The familiar, comforting scent of Em’s citrusy perfume floats over and wraps around me. The faint scrape of a chair follows as she settles beside the bed. “Why not? It’s only an expression.”
“Still feels weird.”
“You’ve got bigger things to worry about. Start with getting better.”
“I’m trying. How’s everything out there?” I gesture toward where I think the outside is.
“The window is on the other wall, Teddy. You just pointed at the closet,” she jokes, trying to lighten the conversation. “Don’t worry about what’s happening there, because I brought you some things from home.”
“Did you bring a hoodie or something soft? These hospital clothes are shit.”
“I did pack three loungewear sets from that ad campaign you did last year, a Woodpeckers hoodie, your go-to cap, underwear, plus toiletries and snacks. I figured I’d try to make your stay less miserable.”
I let out a pleased hum. “I appreciate it. You didn’t have to go out of your way for me, though.”
“What else are friends for if not to use the spare key to rummage through your shit?” she jokes.
Clearing my throat, I try to push away the sudden swell of emotion. I can’t help feeling vulnerable with her here, and it messes with my head almost as much as Dr. Royce’s earlier words did. I still can’t believe he told me I have to wait weeks before knowing what can even be done.
“I’ve been thinking about the future a lot. It’s weird not knowing what comes next,” I admit.
“I can’t imagine what you’re going through. But I want you to remember you aren’t alone. Jasper, your teammates, and half of the hockey world have been checking up on you,” she reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “They all care about you, just like I do.”
“What have you told them?”
“The truth. That you’re recovering, and there hasn’t been much to share. Making me your emergency contact years ago was a smart move.”
“I don’t want my parents to get anymore updates. Who knows what they would do with such sensitive information. I trust you the most.”
“Have they—” Em starts. Her question is interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
“Oh, hi, I didn’t know you had company. I’ll come back later,” Ivy’s bright voice greets us.
“Don’t go,” I call after her. “This is my close friend and agent,Emerson Merryweather. She came by to bring me some things. Em, meet Ivy, one of the nurses taking care of me.”
Em’s chair scrapes and the sound of her heels click across the floor. “It’s lovely to meet you, Ivy.”
“It’s good to meet you, too,” Ivy replies. “I had no idea Teddy had, um, a female agent. But that’s amazing. More women in sports.”
I smile to myself as an understanding laugh leaves Em’s lips. “You aren’t the first to be surprised, and you won’t be the last. But yes, me and Mr. Theodore Bancroft Seaborn The Fourth go way back.”
“I can’t get over the fact that’s his full name.” Ivy sounds genuinely amused.
“Tell me about it. I used to give him so much shit about it back in school.”
“Hey, I didn’t lose my hearing,” I remind them, a touch exasperated but in good humor.
“Hush, Teddy,” Em teases. “Besides, I need an inside woman here at the hospital. I’m not sure I can trust the nurses at the front desk. They all seem to have crushes on you.”
“Har har, very funny,” I deadpan, but the corners of my mouth tug into a smile.
“She’s not wrong. You should hear all the questions I get when my colleagues realize I’m on your care team.” Her confession makes Em chuckle and Ivy mumbles, “Shit, sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
I wave my hand dismissively, a small chuckle escaping. “Don’t worry about it.”
“If you’re all good, I’ll leave you two alone,” Ivy says. “It was lovely to meet you.”
“Likewise. Before you go, may I have your number, Ivy?” Em asks.
