“Well, that’s not me,” I say, unable to figure out if he’s getting at something deeper or if he’s just had bad experiences with friends or something. “My friends are really important to me. Especially Jo.”
He nods and tightens his arms around me. “I can tell. And that’s just… really… admirable.” He gives me a tentative smile.
I don’t tell him that part of the reason I value my friendships so much is because I spent a lot of years watching my dad. He played hockey for so many years, in a game that’s supposedly known for the strong relationships between players. But he barely kept in touch with anyone. Sure, he knows tons of people, and my parents entertain a lot, but few would be considered real friends. Most are just acquaintances. It makes me a little sad when I think about it, but I’m well aware of where my father’s priorities lie.
We lie in comfortable silence for a few minutes. I don’t want to admit to myself how amazing it feels to lie here in his arms. It’s like we’ve managed to create this cozy little bubble around us, and as much as I’d like to stay in it, my head is already filling up with all the things I need to do as soon as possible. I can tell Ben’s got a lot on his mind as well, but even though we’re both in our heads, it’s nice being together. It’s comfortable in a way I wouldn’t have expected. Something about Ben gives me this sense that no matter what, everything is going to be okay. I could get used to that.
“So, um, I need to check in on Josie and then contact the team and stuff, but can I interest you in one of my world-famous breakfast burritos after that?” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t betray how very much I want him to say yes. I like having him in my space.
“Um. Yeah, sure, that sounds great,” he says as a pleased little smile curls up the corners of his mouth, like maybe he was hoping I’d ask him to stay.
“Good,” I reply, and I lean in, giving him a little peck on the cheek before reaching over to my nightstand to grab my phone. There are several text messages, but the first one I check is from Josie.
Jo: Hey Babe. I’m awake, feel like dog vomit. Docs say everything is okay, but they want to keep me here one more night. Probably let me out tomorrow.
Instead of texting her back, I call, and she picks up immediately.
“Hey, love,” she says, her voice sounding a little weak. “Before you say anything, thank you so much for coming last night. I don’t even remember asking for you, but I was pretty out of it when they brought me in. I don’t know what I’d do without you, boo.” Her voice cracks on the last word, and I have to swallow down the lump in my throat. I’m not able to contemplate what would happen if I ever lost Josie.
“Oh, Jo, I’m glad they called me. I love you, crazy girl, but you scared the shit out of me. You are never allowed to do that again.”
She gives a raspy chuckle. “I love you too, silly boy.” I know she’s trying to keep it light, but there’s an unusual tremor in her voice. “I promise, I really will try not to scare you like that again. It wasn’t as much fun as you might think.”
“Good,” I say. “I’m going to come by later to hang out with you, and we can make some plans for organizing help for when you get home. I can stay at your place with you for a few days at least, but we should get Tara to come too, and—” My mind is spinning with all the things I’m going to need to set up so she has all the help she needs while her leg is out of commission. She’s going to hate it.
“Wait, hold up, hon,” she interrupts. “I’m going to let you do all that for me, I promise. I know I have no choice. But today, I just want some time alone, okay? I need time to digest… everything. Does that make sense?”
I’m reluctant to leave her alone all day, but I know how much of an introvert Josie is. Being in the hospital is probably driving her insane with all the activity and people fussing over her. “Okay,” I say hesitantly. “I will agree to leave you alone today as long as you promise to call me if you need anything at all, okay? And you also have to promise to let me be there when you’re allowed to go home so I can hear all the instructions for taking care of you.
“Yeah, okay,” she agrees after a moment’s hesitation, and I allow myself a little smile of victory because getting my best friend to accept help is always a big win.
While I was talking with Josie, Ben slipped out of bed and disappeared downstairs with his own phone. But I like being near him, so before I read any more of my waiting messages, I slip on a pair of track pants and pad downstairs, where I find him sitting on my couch, the coffee maker perking away happily on the counter. I really like the way this little scene looks. Ben Jacobs feels like he fits into my space. And I like it a lot.
“Hey,” he says with a soft smile as I plop down beside him. His eyes light up when he sees me, and my heart flutters in my chest. “How’s Josie feeling?”
“She seems okay,” I say. “Not herself though. And she asked me not to visit today. She says she needs time alone to process things.”
Ben’s eyebrows furrow with concern. “Do you think she’s okay? Should she talk to someone?” My heart flutters once again as I see the genuine way he cares for my friend.
“I think she’ll be okay,” I say. “It’s not unusual for her to want to be alone to process heavy things. And I think if she needs to talk to someone, she will. I’ll make her if I have to, but she’s pretty good about taking care of herself that way.
Ben nods, seemingly satisfied with that answer. “Did you get a message from Carson?” he asks.
I raise my eyebrows. “Um, no, I haven’t checked that yet. Shit, is he pissed about me leaving last night?” Fuck, that’ll be the last thing I need.
“No, no, not at all,” he says. “Check your messages, but he wants both of us to take a few days off and get a fresh start on everything after they get back from their California road trip. They’ll be back Sunday night after their game in San Francisco. He suggested we start fresh on Monday morning with getting all their equipment techs onboarded.”
I scroll down to the text from Carson’s assistant, Kelly. Sure enough, they relay the same message, expressing concern for me and my friend and asking me to let them know if the team can provide any kind of help or support. They even attached a list of support services, which all team staff have access to, including home health care services for family members. Kelly even added a note at the bottom, letting me know that I do qualify for these services now that I’m part of the Sasquatch staff.
“Wow,” I say, a little shocked by the team’s generosity. I know most pro teams take really good care of their people, but usually, the best perks are reserved for players. And I’ve barely even started my job with the team. I can’t believe they’re giving me all these benefits so soon. “God, they’re really stepping up. It’s incredible.” I tell Ben about all the things the team offered to do to help me and, by extension, Josie.
“That’s great news. They seem like a good organization. Carson Wells seems like a different kind of manager, but he sure seems to have his priorities straight,” Ben says.
“Yeah,” I agree. “These services will help Jo a lot, and not having to search around to find people to take care of her takes a lot of weight off my shoulders.”
Ben smiles at me again, his eyes searching mine, for what, I don’t know. “Yeah. That’s what all businesses should do though, right? Take care of their people? And you and Josie both deserve it, Aleks. You’re an amazing friend to her. She’s really lucky to have you.”
God, I wish I could figure out what’s going on in his head. He looks so serious when he talks about friendship and how impressed he is that I’m being a good friend to Josie. But it confuses me. I kind of thought that’s what friendships are supposed to be. I guess maybe Ben’s experiences haven’t been that way.
