Page 17 of Rise Above

Dre and Nat looked at me in horror. My sentiments

on celebrities aligned with my sentiments on everyone else: people were people. And all people deserved love, compassion, respect, and dignity regardless of gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, or profession. Big deal if these two were famous; they were still people first. Davis looked at me and then immediately burst into laughter. He looked 45

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like he was fighting to breathe. His face reddened as he fought for air.

“Well ouch,” the red head said, “I do expect a little

adoration, to be honest.”

I turned to him. “You won’t get it from me.”

“Well, what if I was Tom Brady?”

“Fuck Tom Brady,” I said with a snarl. “Talented

guy but fuck him.”

“Okay, what if I was Russell Wilson?” He crossed

his arms over his chest.

“He’s still just a guy who happens to be talented at

throwing an oddly shaped ball. If you’re looking for adoration and devotion, it won’t be from me.” I matched him by crossing my arms over my chest.

The dark-haired man slightly smirked while taking

in our conversation. He was clearly amused by his friend’s antics. “Not everyone bows down to celebrities, Zeke. Let it go.”

Zeke turned to his friend, eyes blazing. “I’m the

next fucking Gretzsky! This is unusual for me.”

“Gretzsky wasn’t a goalie.” Dre pointed out,

popping a piece of gum into her mouth. “Maybe you’re like the next Sawchuk or Husak. Although, you are the first goalie/pest I’ve ever seen. A class of your own for sure, Carter.”

“Ugh, no more sports, please.” Nat placed her hands

over her ears. “Just food.”

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“I second the food aspect,” Davis said and rubbed

his stomach. “You guys want to join?”

Zeke and TJ shared a brief looking before nodding.

“I’m never one to turn down food,” Zeke said, “Can little Carter come?”

TJ snorted. Normally, I would have found the noise

jarring, but it was strangely attractive coming from him. “Don’t let him hear that.”