‘Your fans are going to love this,’ she told him. ‘Finally, we can get you a direct line to them so you get to control the narrative.’

Or more to the point, I do.

‘I don’t see why I can’t just use one of my team shots. Isn’t that the point? People know me as a pro player, right?’ Ward complained when, afterwards, he and Hannah grabbed some food in a quiet, non-descript diner a few blocks away.

But today, his remonstrations didn’t sound so much whiny but rather playful, and this more relaxed version of him was the one she recognized from that first day in Frank’s.

The very one that had made her completely tongue-tied.

She’d commandeered his shiny new phone and was currently in the process of setting up social media channels, adding a profile pic and whatnot. Her fingers worked expertly as she focused her attention on the screen. Having snapped a few candid pictures of him in situ at the restaurant, she was now editing accordingly.

‘That’s where you’re wrong. Everyone sees you only as a hockey player. It’s the only way they know you – and I think we can both agree that image isn’t altogether positive. What we want them to see is the human side of you. The guy beneath the hockey uniform.’ Then Hannah winced a little, wishing the words she’d chosen didn’t sound quite so … suggestive.

But luckily he didn’t seem to notice her embarrassment.

‘I hate that social media crap, everyone screaming for attention like a bunch of performing seals. Look at my house, my vacation, my kids, my stupid dog … Who the hell cares?’

‘It’s not the same. You’re a public figure, yet from what I can tell you’ve never even attempted to connect with your fans. Think of all those kids growing up dreaming of being you, idolising you, grown men and women too,’ and as she briefly met his gaze, Hannah realized he was watching her face, as if studying her reaction. ‘For some reason,’ she added archly, ‘regardless, you’re a hero to lots of people.’

Then just as quickly, the mask was back. ‘That shit is for narcissists. I don’t need anyone blowing smoke up my ass.’

So Hannah changed tack. ‘Look, what we’re trying to dismantle is this negative, toxic macho image of you that’s been perpetuated so far. Nobody thinks to question whether it’s true because there’s never been a counterpoint. Which basically means that you’ve never had any say in how people perceive you, Ward. You’ve left it all to other people, the media or whatever, so they’re always the ones in control. Not you. Which surprises me, to be honest, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about you it’s that you prefer to do things on your own terms.’