Page 82 of Falling Stars

I’m in a great mood as I replay everything we did. Despite all the aches in my body, I’m walking on cloud nine—until I realize I still have no idea how to work out our logistical problem.

After I get back to my condo, I take a quick shower. I’ve just finished getting dressed when Beau arrives to drive me to Austin. When we get to the city, he side-eyes me. “You’re quiet.”

“Just thinking.”

“About Baylee?”

“Yeah.” I stare out the window and wonder how I’m going to work this out. The woman wants to stay in Wild Heart, and I can’t blame her. Her whole life is here. I can’t expect her to drop everything for my career. That’s not fair.

“Did she like the nursery?”

“Yeah.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“Why do you think there’s a problem?” I rub the scruff on my chin.

He chuckles. “Whenever you have Baylee problems, you get pensive.”

“Just worried how we’re going to work everything out.” Shifting in my seat, I suck in a breath when my shoulder seizes up.

“You in pain still?”

“Might’ve overdone it yesterday.”

“Too much swimming?”

“Something like that.” No way in hell I’m sharing what I did with Baylee.

That gets me another side-eye, but he doesn’t say anything the rest of the drive. When we get to my therapist’s office, he stays in the car. “Gonna grab some coffee. Meet me down here when you’re done.”

“Yeah. See you in a bit.”

He leans toward the passenger window and calls my name. “Good luck, bro.”

“Thanks.” The serious expression on Beau’s face makes me nervous. I know he and my brothers saw me all laid up in December, but I’m better now. Even if I am out of sorts today.

By the time I’m in the therapist’s office, I’m anxious as hell.

A middle-aged dude with salt and pepper hair comes in with a clipboard and introduces himself. “I’m Reginald.” We shake and then he taps his clipboard. “Was just reading the notes from your doctor in New York. We expedited them.”

“Great.” But judging by his expression, the news isn’t what I want to hear.

He sits on a stool and turns to me. “You know your physician doesn’t think you should return to football, right?”

“I’m aware, but my second opinion told me I had a shot. I have to return to New York at the end of the month. If I’m healed well enough, I can continue with rehab. I can get you his contact info before I leave.”

“Okay, let’s take a look. You’ve been stretching and icing this daily?”

“Honestly, I haven’t been great about that, but I’m getting more consistent. At first, I was kinda depressed. You know, watching your life circle the drain does that to a person.”

He nods as he jots down notes. “I can imagine, but you’re walking and swimming. That’s great news. How’s the pain level?”

“Today, it’s been rough. Think I overdid it yesterday.”

“What activities did you do?”

“Swimming and sex.”

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