One afternoon, before a home game against the Ottawa Senators, Rhett came into my office with a big smile on his face. “Today’s the day, right? I can play?”
“I haven’t looked at your scans yet,” I said, gesturing to the chair next to my desk. “Take a seat.”
He paced back and forth instead while I reviewed the scans that had come back from the MRI technician.
“I’ll be honest,” I said. “The scans look good.”
He pumped a fist. “HELL YES!”
“But,” I added, “I’m still on the fence about it. The rotator cuff is prone to re-injury. I’d be more comfortable if you took another few weeks off and continued rehabbing.”
His face drooped. “June…”
I leaned back in my chair. “Look. I get it. The teamneedsyou back. We were lucky to win two out of three on the road trip. I’m trying to juggle that need with your long-term health.”
“June. You’ve got to trust me.” He planted both hands on the edge of my desk, leaning toward me. “I’m ready. I can do this. I won’t injure my shoulder again. What do I need to say?”
“Promise me you won’t get into any fights,” I said. “If you can do that, then I’ll clear you to play.”
His expression grew serious. “I promise I won’t get into any fights tonight.”
“Or for the next month,” I insisted.
“Or for the next month,” he answered without hesitation.
“Do you actually mean it? Or are you only telling me what I want to hear?”
“I trust you, June,” he said. “If you’re telling me this is the only way you’ll clear me, and it’s the only way to keep me healthy, then I believe you. No more fights.”
I stared into his eyes. I believed him.
“Then you’re cleared,” I said. “I’ll tell Coach Jay.”
He grinned widely. “I’m so happy I could kiss you. But, uh, I won’t. Obviously.” He smacked the table with his palm. “I owe you!”
“You do owe me,” I called after him as he jogged back into the locker room. He was already telling everyone that he was lacing up tonight, and an excited buzz filled the locker room.
But I was still nervous, because I was the one who would get blamed if he injured himself again.
Coach Jay stuck his head into my office. “You sure about this?”
“I am,” I said. Andy had told me that when I made decisions like this, I needed to be definitive, even if I was unsure on the inside.
Coach nodded. “That’s all I needed to hear. We’ll be glad to have him back.”
He left my office, barking orders to the players and calling out the new lineup.
God, I hoped I was making the right call.
I was a nervous wreck on the bench during the game. Everything was out of my hands now, and Ihatedfeeling helpless. This was my first big injury-related decision since taking this job, and it felt like my entire career was riding on it. Sure, Jay and the rest of the coaching staff trusted and respected me so far. But I was terrified that would change if something happened.
It was a fast-paced game. The Ottawa Senators were a very physical team, throwing elbows every chance they got and constantly checking the Reapers players into the boards. I winced with every one, especially when Rhett was on the receiving end.
But overall, Rhett was doing well. He hadn’t scored yet, but his return to the ice had drawn the attention of the opposing team, and they smothered him every time he had the puck. That opened up his teammates, and he quickly racked up two assists with quick passes that led to goals.
Late in the third period, one of the Senators defenders was chirping at Rhett, shoving him and trying to pick a fight. But Rhett kept his cool, wagging a finger at the player and skating away.
He gave me a wink as he glided past the bench, and damned if it didn’t make me grin like a teenage girl at a Jonas Brothers concert.
