Page 35 of Sideline Sweetheart
Not as important as CJ. Have you eaten?
My stomach growls reminding me I haven’t had anything since breakfast.
Not since before the game.
I’m on my way with food for everyone.
Thank you. See you soon.
Chapter Twenty-One
Bryce
Three setsof eyes land on me as I walk into the waiting room, a takeout bag in each hand. The first thing I notice is how tired Mackenzie looks, as she looks up at me from her place on the small sofa.
I offer Josiah a fist bump. “Good to see you again, sorry about the circumstances.” I hand him one of the bags. “I figured ham and cheese subs were a safe bet, there’s chips and water in there too.”
“Thanks, Bryce.”
“It’s the least I could do,” I say before turning to take a seat next to Mackenzie. I wrap my arm around her and place a kiss on the side of her head. “How’re you doing?”
“I’m okay,” she says on a sigh.
I hum in response, knowing she’s most certainly not okay. My heart squeezes, seeing the sadness in her eyes. This is the reason she asked me not to get hurt, because she takes the health of each of the players personally. I dangle the takeout bag frommy finger. “Italian sub, salt and vinegar chips and a bottle of water.”
She smiles softly at me as she reaches for the bag. “It’s like you know me.” She peeks inside the bag then looks at me, confusion flits across her features. “You didn’t get anything?”
“I grabbed a quick bite with Mom and Dad before coming here.”
“I forgot about your parents, you should go be with them.”
“Are you kidding? I’m pretty sure my mom would disown me if I left you here any longer. Besides, I promised we would meet them tomorrow before we fly back.”
“Bryce,” she begins, but is interrupted by the opening of the door.
“Jacobson?”
“Yes, I’m his brother,” Josiah says as he and Avery stand immediately. Mackenzie also stands, keeping a bit of distance between them, letting CJ’s family take the lead.
The doctor offers his hand to CJ’s brother and sister in-law. “I’m Dr. North, your brother is out of surgery and in recovery.”
Josiah and Avery sigh in relief as they cling to each other. “How is he? Can we see him?”
“Yes, the nurse will let you know as soon as he’s settled. The surgery went well. We had to place a rod to stabilize the broken bones, and he’ll need a great deal of recovery time and extensive physical therapy.”
Josiah glances back at Mackenzie. “Rehabilitation won’t be a problem, he’ll get the best care possible.”
The doctor turns his attention to Mackenzie. “And you are?”
“Dr. Mackenzie Flynn,” she says proudly. “I’m the team physician for the Greenville Generals.”
Dr. North shakes Mackenzie’s hand and says, “I assume Mr. Jacobson will be under your care once he returns home?”
“Yes, in addition to the some of the best orthopedic specialist in South Carolina.”
Dr. North nods. “I’ll let the nurse know you’re here and they should be out shorty.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” Avery says.
