It’s weird not seeing Peter and Nash as much anymore. Once I was able to start driving myself to rehab, I moved out of their place. I don’t know if I would have made it through those first few months if I weren’t living with them.
“How was rehab today?”
“It was a bitch.”
I grab the beer from Nash as he takes a seat next to Peter. Looking around, I’m reminded I’m the only one here that’s not partnered.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my siblings and their partners. But sometimes, the fact that I’m alone is glaringly obvious.
Not that bringing Audrey here tonight was the solution. But fuck, do I ever miss her at times like this. She fit in so well with my family. Never one to take shit from them and always gave as good as she got.
“When do you get to play football again, Uncle Logan?” Willow asks from across the table, scooping over half the macaroni onto her plate.
“Not sure.” Out of everyone here, Willow is probably my biggest fan.
“Do you know when you’ll be meeting with the team?” Mason asks, putting half of the noodles that Willow put on her plate back in the bowl. It’s hard not to laugh at the mean mug she’s giving him.
I shake my head, grabbing my beer and taking a long pull. “Not yet.”
What I don’t tell my brother is that I’ve been avoiding their calls. Back when I was still having regular surgeries, my doctors would keep the team docs updated. After that, they left it up to me. A few calls here and there. But now that the time to face them is bearing down on me, it’s getting hard to pick up. There’s something in my gut that has me worried.
What if I’m doing all this work and it’s for nothing? What if my leg isn’t strong enough? What if I’m done with football?
I’ve been to hell and back these last couple of years. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on my worst enemy. But the nagging thought has taken hold in the back of my head and I can’t seem to get past it. No matter how much I want my future in football back.
What if it’s not enough?
“You’d think they’d want their best running back on the field again.” Gemma’s voice is defensive on my behalf.
“I don’t like that Rodgers guy,” Willow pipes up. “He fumbles too much.”
“I agree, Pipsqueak.” The guy is good, but he loses the ball too much.
“I’m not a Pipsqueak anymore!”
“Sorry.” I throw my hands up in defense. “I forgot.”
“Welcome to my world,” Mason mumbles.
“What did we say about yelling at people about that?” Ivy’s voice is calm, as she reaches out to smooth Willow’s wild curls.
Willow puffs out a breath, like this isn’t the first time she’s been told this. “That the people who call me Pipsqueak love me and I shouldn’t be mad that they love me.”
“That’s right.” She drops a kiss on her head. “Now, pass me the mac and cheese.”
“Other than the team ghosting you, how was training today? Heather not being too hard on you?” Mason asks.
I love how involved my family is in my recovery.
“Nah. It’s not her I need to worry about. Audrey’s been busting my balls.”
“Busting your balls?” Willow asks. “What’s that?”
I look up from my plate and realize then what I said. Every set of eyes is focused on me before the room explodes into chaos.
“Wait, Audrey’s back?”
“What’s she doing here?”
