Page 33 of Body Check

McKittrick runs his hand through his hair, the chocolate brown strands lifting to show the grey sprinkled in beneath them. “A baby. You know the team is will flip.”

A few of the players already have kids, but none of them are in relationships with staff members.

“We’re not making a big announcement,” Vanessa says. “I’ve told Jacky and Coach, plus these guys. Everyone who needs to know does.”

“Thank you for including me in that.” McKittrick’s hand is on his chest, and his eyes are misty. “I appreciate you telling me.”

“You’re our captain,” Larsson says, as if that’s all there is to it.

And maybe for him, that’s all it is.

I’m the first to admit I don’t know McKittrick well. Our first few interactions didn’t lend themselves to a positive working relationship. And then when he got wasted…

He’s a complicated man, going through a tumultuous time in his life. The ending of his marriage, the sunset of his career… Either one would be a lot to deal with, and to do it simultaneously, he must be stronger than anyone knows.

I wonder if he ever lets himself fall apart. Who picks up the pieces? Does he hold it all inside, or does he confide in anyone?

For some reason, I have this insane urge to be there for him. To support him. To give him a shoulder to lean on. Even the strongest people need a break sometimes. An outlet for all the chaos simmering beneath the surface.

Maybe my shows muddy the waters. All I know is that he hasn’t looked away, not once. He’s just as hungry for them as I am.

He needs them as much as me.