Page 87 of When Alec Met Evie
“He oughta just quit,” one guy says. “He’s older than half the guys out here anyway, and he’s not half as fast as he used to be. What’s he trying to prove?”
“You’re claiming you’re faster?” another guy answers, and they all chuckle.
“Nah, but I’m not getting paid to play,” the original guy says. “I’m just saying. The Williamson twins are better. Mark my words. They’ll drop him down to third line before the end of the year.”
The conversation goes on, eventually shifting to other players on the team, but I can’t fully quell the pulsing discomfort their comments triggered. They don’t know anything about Alec. Not really. They don’t know how much he’s hurting, how hard he’s fighting to keep playing, to be what his team needs him to be.
“Ignore it,” Parker says softly. “They just like to hear themselves talk.”
Behind us, one of the guys mentions Nathan’s name.
“Actually, let’s go sit somewhere closer,” Summer says, standing up. Parker and I exchange a quick glance, but Summer’s tone was just commanding enough that we don’t question before we stand and follow behind her. As we file out of the row, Summer glares at the men, silencing them with what I imagine is her very tough courtroom face.
Actually, I’m not even sure Summer does the kind of law that requires courtrooms. But if she did, she’d use that face, and it would be very intimidating.
It clearly was to the men, because they’re all completely silent until we’re several rows away and out of earshot.
“Think they realized who you are?” Parker asks.
“I don’t care if they didn’t,” Summer says. “They deserved a withering look either way.”
Our new location is much better for observing the costume parade, which is now fully in swing. “Well, this is probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” I say as I settle into my new seat.
“Cuter than my boyfriend snuggling your baby to sleep?” Summer says. “Because that definitely wins for me.”
“Did I tell you about the time Alec sang Juno to sleep in the middle of the night—shirtless?”
“Oh geez,” Summer says. “Did you immediately marry him?”
I laugh. “I thought about it.” I tap a spot on my chest. “He has an Appies tattoo right here. The team logo.”
“Really?” Parker asks. “I didn’t know that.”
“Sexy,” Summer says. “I love a good tattoo.” She’s quiet for a beat before she laughs and says, “Poor Apples.”
Thinking about Theo draws my eye back to the ice. The twins are with Alec, the three of them hovering around a pair of girls, who can’t be more than seven or eight, wearing twin Appies hockey uniforms. The girls are not great skaters, but every time one of the guys tries to help, they get their hand swatted away. Finally, Theo runs off the ice and returns with a hockey stick. He crouches down in front of the girls and shows them how to hold onto the stick, then he slowly skates backward, pulling them forward around the rink.
Alec watches him for a second, then he looks into the stands, finding my gaze in the crowd. He smiles, and I know exactly what he’s thinking.
It’s not like one conversation fixed everything for Theo. I know Alec isn’t naive enough to think it did. But this still feels like progress. Right now, at least for this moment, it feels like Theo is going to be okay.
I return Alec’s smile and lift Juno’s arm up in a pretend wave. He winks and waves back before turning his attention to the kids, and I find myself thinking about how recent it was thatIwasn’t okay. There was so much stress and sadness anddisappointment in the months leading up to and immediately after Juno’s birth. Of course, there was joy too. But I was mostly just surviving. Getting through one day at a time. Learning how to be a mom and a single parent.
But then I came to Harvest Hollow, and things started to change. Happiness snuck up on me. I’ve found friends, a job I love, a man who kisses me like his singular purpose in life is to melt me into the floor but who also looks at my daughter like she’s worth his time and effort. Like she matters too.
I’m not just okay. I’mmorethan okay.
I’m really, truly happy.
I just have to hope that this time, the happiness lasts.
CHAPTER 24
ALEC
“What doyou think it would cost to get just the bottom of the L removed?” Theo asks, holding his arm up as he studies his new tattoo.
Even though it’s past lunchtime, they’re sitting on the opposite side of my kitchen island eating piles of pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs. Breakfast is pretty much the only category of food either twin is comfortable cooking, but they’re buying their own groceries, they mostly clean up after themselves, and when they do cook, they’re usually willing to share, so I can’t complain.
