The Memories
Seven
"What's up Bergy?" Called Brad Marchand as Patrice walked into the steakhouse. "How's life?"
"Good, and you?" Patrice responded, sitting down between Tyler and Brad.
"Good, good." Brad grinned. "How's the family?"
Patrice had announced to the team about Ashlyn and Troy after the game against Tampa Bay, and the entire team had been happy for him. He'd gotten gifts from his teammates to give to little Troy, and he'd managed to get his hands on two season passes for his new found family.
"Good." Patrice smiled at him as he picked up a menu and began to read it. "They're getting by."
Tyler laughed and put his arm around Patrice's shoulders.
"My liney's a dad!" He said. "I still can't believe it."
"Why, because Patrice can't get laid to save his life?" Shawn Thornton chipped in, and Patrice burst out laughing along with the rest of the table. "I'm kidding. You know I love you bro."
"We're all just big children." Patrice shook his head. "Every last one of us."
They ordered their food, and resumed conversation, before Patrice felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Are you Patrice Bergeron?" A young man in his early twenties asked timidly. "Oh my god. I'm such a huge fan. You're my idol. Could I get an autograph real quick?"
Patrice agreed with a smile, and signed a napkin for the man. He saw a couple of other people who had noticed him get up and head toward him to try their luck with the superstar.
"Could I get one too?" Asked a young girl of about eighteen.
"Sure thing." Patrice smiled, and signed the napkins of all the fans in the steakhouse one by one.
"Look at Mr Popular here." Brad mumbled with a smirk. "Twenty thousand dollars says he'll lose his entire fan base when they find out he's got a girlfriend."
Tyler laughed and handed over his napkin to Patrice.
"Can I have one too? Pleeease?" He begged, giving Patrice puppy eyes.
The entire team broke into laughter and Patrice handed the pen back to the young man.
"Thank you so much. Have a good dinner." The man said politely.
Patrice received a sign of appreciation from the rest of the fans, before they headed back to their tables with their prizes.
"So, man of the hour? What's it gonna be?" Asked Brad, offering Patrice his choice of appetizers.
Patrice laughed and chose before Brad picked one and passed it down the table.
