Page 46 of Offside Attraction

Just as he was about to respond, he saw it. A thumbs-up emoji from Rhonda.

Jordan frowned, staring at his phone. That was it? Rhonda didn't respond to the group text, didn't berate them for being scumbags, nothing.

Just a thumbs-up.

The feeling of self-loathing hit him like a sack of bricks. He’d done this more times than he could count. Following a woman like a kicked puppy. Waiting for some kind of sign. A whisper of interest.

In college, he thought he was the shit. After his injury, he sank to the opposite end of the spectrum. In both cases his actions were identical. He’d spent his nights out at bars and his days recovering from hangovers.

Jordy was a good time. No commitment. No strings.

The pathetic thing was? At his core, he was a problem solver. A giver. But the women in his life never protected that. They would take until he was empty, then scrape him out with a spoon.

So now he had hockey. He had work. He took care of people who would actually let him help. And yet he was still trying to break through walls that weren’t ready to come down.

Rhonda had tensed the first time he’d brought her coffee. She’d been practically itching out of her skin when he’d given her an IV, though to be fair, that could’ve been the Fenugreek.

He wasn’t going to wait around with his tongue lolling out this time.

Just as he lifted his thumb to click off the screen, a text came through from Claire.

Claire

I don’t want to go to rehab.

Jordan’s stomach sank. Seemed like the universe was punctuating his inner monologue.

Where are you?

Claire

Safe

But you don’t want rehab?

Claire

It doesn’t work

Jordan hissed air through his teeth and pulled up his browser. He typed in his search and started scrolling through the results, then clicked on Cantra’s official link, scanning the page for information about where his sister could get Reviact in the city.

Not many options, but he found a private clinic. Licensed to prescribe new treatments for mental health and addiction. It was out of the way, but that didn’t matter. He copied the address and phone number, then pasted it into his text thread with Claire.

This place stocks Reviact. I’ve seen the results. They’re compelling.

Claire

I’ll phone them tomorrow

Jordan’s thumbs hovered over the keys. He wouldn’t be a golden retriever for other women, but this was his sister.

I’ll cover anything your benefits don’t.

Claire

You don’t have to do that

I want to.

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