Page 129 of Pucking Obsessed

“Too close to call.”

Honestly, it would be Neve.

Cody and I squirm into the booth next to Neve.

When Michael rotates Shay’s swollen ankle, Shay gasps.

D’Angelo squeezes Shay’s shoulder, reassuringly.

“What’s the verdict?” I ask.

“Nothing serious,” Michael replies. I puff out a relieved breath. “But I’d still advise an x-ray.”

Shay sets his jaw, stubbornly. “This is Robyn’s big night.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I reply. “Let’s take you to hospital.”

Shay shakes his head. “Not a chance, love. I’ll go if I need to later in the week. I’ll survive.”

I’ve survived worse.

I know that’s what he is thinking.

I know that he has.

When will he realize that’s not the point? That his health is the most important thing? That he’s worthy of this care?

“Shay,” D’Angelo growls, “you will go, if you need to.”

Shay looks away. “It doesn’t hurt.”

“Am I talking to Eden?” Michael quirks his brow. “For a moment then, I couldn’t tell.”

Shay hurriedly drags on his sock and boot. “We are identical twins. So, does it need to be amputated, doc?”

“Hilarious.” I narrow my eyes.

“It’s a mild sprain.” Michael slips into professional mode, looking stern. “Did you know that falls are the leading cause of deaths in home accidents? I see injuries like this a lot. It could have been more serious. Keep it elevated like this and rest it for the next twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Once you’re home, you can also try applying an ice pack about six times a day.”

My stomach drops. Panic spikes through me.

D’Angelo’s hand tightens on Shay’s shoulder.

Shay’s eyes look wild. “I can’t rest that long. I have the next game tomorrow night.”

Michael looks grim. “You should sit it out. If you don’t give this ankle enough time to heal, then it could lead to long term problems.”

“I see problems like that in my role.” Cody looks at Shay, sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Shay. But players going back too soon on minor injuries leads to chronic injuries, which I then need to treat. Things that suck like chronic ankle instability. Weakness, you know? And that’s serious in hockey. Imagine your ankle gives way, when you’re on the ice.”

“I’m playing.” Shay turns to stare up at D’Angelo with a devotion that takes away my breath.

D’Angelo is caught in Shay’s gaze.

He’s frozen, shocked. “Cucciolo, you’re not risking your health.”

“Not your choice.” Shay’s voice holds a rare, quiet dominance. “I’m playing.”

Sometimes, I forget just how much both these twins have sacrificed for each other. Also, how much they’re prepared to sacrifice for D’Angelo and me.

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