Which was a reminder to not do anything we didn’t want to be interrupted.
“Thank you.”
The door closed, footsteps echoing as he made his way back down the corridor. I’d managed a quick, semi supervised shower, but only because I’d begged and pleaded for one, feeling rank after playing in what had been an incredibly tough game, and I was now exhausted, but not in a horrendous or worrying way.
I pulled the sheets back, trying not to disturb Otter, and failing miserably. She murmured something unintelligible and then woke herself up, big eyes staring straight at me.
“You’re okay.” She sat straight up. “Shouldn’t you be lying down?”
I laughed, completely amused by her expression and concern. “I’ve just got back from them checking me over, so I can sleep now and I am okay.”
“What did they say? Do you have concussion?”
I got under the covers and held them up for her to join me, the feel of her body heat making me relax for what seemed like the first time in forever, or rather when I’d last spent the night with her.
“A mild one. No swelling, but they want to check me again before I leave, and then check-ups next week. I have to have someone with me at home for the next seventy-two hours…”
“I can do that.”
I nodded. “Don’t you have work to do?”
She shook her head. “Yes, but I’m not doing it. It can be rearranged or I can do interviews by video call.” She reached her hand out to me, her palm pressing against my chest. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m sure. I’m better now you’re here, even though I’d rather be at a party with you in London.”
Her smile was sleepy. “I’m not sure I would be. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be than here.”
I woke – or rather, I was woken – before Otter. A nurse had been in the room while we slept, a couple of times I woke up, semi-aware that they were checking on me. This time, it was the doctor, on his morning rounds, I guessed, and possibly the person to tell me when I’d be able to go home.
“Morning, Ryan.” He wasn’t too much older than me, and looked like the sort of man who might also have a decent social media following, if he posted pictures of himself. “Or is it Jim?”
I laughed, realising the pain in my head was a lot better than yesterday. “Ryan’s good. Any idea when I can get home?”
He nodded. “Everything’s been good overnight – or what night you’ve had. Scans were fine. How’s the pain?”
“Still there but much better.”
He gave another nod. “To be expected. I’m Doctor Ansell, by the way. It was a bit of a clash.”
“Did you watch the game?”
“I did. Good goal, by the way. One of your teammates called earlier and somehow got put through to me. He gave me a blow-by-blow account of his goal.” He sounded amused, which was a good thing, because that meant he wouldn’t make a complaint about being harassed by Jude.
“Tough match, but we did it. Apologies you had to deal with Jude.”
Otter stirred, starting to wake. She’d slept like the dead all night, tucked up against me, making me feel that I was in exactly the right place because she was there.
Somehow, we would make this work. It could be done, even if our careers put limitations on where we could be.
“Jude was interesting. I gave him no information, by the way, apart from that you were okay. I hope that’s alright?” The doctor looked mildly concerned.
“It’s fine.” My arm was out for him to take my blood pressure. Hopefully it would be normal, and I’d get the go ahead to leave. I was exhausted – I was always going to be after that match anyway – but even more so with what had happened with the injury. Home and my own bed sounded like fucking heaven right now.
“BP is normal. Pulse is strong. Let’s get some breakfast down you and see how you tolerate that, then we can look at you being discharged. Will there be someone at home with you?” He glanced at Otter who was now awake and blinking slowly.
“Me. I’ll be at home with him.” She lifted her hand up as if she was still in school. “What do I need to look out for?”
The doctor listed symptoms – dizziness, memory loss, nausea and changes in behaviour. I knew memory loss hadn’t been an issue so far. I’d been out of it for seconds, opening my eyes to find Jesse standing over me asking me to count fingers. I knew who he was, and exactly what name to call him. I also knew the guy who’d banged into me was going to be worse off, and I definitely remember what he was saying about Otter when we both went in for the ball.
