Page 30 of Forever Wild
“It’s okay,” Jack says as he gets situated in the chair. “That’s not necessary.”
Gina looks between us with an uncertain expression.
I start to protest, but then the man smiles. It makes my stomach flip. I know this was my idea, but I’m a little surprised it’s working so well. He’s a completely different guy than he was two hours ago.
“I’ll be fine like this for an hour,” Jack says.
“You’re sure?” Gina asks. I have no doubt that she’d grab him ten chairs and a hundred ice packs if that’s what he requested.
“Yeah.” Jack nods and she hurries off, calling for the children’s attention.
While she introduces Jack, he looks at me.
He tips his head to a free chair. “Take a load off, Ev. You look stressed.”
“That’s becauseyoustress me out.”
“I’m perfectly agreeable right now.”
“Yeah, exactly. It’s scaring me more than being in this hospital.”
Then he laughs. Truly terrifying.
From my chair in the corner, I watch for the next hour as a dozen kids and some parents wait for their turn with Jack. He’s gracious and personable. He signs jerseys and sticks and tons of other sports memorabilia items. All with an appreciative smile and a friendliness that makes the kids’ faces light up.
He has a certain presence about him. He’s a big guy, which I’m sure the kids find incredible on its own. But then he also has this celebrity look about him. It’s a quiet confidence on top of his handsome face that’s borderline too perfect. Even with the unkept beard and too long hair. He has a look that can’t be completely dimmed no matter how he dresses or takes care of himself.
When the last kid is ushered out of the room, Gina reappears by his side.
“Thank you,” she says with a sincerity in her tone that I know isn’t fake. “I can’t tell you how much it means to them when you stop by. It’s always the highlight around here. You’re good to us and we appreciate it more than I can say.”
I’m not surprised to hear that Jack comes here often and that he’s always the highlight, but I guess it’s a good reminder that beneath his tough, broody exterior he’s a really good guy. Sometimes I forget that amidst all our bickering.
“Happy to do it.” Still smiling, he gets to his feet. Jack standstaller, like the weight of the world is no longer weighing down his shoulders. And he’s still not glaring anywhere. Not even at me.
I’m officially weirded out.
“I’ll be in touch to lock you down for another visit,” Gina says with a final goodbye.
Jack and I start our trek back to the car.
“How’s your knee?” I ask.
“A little stiff.”
I spot a wheelchair against the wall. “Want a ride?”
“I don’t think one is big enough.” He smirks.
He’s right. It’s definitely made for someone smaller than him, which is basically ninety-nine percent of the population.
I step closer to him. “Wrap an arm around my shoulders and let me have some of your weight.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I’m fine. I can walk by myself.”
