Page 23 of Sidelining the Safety

“I’ve got it,” his secretary said, a manila folder in hand.

Drew filled out the basic W-4, I-9, wage information, Code of Conduct, and wasn’t a bit surprised by the HIPPA and non-disclosure agreements. Fitz explained each piece of paper as he handed them to Drew to fill in or sign.

“I’m sure Dr. Rosie will go over your schedule, but at this time, we aren’t making accommodations to take you on the road. If that changes, we’ll talk again because we have another set of forms for travel. You’re limited to forty hours per week per the school so I expect you to keep track to keep us out of trouble. I’ve talked to a couple of other teams who take on medical students as interns, so I’ve got a good idea of how this should go, but if there is anything the school needs, please let Emily or me know.”

“Will do. The only conflict I have right now is Tuesdays, because I have to be at the school for class and meet with my advisor.”

Fitz nodded. “Let Dr. Rosie know. Alright. That’s it. Good luck and again, welcome to the team. Hoo-rah.”

Drew grinned, excitement overtaking his earlier drowsiness. “Hoo-rah.”

CHAPTER 17

LEE

Lee thought he saw Drew in the viewing area above the field, but by the time he’d finished the drill, his friend wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Knowing Drew was supposed to arrive in the afternoon to see Dr. Rosie had him on edge, and he already had the job. Still, he kept glancing at the windows and over toward the tunnel.

It was enough that Yowie called him out on it. “Loverboy, head in the game, please.” His teammates snickered.

Lee blushed. “Sorry.” He focused on running Coach’s drills for another few runs before his brain shifted away from the practice again.

“Seriously,” Yowie said, hip-checking him before throwing an arm around Lee’s shoulders, “unless you want Anders to take top spot, you gotta keep your eyes front and center.”

“Like that kinda front and center,” Jakes muttered, wandering by and jerking his head toward the tunnel.

“Jeez. Okay, I admit, he’s hot stuff, but remember, you’re here to do a job, and the coaches expect you to earn every one of those dollars they’re paying you.”

“I know,” Lee said. “I’m trying.”

“And you’re doing great.” Yowie clapped him hard on the back. Hard enough that Lee stumbled. That was the difference between a nearly three-hundred pound tackle and a rookie safety that needed to be light on his feet. “Keep up the good work!” he cackled as he jogged to the middle of the field to set up for the next play.

Lee did the same, but not before glancing at the tunnel one more time. Drew waved before Cutter pulled him into the shadowed opening. He tipped backward with an indignant squawk that Lee could hear across the field. Laughing, he turned his attention to the opposing quarterback—Cal in this case—and the undrafted wide receiver he’d lined up against.

After stripping off his sweaty compression tee, Lee grabbed his cell from his stall and let his ass hit the bench with a thunk.

Sorry if I interrupted your flow earlier.

Nah. It’s fine. The guys are being… guys. But it’s cool.

You told them you’re out?

Yeah. They know. They’re fine with it. There are a couple guys who are either out publicly or at least to the team. It ended up being this whole group bonding thing when you showed up the last time and distracted me.

Lee snorted quietly, remembering how they went around the circle and ended with Coach.

Oh fuck. I’m so sorry.

Don’t worry about it. Are you still here?

Lee hoped so. He wanted to hear how Drew’s final exam went and how his first day on the job was.

I’m not. Sitting in my car at the diner, atm. Join us for dinner?

Sure! Gotta hit the shower, though. Could be an hour depending on traffic.

Np. We’ll wait. See you later.

Lee tossed his phone back into his stall, fished out his towel, and took the fastest shower yet. He was in the middle of dressing when Addy chirped from his spot in front of his stall, “Hoo-rah. Someone’s got a hot date with the new med student.”

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