it is. Agent-speak for: Are you about to implode your brand?
“No implosions planned,” I say evenly.
“Good. For what it’s worth, I’m happy for you. And getting you off the market will help your brand.”
“I’m not doing anything with a girl for my brand, Harper. You know me better than that.”
“I know. And I’m not at all saying you should push her into the spotlight. I just mean fans like to see their players settled down and building families. It makes them feel like you’ve committed to their city. That you’re not going to leave.”
“Portland Rush would have to force me out,” I tell her. “I don’t plan on going anywhere. And I’m not getting this…possible girl…involved. She’s not ready for any of the bullshit that comes with the job.”
I don’t even know if she’s ready for me.
“Glad to hear it. Keep her safe and enjoy your privacy while you still have it. I’ll do all I can to deflect for you.”
“Thanks, Harper.”
“Of course. Everything else going okay? Your brothers behaving in the off season? I haven’t talked to them in a few weeks.”
“Yeah, they’ll be here in a bit, actually. They’re helping me with a project today.”
“Great. We’ll talk soon then. Whatever’s making you smile…orwhoever…keep up the good work.”
I’m trying.
“Will do. Tell Harrison and the kids I said hello.” Harper is married to Harrison Meers who used to play hockey for the Anaheim Stars. He finally retired last season and has gotten into coaching.
