Page 48 of The Game
As we make our way down, some players are already doing interviews, probably hoping to get it over with so they can head home quickly.
Several of the guys, including Benjamin, Liam, and Aaron, stop by to say hello to my dad. Even though I can tell they’re feeling down, they put on smiles and are the perfect entertainment for the old NHL player.
Dad, having played before, also puts the guys at ease. He isn’t the typical fanboy, but rather an older man with extensive experience in the game.
Some of them seem not only to enjoy but also to appreciate his advice.
I finish my duties for the day quickly because few of the guys are eager to create content after a game like this.
Just as we’re about to leave, we run into none other than the captain himself.
After the game, he was busy with interviews, grilled about his team and his role as captain in a game like this.
What went wrong?
What could he have done differently?
Is he the right person to lead this team moving forward?
I felt bad for him; it’s not like this is entirely his fault. Alexander was one of the few players who didn’t perform too badly. Not great either, but he didn’t make any major mistakes like others.
Still, he’s the top target for criticism, along with the coach, whenever they have a bad game.
Part of me hopes he won’t stop to talk with us, but, of course, being the gentleman he is, he stops and gives me a small smile before turning his gaze to my dad.
He’s waiting for me to introduce them, and I realize I’ll lose our precious game. All because of my father.
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
Chapter 13
Alexander
This is it, she will have to introduce us and actually say my name out loud. After the horrible game we just had, it will feel good to finally have Sarah say my name—a small win on a terrible day.
The whole captain thing is fun, but I’m also dying for her to call me Alexander.
She looks between her dad and me.
Of course, I know who he is. I know my NHL history quite well. And anyone significant to Sarah is quickly becoming important to me as well.
“Dad, this is A—” before she can finish, her dad cuts in.
“Alexander McGregor, I know, sweetheart. Nice to meet you. I’m John Parker.” I curse inside myself, so close, yet so far.
The smile Sarah gives me from beside her dad shows me she’s pretty satisfied with her dad cutting her off. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this smug, the little Winx.
I shake his hand firmly.
“Nice to meet you, John. I’m Alexander. Sorry you caught our game on a day like this,” I tell him.
“Nonsense, it’s all part of the sport, which I think you know quite well, captain. You’ll bounce back; Chicago always does,” he tells me, and again, the captain thing reminds me of the watchful blonde beside him, observing our exchange.
“Yeah, just like you did back in the nineties with Washington. The 97’ season was tough,” I say, and John seems impressed. Even though it wasn’t my intention, it gives me a good feeling to know I’m making an impression on Sarah’s dad.
“A man who knows his hockey history. The 97’ season was indeed very tough, but it also gave me the greatest gifts of all,” he casts a loving look down at his daughter, who smiles up at him. I can tell their bond is special.
“We should get going. Nice to meet you, Alexander,” he tells me, and I give him one last handshake before they move around me.
