Page 36 of Sideline Sweetheart
As he opens the door, Josiah stops him. “Dr. North?” The doctor turns his attention back to Josiah and Avery. “Will he be able to play again?”
The doctor softens before answering. “Determination and state of mind are a big part of the recovery process. I suspect Mr. Jacobson has plenty of both” He gives them a soft smile and then walks out the door.
Josiah hugs his wife, and they return to their seats, each of them pulling out their phones to call family members.
Mackenzie turns to me, and I pull her to my chest wrapping her in a tight hug. She sighs and I kiss the top of her head. I don’t say anything, instead I hold her for as long as she lets me.
After a few minutes, Mackenzie pulls back and looks up at me. “Let me check on them, and then we can get out of here.”
“Okay,” I reply as she moves over to speak with CJ’s family. They both stand and thank her for being there. Avery hugs her and promises to text her as soon as they move him to a room.
“I’ll talk with Coach Blakely tonight and be back tomorrow to check on him. If either of you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call.”
They promise they will, and with my hand on the small of her back, I guide Mackenzie out to my car.
When we reach the parking lot, I get Mackenzie settled in the passenger seat, climb behind the wheel and head toward our hotel.
Once we’re out on the highway, Mackenzie turns to me. “Do you mind if I call Coach Blakely?”
I glance over at her before turning my eyes back to the road. “Not at all.”
She pulls out her phone and makes the call giving Coach the update I’m sure he’s been waiting for.
Coach’s side of the conversation in muffled as Mackenzie holds the phone to her ear. It’s not long before I’ve tuned out and am getting lost in my own thoughts and giving myself a pep talk, much like Coach does in the locker room.You’ve got this Coban. The girl you fell fast and hard for shared one of her fears with you today and it was manifested through your teammate. Remember, when she looked at CJ on lying on the field, it was your face she saw. It was confirmation to her why she should walk away and reinstate her no dating a player rule. Now it’s up to you, you are the only one who can prove to her you are worth taking a chance on. And like now, you’ll be there for her when she needs you.
I shift back to reality as I hear Mackenzie end the call with Coach Blakely. She tosses her phone into the cupholder and leans her head back against the seat. I reach across the seat and take her hand giving it a squeeze. “How’re you doing over there, beautiful?”
She blows out a breath, making her cheeks puff out and rolls her head in my direction. “Honestly? I’m exhausted and relieved all at once.”
My thumb softly caresses the back of her hand as I listen and then reply, “I can imagine. It’s been a long stressful day for you.”
Mackenzie glances down at our joined hands. “Coach Blakely asked me to go to the hospital with him in the morning.”
I glance over at Mackenzie before returning my eyes to the road. “Makes sense, I’m sure he’ll feel better having you there.”
“Maybe, I know I’ll feel better getting to put eyes on Clayton and see how he’s doing.”
Time to listen to the voice in my head I heard earlier and remind her I’m here for her. “Would you like me to come with you?”
Mackenzie shakes her head. “You don’t have to. I know you want to spend time with your parents before you have to fly back to Greenville.”
I pull into the parking lot of our hotel, find a spot and shift the car into park, before turning to face her. “Mackenzie, I think I need to clarify something. I love my parents, but if you need me with you tomorrow, they will understand.”
She sighs in relief. “Thank you. I wanted to have breakfast with them in the morning, but I guess I’ll have to miss it.”
“What time are you meeting Coach?”
“Nine. Why?”
“Because if I know Coach, you won’t be there more than an hour. I’ll text my parents and see if we can make it brunch instead.”
Her blue eyes find mine. “You don’t have to reschedule on my account.”
I smile as I raise her hand to my lips and kiss the back of her fingers. “Of course I do. Besides, my parents are excited to get to spend more time with you.”
“Have I mentioned, how much I adore your thoughtfulness?”
“What’s it going to take to make you believe I’ll do just about anything for you?”
