I turn to leave but he calls out again, stopping me in my tracks. “I had a chat with Rivers last night.”
Fuck. He’s talking about our offensive coordinator. The only guy on the team that knows anything about my past. He was the head coach at the college I transferred to. And while he was only there a year, I’m sure he had a hand in my recruitment with the Storm. In fact, I’m sure he’s the reason I haven’t had as many repercussions as I deserve after speaking to the media about Easton. If Rivers has spoken to Sal, he’s worried.
“He mentioned a bit about your past,” Sal continues before I’ve even turned to face him. “He wouldn’t give me specifics, buthe said you’d been through a lot and that I needed to keep an eye on you.”
“I’m fine.” I spin around. How many times do I have to say that? “My past has nothing to do with what happened here. I—”
“No one is suggesting otherwise, but he did say that this might bring up some dark memories for you.”
“Well, he’s wrong.” I smile wide while inside I’m burning. It’s harder to forget the past when people keep bringing it up. The last thing I need is for said past to become something that defines me. “I’mallgood.” My smile wavers and Sal catches it, frowning.
“I’m not saying this to worry you; I’m saying this because I care. And I want you to know I’m here if you need to talk.”
“Even though I fucked with your son-in-law.” Yep, to make my life more complicated, Easton is now dating Paige, D’Angelo’s daughter. It’s one big happy family here.
Sal chuckles, unaffected by my attempt to rattle him. “Futureson-in-law. But yes, even so.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I turn to walk away again and my body tenses, waiting for him to call out. But he doesn’t. He lets me go. And I have to admit, it gains him a little respect.
Not that I didn’t respect him before now. The guys may have all freaked out when he came on board and started making changes, but I’d never been a fan of the GM he fired, or the new one they hired after that. In my opinion, Sal’s done everything he can to better the team, and he’s the one taking hit after hit with the negativity surrounding his decisions. It can’t be easy.
After scanning the hospital grounds for any more distractions, namely for a certain childhood best friend to pop up out of nowhere, I deduce that I’m safe and finally get some alone time.
But the second I do, I regret it. Because the first person to flash into my mind is the one person I’ve spent years trying not to think about. My sister.
And of course, the first memory I conjure is the last time I saw her smile. Minutes before she died.
Why the fuck am I back here again?
I’ve been walking aimlessly for an hour or so when my phone rings, the local area code taunting me on the screen. I hesitate before answering, my chest tight as I say hello.
“Mr. Fitzpatrick. This is Sergeant Holmes from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office.”
Fuck. “Hello,” I croak before clearing my throat. “Hi.” Please don’t let that fucker be dead.
“I’m calling to let you know that we spoke to Ms. Jackman and Mr. Coombs today, and at this stage you are free to go back to San Francisco.” I breathe a sigh of relief as he continues talking. “But you’re not clear of it yet. As I’m sure you’re aware, Mr. McKenna is still on life support, and until we learn of his fate, nothing is certain. We’ll be in touch if we need any further information.”
“You have my story; it’s the same whether he lives or dies.” My throat clogs again but I clear it and carry on.
“We’ll be in touch when we need you.”
“Okay, thank you.”Dick.
I hang up and find a text from Keeley, letting me know we’re due to fly home soon, meaning it’s time I grew some balls and went to see Reed.
Taking a deep breath, I pocket my phone and head back inside, not at all ready. But as ready as I’ll ever be.
The waiting area is devoid of football players by the time I walk through, and I count that as a blessing. They’re most likely packing their bags and checking out of their hotel rooms, whilemy belongings are still waiting for me at the hospital reception where I left them with Cade’s keys, earning myself another “anything for you” wink.
When I reach Reed’s room, I hesitate at the open door, giving myself a little pep talk before I go in.
“Knock, knock.” I announce my arrival and push through the threshold. “Mind if I come in?”
“Of course.” Reed tries to sit up, but when Hayley gently pushes him back down, I actually smile.
“How are you?” she asks, her gaze leaving Reed’s to give me her full attention, though I wave off her concern.
“I’m fine. I don’t know why they even kept me here overnight, to be honest. It was barely a scratch.” I lift my tee to show them my not so tiny wound dressing, and Reed tries to sit up again, this time making me chuckle to avoid processing the concern on his face.
