Page 37 of Sideline Sweetheart
A mischievous glint enters Mackenzie’s eyes. “Anything?” I nod, trying to anticipate what her request will be. “Take me upstairs and help me forget how stressful today was.”
A slow grin tips up my lips as I say, “Baby, I would more than happy to help you forget.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mackenzie
The next morning,while I got ready to go to the hospital with Coach Blakely, Bryce went up to the room he was designated to share with Clayton and packed his things. It made sense for us to deliver his bag to him, since he would be staying in the hospital a few days after the team returned home.
Other than our conversation with team owner, both Coach Blakely and I were quiet on the drive to the hospital, neither of us knowing what to expect when we walk into Clayton’s room. When we reach his room, Coach knocks on the open door announcing our arrival. Three sets of eyes greet us along with a slow smile from Clayton.
“Damn Coach, I expected you an hour ago. Don’t tell me jetlag is catching up with your old ass.”
Coach Blakely chuckles as he grips his player’s hand and gives him an awkward hug. “Thought you might need a little more beauty rest, but I see it didn’t work.”
Clayton howls with laughter at his coach’s dig, and relief fills me. “Doc,” he says acknowledging me at the foot of the bed. “I can’t thank you enough.”
I shake my head at his praise. “I didn’t do much, you handled the hardest part.”
Clayton shifts on the bed. “I disagree. I was about to slip into a full-blown panic attack laying on the field and you managed to keep me calm and convey what happened to not only the medical staff but my family.”
I smile, uncomfortable with having the attention on me. “All part of my job.”
“Part of the job or not,” Josiah says. “It was greatly appreciated.”
I smile softly acknowledging his praise. “I’m glad my being here helped.” I glance back at Clayton, trying desperately to refocus the attention back on him. “Has the doctor been in today?”
Clayton conveys to us what the doctor said about his surgery and recovery time. Once he’s finished, Coach Blakely presents the plan we discussed on the way to the hospital. Rather than return with the team, arrangements have been made for me to stay in Colorado Springs to keep an eye on Clayton’s care. Once he’s released from the hospital, hopefully midweek, the team will send the plane for us to return to Greenville.
We finish our visit and head back to the hotel. As promised, I send a text to Bryce and let him know we’re on our way so he can let his parents know. I put my phone away and Coach Blakely glances my way. “I appreciate you staying to keep an eye on CJ.”
“Honestly Coach, I feel a responsibility to all the players, so staying, puts my mind at ease as well.”
He nods, eyes remaining on the road. “You’re a good addition to our organization Dr. Flynn.”
I glance over at him and smile. “Thank you, Coach. Working for the Generals is a dream come true.”
When we reach the hotel, we leave the car with the valet and step inside the lobby. We make our way to the elevator and as the doors slide open, Bryce steps out.
“Hey,” he says immediately going to my side and wrapping an arm around my waist. “I figured you should be here in the next few minutes, so I thought I’d save you the trip up.”
I smile up at him. “I’m glad you did.”
Bryce turns his attention to Coach Blakely. “How’s CJ doing?”
“Still a smartass,” Coach Blakely replies as he steps inside the elevator.
Bryce laughs. “Glad to hear it.”
“I need to make a few calls,” Coach Blakely says. “I’ll talk to you two later. Bus leaves at two, don’t be late Coban.”
“Yes, sir,” he says as the doors close. “He’s such a ball of sunshine,” Bryce says making me laugh before he drops a kiss on my lips.
With his arm still around me, we walk to the seating area. “Are your parents waiting for us?”
“No, I told them I text them when you arrived.”
“Good, I need to talk to you about something.” I say as I take a seat on one of the sofas.
