Page 38 of Sideline Sweetheart
Bryce sits beside me, and I turn to face him. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything is fine. Coach Blakely and I had a conversation with Mr. Woodruff on the way to the hospital. They’ve asked me to stay in Colorado Springs until Clayton is released, then they’ll send the plane for us, so he doesn’t have to fly back commercial.”
Bryce sighs. “I don’t like the thought of you being here by yourself, but it makes sense for you to stay. I can extend my parents stay, if you’d like.”
A warmth fills my chest at his concern. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
He sighs. “Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know.”
“I will. Now, text your parents, I’m starving.”
As Bryce boardsthe bus to head to the airport with the rest of the team, I stand on the sidewalk with his parents. Their flight home is scheduled for the next day, and they insist we have meals together until they head home as well. I agree as long as they allow me to drive them to the airport.
I pull the car along the curb of the departure area and exit the vehicle. While Bryce’s dad retrieves their luggage from the trunk, his mom pulls me into a tight hug and holds on to my arms as she draws back. “Are you sure you don’t want us to stay with you?”
Their concern touches me, and I give her a soft smile. “I’m sure but thank you for offering. Bryce said he will let me know when you get home, but you have my number, feel free to use it.”
Mr. Coban chuckles. “You better mean that young lady, because I can already see her drafting a text in her head.” Mrs. Coban lightly swats her husband’s arm as I laugh. Mr. Coban kisses the top of his wife’s head and grins and I’s struck by how similar his smile is to his son’s. My heart flutters and suddenly I’m missing Bryce more than I expected.
Mrs. Coban gives me one more hug before stepping back to her husband’s side. “It was such a pleasure to meet you, Mackenzie. I hope we see much more of you.”
“I hope so too,” I say sincerely. I watch until they disappear into the airport, then I get in my car and head to the hospital to check on Clayton.
“Doc, what took you so long?”Clayton asks when I walk into his hospital room Thursday before noon.
My jaw drops in mock surprise as I turn to address Clayton’s brother Josiah and his wife Avery. “Can you believe this guy? I’ve been on the phone all morning making sure he travels comfortably, and this is the welcome I get?”
Josiah’s eyes sparkle with mirth as I give his brother a hard time. “He was raised better than that Doc,” Josiah says while Avery laughs as I continue to give Clayton a hard time.
“I’m sure he was. I mean all I was trying to do was give you all some additional family time, and this is the thanks I get
“Oh man,” Clayton said scrubbing a hand over his face. “This is going to be a long flight, isn’t it?”
“It could very well be,” his brother agrees.
I can’t help but laugh as I stand at the end of the bed. “Seriously though, I spoke with Coach Blakely and Mr. Woodruff this morning. They said the plane is on its way and should arrive around noon. Transport has been scheduled and will pick us up at one o’clock to take us to the airport. I spoke with the hospitalist before I came in, and she assured me your dischargepaperwork was being processed, so we should be wheels up and headed home by three.”
“Sounds good,” Clayton said. “Thanks Doc, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me this week.”
I pat his good leg and smile. “All part of the job.”
Avery tilts her head as she studies me. “You say it’s part of the job, but I disagree. You’re a naturally caring person and it shows.”
“Thank you, Avery, being a doctor was all I ever wanted.” I turn my attention back to Clayton. “I’m going to check on your paperwork.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bryce
Mackenzie sentme a text before they left Colorado Springs and then another when they landed in Greenville. I placed an order at my favorite restaurant and picked it up on my way to CJ’s. Because if there was one thing I knew, Mackenzie Flynn would make sure he was comfortably settled before she walked out the door.
I pull up to the gated community where CJ’s house is located and stop at the guard house to let them know who I’m there to visit. While football players are public figures, we, along with our agents and PR reps, try to keep parts of our lives private. Though it always seems as if someone finds out where we live or what we are doing. After a quick conversation, the gate swings open, and I drive inside taking turn after turn until I reach his driveway. I pull in and park in front of the garage, leaving the space closest to the sidewalk open for the transport van.
I exit my car and lean against the driver’s side. While I wait, I text my parents and let them know Mackenzie has landed safelyand I’ll talk to them soon. As I pocket my phone the van pulls into the driveway and comes to a stop.
The passenger door opens, and Mackenzie hops out, sending a brilliant smile my way. “Hey you,” she says before opening the sliding side door.
A set of crutches appear followed by CJ as he balances himself on the crutches and swings out of the van. “Didn’t you see the no loitering sign?” He teases as he swings a few steps my way.
