Page 119 of The Way We Score

“Oh, shit!” Logan’s voice rises, and we all go to where Zane is standing.

They’re replaying highlights from the Pirates’ game, and my throat tightens when I see one of those massive defensive linemen slam hard into Huck Holmes. Flags rain all around them, but my replacement isn’t moving.Fuck.

“What are they saying?” Jack’s tone is somber as he returns from tossing our trash.

“Not sure yet.” Zane reaches up to increase the volume. “Looks like a concussion. He’s not getting up.”

Liv walks to where I’m standing, putting her hand in the crook of my arm. I lift it at once, wrapping it around her shoulders and pulling her into my side. Dylan has already returned to the kitchen, and I know it’s because she hates concussion injuries.

She wants us all to retire.

“How long ago was this?” Logan asks. “They should have an update by now.”

“Here we go.” The screen changes to talking heads breaking down the injury just as my phone starts to vibrate in my pocket.

I know before I even lift it whose name is going to be on the screen.Kurt Lucas. Liv sees it, too, and round hazel eyes meet mine.

Leaning down, I kiss the top of her forehead. “I have to take this. Don’t worry.”

Walking to the back of the near-empty restaurant, I take the call. “Kurt? Hey, man, how’s it going?”

“I was going to say the same to you. How’s the family?”

“Good.” I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Doing good.”

“I don’t suppose you caught the Pirates game?”

“Ah, no, we were actually watching the Tigers?—”

“Your brother Hendrix. Killer tight end.”

“Yeah, but I just saw the highlight reel. What’s happening, Kurt?”

“Well, that’s why I’m calling.” His tone changes to somber, and I remember that day in the office when Kurt nearly fired Thad. “We need you back here.”

My chin drops, and I scrub the back of my neck. I’ve been doing it so much lately, I’m starting to get a burn. “How is he?”

“Doctors say he’ll be out for at least nine days.” It’s the standard protocol following a concussion. “It was pretty mild, so we’re thinking two games tops.”

“And after two games?” My chest is tight, and I’m worried he’ll make me stay. “I don’t want to stay, Kurt.”

“I know.” His tone is quiet. “We can make that call when we know more.”

I don’t like it, but I also know I can’t leave my team hanging. He let me go with the understanding I could be called back, and I agreed. At this point, Liv is doing well. She’s not having any problems, and the family is all here with her. Still, I know she wants to be near her mother. Dr. Pierce is here, and I’m not missing the birth of my baby girl. Hell, we still have more HypnoBirthing to learn.

“Two games.”

“I need you here in time for practice.” His tone has switched to all-business. “I want you and Berke on the field drilling A-sap. We’re headed for the playoffs, and we can’t lose momentum over this.”

We disconnect, and I turn to see Liv standing at the back of the group, chewing on the side of her finger and watching me.

Going to her, I pull her into my arms, smiling down. “How would you feel about going with me to New York for a few weeks?”

27

Olivia

“Olivia! You’re here!” Maddy waddles over to me as soon as I step into Charlie’s box at the stadium.

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