I’ve put my body on the line year in and year out, and now, it’s finally catching up with me.
“Think you can make it back to your locker and change?”
I nod. “Yeah. I’ll be okay.”
I take the ibuprofen he gives me and swallow it down without water. The bright side is that we’re heading home tonight.
Heading back to my stall, I find the guys already in there. Heads hang, telling me we lost the game.
Fuck.
We’re still looking good to clinch a playoff spot, but it’s January. It’s still early.
“How are you feeling, Jasper?” Coach Andrews asks.
“I’ve been better.” I grimace. “Separated shoulder.”
“Really?” Bode asks from his spot in the locker. “Fuck, man. I’m sorry.”
“How long will you be out?” Dax asks.
“A few weeks. Could be worse, so there’s that.”
“Damn. This sucks,” Noah grumbles. “I’m sorry, man.”
“Look.” Coach Andrews calls everyone’s attention to him. “Tonight was not our night. I don’t want us to get too down about this. We still have a great group of men and that will carryus through these next few weeks before the All-Star break. Let’s rest up tonight, and tomorrow we’ll study film to see what we can improve on for the next game.”
Guys hit the showers as I drop into my seat, not having the energy to get cleaned up at the moment.
Hell, I don’t even have the energy to grab my phone and see if Quinn texted me. Knowing her, there is a slew of messages.
“You need any help?” Dax asks.
“I’ll be okay.” I shake my head. “Just need a minute.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure. Fucking sucks we lost.”
Dax winces. “Definitely not our best game of the year.”
“Hey.” Bode claps him on the shoulder. “We’ll get it back. We always do.”
We’ve been having one of the best seasons in the history of the Knights franchise. With only a dozen or so losses, our playoff standing is looking good.
Knock on wood.
“Damn right we will,” I say.
With my left arm being in a sling, I start to change as carefully as possible. It’s not easy with one arm, but it could be worse.
By the time I’m changed, I’m exhausted and ready to hit the bus. Dax grabs my bag for me and I follow him, finally taking out my phone.
I smile as I see the string of texts from Quinn.
Quinn
This game
