Page 94 of What If I See You

But here we are.

I’m the human body pillow.

Griffin’s head rests on my chest, his body encapsulating mine, our legs intertwined as he sleeps peacefully. I drag my fingers lazily through his hair as the events of last night’s game play over and over again in my mind.

Trying to keep track of the puck.

Celebrating Ledger’s score.

Watching the action was so much fun.

Until it wasn’t.

Seeing Griffin checked into the wall wasn’t like anything I hadn’t seen before. He gets checked all the time. That’s hockey. But the speed and force with which he was hit last night frightened the hell out of me.

Watching him fall lifeless to the ice scared the shit out of me even more.

Was he breathing?

Did he break his neck?

His arm?

His leg?

Was he bleeding?

Would he be able to get up?

And then when Darius rolled him over and he screamed, I swear the entire arena heard it.

Seeing him in so much pain was heart breaking.

Waiting for him outside the locker room after the game was hard because I knew he was in pain and would want to get out of there as soon as possible but I also knew the guys were worried about him too. And they’re his family. But when he finally came out, and our eyes locked, his expression told me all I needed to know.

He needed me.

He wanted me.

He knew I would be right by his side and that’s all that mattered to him.

And that’s all that matters to me now.

Griffin’s phone dings on the nightstand beside me. Hearing it reminds me that I took his phone last night and put it with mine so if he got notifications while he was sleeping they wouldn’t disturb him.

He deserves to sleep.

His body needs the rest.

When the screen lights up, I lift the phone not to necessarily read the message but to at least see who’s texting him. If it’s someone I can talk to on his behalf, I’m more than willing.

Mom

I need to hug my son so we’re on our way. Be there in about forty-five minutes.

Mom

We love you Griffin!

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