Page 91 of Unmasking Love
“Yeah,” I admit with a shrug. I don’t have anything else to compare it to but I have built plenty of muscle from plant proteins and my energy levels are reliable.
“Maybe we all should do it.” Emmett shrugs as he pops a cherry tomato into his mouth.
“I’m no doctor or trainer but I don’t think it could hurt.” I offer.
“Well, tonight we’ve got a mostly vegan feast. Andre had an issue with using fake butter in the potato dishes but the sweet potatoes are vegan I think. Let me check.” He sticks his head into the fridge and comes back out with a post-it in hand. “Yep, the sweet potatoes have a ginger paste in them, no dairy or eggs.” He looks up at me. “Did you think I’d invite you and then not give you anything to eat?”
“I dunno,” I pull on the back of my neck. “Kinda. And, for the record I’m not exclusively vegan. I’ll eat eggs and cheese sometimes.”
“Yeah but you prefer it.” He shrugs as he puts the cauliflower into the oven.
“Thanks Felix. This means a lot.”
“You’re a teammate Aiden,” he looks up at me as the doorbell rings, “we’ve got your back just like you’ve got ours. We take care of each other. And accommodating your dietary preferences is the least we can do.” He finishes as he wipes his hands on a towel he has slung over his shoulder and walks to the door.
The nonchalance towards caring about me is disarming. Not only did he notice I don’t eat meat, he told his chef to prepare a holiday meal in a vegetarian friendly way. Now that I think about it, there have been more vegan protein bars stocked in the kitchenette at the practice facility, lately too. And more vegetables available from the catered meals the team gets for us on the road. I thought it was nice, I definitely liked the additional options, but it never occurred to me they were because Felix had told the team to do it.
I don't tell many people about my preferences. Because the reason I eat vegetarian is for my cardiovascular health.
I’m not a person to preach about it or try to enforce it on others.
It’s a choice I’ve made for myself. My health. And sharing it means I’d need to start sharing my medical history too and I don’t want that changing anyone’s mind about me or my ability as a goalie.
Emmett admitted that he knew about my heart attack. And I think Felix knows. Does everyone? And they’re just okay with it? They’re not asking me questions or treating me like I’m fragile?
I’m so overwhelmed by the support from Felix I forgot about the doorbell ringing so when Harper laughs from the entryway I physically startle. I watch as she lifts onto her tiptoes and gives hugs to the guys with a tin of cookies in hand.
“Harper you didn’t have to bring anything,” Felix says as he opens the container and immediately the boys dive in. “Men! Control yourselves!” He yells as he shrugs Bryson and Crosby off his shoulders. Crosby pops a whole cookie in his mouth and chews with a smile.
“Sowy Cap,” he says around a mouthful.
I watch Harper, watching them. Her eyes twinkle with delight at the grown men acting like children. I stand from my stool and step down the hallway towards her and she turns and lays her gaze on me.
I feel it hit me like crashing through a plate glass door.
Her face breaks into a smile that shatters what was left of my control and I lengthen my stride to reach her.
“Hi,” I say as I step up to her.
“Classic opener,” Crosby stage-whispers.
“Get the fuck outta here,” Felix scolds and drags the boys to the living room where the football game is on. Harper laughs.
Before she can speak, I cup her face in my hands. “Hi, again.” I say leaning in for a much needed kiss. The connection immediately ripples through me and I can breathe easier.
“Am I the only girl here?”
“Yeah, I didn’t realize it was just the single guys hanging out today. Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, I think for once Wes is going to be jealous of my Thanksgiving day.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, I usually spend it alone or with whoever my mom is dating, and their family.” A shadow passes over her face and I want to know more but now isn’t the time. “And Wes goes to Yanksgiving where a gaggle of gay men get together to dance and drink margaritas.”
“I’m not sure what’s on the docket for the rest of the afternoon here but knowing Felix there will be fun and games of some sort.”
“I think you’re right.”
