Page 52 of The Waiting Game

Tyson gave him a warm smile. “You’re welcome to stay overnight, both you and Mr. Hale. But I’d suggest going home and trying to get some rest.”

Jonah glanced over at his grandmother who appeared to have fallen asleep. Her eyes were closed at least. “I hate to leave her.”

“I know.” Tyson gave him a sympathetic look, his blue eyes kind. “But your grandmother is stable and the best thing you can do for her is get a good night’s sleep. And I’ll be honest, you’re not going to get very good rest staying here. The nurses will be in and out all night monitoring her.”

Jonah glanced over at Felix, motioning for him to come closer. “What do you think? Do you want to stay here or go home?”

Felix shrugged, placing a hand on Jonah’s lower back. “It’s up to you. If you want to stay, I’ll run home and grab your stuff, but I’m sure the doctor’s right. You’ll sleep better in your own bed.”

“Someone will call if anything happens overnight?” Jonah asked Tyson.

“Of course,” the nurse said with a reassuring smile. “We’ll notify you immediately if her condition changes.”

“I guess we should go home,” Jonah said, feeling a bit reluctant. He wanted to stay but he could see that it didn’t really make sense.

“We’ll come first thing in the morning,” Felix promised. “Or you can, anyway. I’ll probably need to be at practice.”

Jonah sighed. Fuck, he’d forgotten about that. He needed to text Casey and the team and let them know what was going on. “Yeah, okay. Might as well head out then.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Tyson said. “I swear it’s like a labyrinth in here.”

“Thanks.” Jonah let out a tired groan. “I’d probably end up somewhere I wasn’t supposed to be.”

“Well,” Tyson said with a small laugh. “You’d probably make a lot of people’s day if you did. Obviously, everyone’s trying to be professional but we’re all excited to have one—uh, two of the Fisher Cats here.”

Behind Tyson’s back, Felix made a face and a flash of irritation went through Jonah. Why were people always dismissing Felix that way? He was a good player.

Sure, he’d gone through a handful of mediocre years due to some chronic wrist issues, but he was playing better now.

“Well, I appreciate everyone being professional about it,” Jonah said to Tyson. “Once Grandma is ready to be discharged, I’d be happy to sign a few autographs though.”

“I am sure they’d be thrilled if you did. Okay, you can head out this way,” Tyson said, indicating an exit to the outside. “You won’t have to go through the waiting area or anything. Main entrance is to the left, parking garage is to the right.”

“Thanks. That’s great,” Jonah said, relieved they wouldn’t have to deal with any fans. Most people were respectful, but there was always that one person who just couldn’t help themselves. “You have my contact information?”

“Yes, it’s all in your grandmother’s chart. We’ll take good care of her and call if anything changes, I promise.”

“Thanks. Have a good night, Tyson,” Jonah said, only now realizing just how late it probably was.

Felix murmured a goodbye too and then they were out on the sidewalk in the cool spring night.

“Fuck, I don’t have my car,” Jonah said when the realization hit him.

“I’ve got you. Already requested a rideshare and it should be here any minute. I’ll tell them to come around to this side of the building though.” He waved his phone.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Jonah said with a sigh, pressing his arm against Felix’s.

“Nah, it was nothing.” Felix didn’t even look up from his screen.

“No,” Jonah said, turning so he faced Felix. “Look at me.”

Felix lifted his head. “What?”

“Tonight was scary as hell and you have no idea how grateful I was to have you there to deal with the ambulance and all of that. I appreciate it so much.”

Felix scowled. “It’s not like I was doing some favor for you or something. She’s my family too.”

“I know,” Jonah said. And he really did. Felix was closer to Grandma than he was to either of his own parents. “But it still meant a lot to me to have you there.”

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