"That's because you have a concussion.
She turns to my voice, wide eyed and…smiling? "My first concussion!"
Again I laugh, shaking my head, the mixture of relief and adrenaline shredding my chest.
"I don't think we need an ambulance, but she might need to go to the hospital. Molly," Her eyes finally open all the way. "What's six times two."
"Twelve."
"Do you feel sick? Nauseated?"
"No, just a little…disoriented? I think I'm okay."
Cass and I share a look.
"Do you want to go to the hospital?" I ask her.
"Do you think I should go?" she asks, trusting me implicitly, as always.
My chest aches. Again I assess her. Her pupils are the same size, she's not nauseated or vomiting, she's coherent. "It's not serious, I don't think--but. B you should go in just in case."
Instantly her chin flexes, and tears spring to her eyes. "Are you sure? I…I have a deductible, like more than a thousand dollars, and they'll probably do scans, and I…are yousure?"
Goddammit she's going to cry because she can't afford a brain scan.This is so fucked.I should just pay for it. But shewouldn't let me without paying me back, and who knows what that would involve now that I'm fingering her on her kitchen table. I tell myself I'm trained well enough to keep an eye on her, that I'm the most qualified to do it--not Cass or anybody else. Me. But the truth I only brush up against is that after tonight, I can't leave her alone when she's hurt.
I've broken so many rules already. What's one more?
So like an asshole, I shake my head. "I don't think you're in danger, but I'm not letting you out of my sight for twenty-four hours. I'll keep an eye on you. But if I seeanysigns, we're going in. We can figure the money out later if we have to. Deal?"
The relief on her face feels like some kind of heaven. "Thank you. Yes, deal."
I turn to the team. "I'll drive her home, make sure she's okay. Y'all head home--get ready for the game next week. I'll tend to her," I promise them. "I know what to look for. Don't worry--I won't leave her until I know she's all right."
They nod and disperse, leaving me with Cass. The look she's giving me is amused, thick withYeah, right,and leaves me glad nobody else is around. "You're gonna stay with her. For medical reasons."
"Why else, Cass?"
She shrugs. "Oh, no reason. No reason at all."
I roll my eyes, helping Molly stand. When I pick up her helmet, my eyes widen. It's cracked in a fine web where the ball hit it. I didn't think Shelby even threw it that hard.
"Gee, whiz," she breathes, touching the cracks. "I think I leaned in a little too far."
"You think?" I tease.
Cass takes her hand. "Coach is going to get you home, make sure you're all right."
Molly's brow arches. "I can still hear, you know."
Cass chuckles. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"
"Don't worry. I've got her."
"Yeah, I bet you do, McHotbooty. Text me, Molly--kay?"
Molly winks, clicking her tongue and shooting a finger gun at Cass. We head for the dugout where I sit her on the bench, hand her an emergency ice pack, and tell her to stay while I help Shelby clean up.
She's flustered, brow furrowed, shoving things haphazardly into equipment bags. "Is she okay, Grey? I am so sorry."
