Page 104 of A Pretty Fixation

Fractured fibula.

As the Uber turns into the affluent neighborhoodon the bright and cool Saturday afternoon, I replay the moment in the hospitaltwo weeks ago when the doctor told Caleb the news.

Everyone had jumped when he smacked a water jugfrom the table, and his frustrated grunts place an ache in my chest even now.

The injury puts him off the field for months, butat least he’ll be able to play again once he’s fully healed. For now, he’sencouraged to use crutches and rest.

“Hi, Jordyn,” Mrs. Rosmond greets me with a warmsmile when I arrive at their house. She motions for me to go upstairs to hisbedroom.

I knock and enter. “Hey, you.”

“Hey,” Caleb says in a low voice, pushing up a bitin the bed. He mutes the TV. I notice he’s watching local coverage of thechampionship match. Dante and other players are dancing with the trophy aftertheir big win.

Sighing, I lower beside Caleb and snuggle intohim. “I see torturing yourself is on the menu today.”

He glances down at his bandaged ankle. “Did you goto the match?”

I suck my teeth. “No. I only watch soccer whenyou’re playing.”

That results in a soft chuckle. I miss hislaughter. It’ll be a while before I hear his genuine burst of joy, but for now,I’m happy for anything he gives.

“Well, at least the team made it to finals, thanksto the penalty kick I landed them.”

“Hm. That St. Andrew’s guy got suspended.”

“He’s a dirty player,” he grates.

“I’ll kick his ass for you if I ever run intohim.”

He squeezes me. “Thanks, babe.” He pauses amoment. “Dante called before the match. He heard back from LA Galaxy. He’sheading there in spring.”

“That’s great.” I look at his face. He appearsgloomy while staring at the TV screen.

“I spoke to Coach,” he adds. “Hartford clubdoesn’t want to risk it. With my injury, who knows if I’ll perform at my bestagain.”

“You will,” I say with confidence. “I know you.You’re one determined fucker.”

He chuckles softly again and squints at me. Heleans over to press a sweet kiss on my lips. “I fear my chances of making theRevs are even less now.”

I frown and rub his chest, repeating in a whisper,“You will.”

Resting his head on the pillow, Caleb blows along, deep breath and closes his eyes.

An idea pops into my head while watching him driftoff to sleep. Maybe I can help those clubs see that he’s worth theirinvestment.

I find Dante’s cousin working on a large screencomputer at the back of the media lab.

I’m glad she added her school email at the end of theexcellent highlight reel she made for Caleb. She’d responded right away when Imessaged her after leaving the Rosmond house.

“Hey, Vicky,” I say with a wave.

She relaxes back in the chair. “So you wanted meto help you with something?”

“Yeah. I have footage of Caleb, and I waswondering if you could make an edit to send directly to a club?”

Interest fills her pale blue gaze. “I’m availablenow. Let’s see it.”

I take out my dad’s GoPro and my phone. “I havefootage on both. Could you please use the one on my phone as the intro?”

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