Page 65 of Offside for Christmas
"Ellie—" Cole turned to her.
"It's fine," she repeated, more firmly. She looked at Derek, then at Coach Davis. "If this is what the board wants, then that's what we'll do. Professional courtesy and all that."
She grabbed her bag and walked toward the door, her spine straight, refusing to let them see how much this hurt.
"Ellie—" Cole called after her.
"Good luck with your assessment," she said without turning around, and walked out.
Behind her, she could hear Derek's too-cheerful voice. "Alright, champ! Let's see what we're working with here. Up on the table, let me check your range of motion—"
Ellie didn't need to be in the room to know he was doing it wrong. She could hear it—the way he was asking Cole to move, the angle of rotation, the pressure points he was testing. He was assessing the shoulder like it was a standard injury, not understanding the specific weaknesses of Cole's particular tear and repair.
She stood outside the door, hands shaking with rage, and made a decision.
If the board wanted proof that she was the better PT, she'd give them proof.
She'd make damn sure Cole was ready for that Saturday game—and that everyone knew it was her work that got him there.
Ellie escaped to her office, closed the door, and let herself feel it—the anger, the hurt, the humiliation of being replaced.
She'd done everything right. Cole's shoulder was perfect. And they'd brought in someone else anyway.
Her phone buzzed.
COLE:That was bullshit
COLE:I'm not working with that asshole
COLE:Are you okay?
She stared at the messages, trying to formulate a response that wasn't just screaming into the void.
Before she could reply, Sophie burst into her office without knocking.
"Oh my god, I just heard. Derek Matthews? The board brought in Derek Matthews?" Sophie closed the door and sat down. "Ellie, I'm so sorry. That's such bullshit."
"Youknow him?"
"Know of him. He's got a reputation. He’s hot. I follow hockey, don’t act so surprised. Talented, sure, but he's also an arrogant prick who takes credit for other people's work." Sophie studied her friend's face. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine."
"Ellie."
"I'm fine!" But her voice cracked. "I just—I worked so hard. Cole's shoulder is perfect. He's ready. And they don't trust me."
"It's not about trust. It's about politics and the board wanting to look like they're taking action."
"Well, it feels like they don't trust me." Ellie slumped in her chair. "And the worst part? Cole was starting to really heal. Not just physically but emotionally. He was opening up, letting himself care about things again. And now this jerk comes in acting like I'm some amateur who doesn't know what she's doing—"
She stopped abruptly, realizing what she'd revealed.
Sophie's eyes widened. "Oh my god. You slept with him."
"What? No. I don't—"
"Ellie. I've known you for six years. You're glowing. And you're defending Cole like he's more than just your patient." Sophie leaned forward. "Details. Now."
