Page 28 of Unraveling Rain
I wonder if I’ll feel the same way when it’s time to head back to Raleigh. My mind wanders to a certain redhead who’s taken up way too much space in my thoughts since the first moment I saw her.
Something tells me I just might.
After our workout, we grab breakfast—eggs, toast, and lots of coffee. I didn’t realize how much I missed this kind of easy company. The morning flies by in a blur of small talk and laughter.
“So Xander,” Nathan says, popping another piece of toast in his mouth, “what kind of injury landed you here?”
I shake my head, a small smile on my face. “It was such a stupid thing. Even now, I still feel embarrassed that it happened to me. I’ve been playing professionally for thirteen years.”
Nathan leans in. “Now I really need to know.”
I let out a breath and tell him how I ended up crashing against the goalpost.
He winces, rubbing his collarbone. “Ouch. Mine isn’t any less stupid.”
He chuckles, and I raise a brow.
“Yeah? What happened?”
“I had control of the ball and was running toward the rival’s field. Then, I stopped just outside the box, looked up to see who I could pass to. When I spotted one of my teammates across the field, I shot the ball but lost my footing. It had been raining like crazy, and the field was starting to turn into a mud pit.” He pauses to shovel in another bite of food.
I chuckle, taking a sip of coffee.
“Anyway, the team doctor taped my ankle up, and I continued playing the rest of the game. When they checked my ankle afterward, I had a fracture.”
I grimace. “Holy shit.”
He nods, like,yeah, exactly.
“Enough about injuries,” I say, “How long have you been playing for the Charlotte Royals?”
We keep the conversation going, just two guys talking sports, cities, pre-game rituals, and whatever else comes up. I didn’t expect to enjoy this much, but I do.
Maybe I need to make friends. Go out and do shit that’s not hockey-related.
I love the game, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my job, but I’ve let it consume my life.
Before long, we exchange numbers, in case he’s ever in Raleigh or I find myself in Charlotte.
Back in my room, I take a long shower and try to settle my nerves. I’m not sure what to expect from the therapy session, but something about being here—the people, the vibe—makes it easier to show up for myself.
My first session with Ruin goes smoothly. It’s more of an intake—mapping out a path we’ll follow in future sessions.
She’s smart, grounded, and easy to talk to. I don't think I’ll need to see the other therapist.
Before I leave, she suggests I take a nap before lunch. I don’t think I’ll fall asleep, but the next thing I know, I wake feeling more energized than I did this morning.
Damn. This place is amazing.
“Come on in,” Dr. Gutierrez calls as I knock on his door.
I step inside and take a seat across from him, noticing he’s on a video call.
“Sounds good, buddy. I’ll talk to you tonight, okay?” he says into the phone.
A little voice chimes in, “Okay, Papi. Remember, don’t work too hard, or you’ll get too tired to play with me tonight.”
I chuckle as Dr. Gutierrez covers his eyes with his hand, a smile tugging at his lips.
