“After training like that, I’d eat whatever Ryan cooks, too,” Evan remarks.
“Hey!”Ryan protests.
“Don’t you players have a diet to follow?”the Doctor asks, joining the conversation.
“I eat everything.I burn it off anyway,” Ryan replies.
The Doctor sighs patiently.
“Actually, I do have a diet,” Evan admits.“I just don’t really care about that shit.”
“This isn’t good,” the Doctor responds.“You should take this seriously.”
“So boring,” Evan mutters, chewing his food.
“Martin is right,” Chris adds.“You should tell him that, Jamie.Maybe he’ll listen to you.”
“What do you mean by that?”Ryan asks.
“You just said you don’t care because you burn everything anyway.”
“Yes, but…”
“It’s true.You should listen to the coach and the trainers and take their advice seriously.If you want to play and become a champion…” I say.
“Like you,” the Doctor interjects.
“And what the fuck am I?”Ryan bursts into flames.
“You are my champion,” Chris says softly, stroking his face.
Ryan snorts and goes back to eating, while I keep my gaze fixed on my plate, trying to control my breathing and the familiar burn in my stomach.I haven’t touched food yet.
“Are you okay?”the Doctor asks.
I lift my head.“I beg your pardon?”
“You’re pale.You look in pain.”
“Everything’s grand.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s just heartburn that won’t go away.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“It’s nothing important.”
“Maybe Martin can help you,” Chris suggests.
Oh, yes, Doctor.
You could help me, but not with the heartburn.
“If you need anything…”
“It’ll pass.”
