Eli’s CT is clear. Nothing abnormal.
Kid actually has a brain. Who knew? ;)
Pukefest should stop by morning and he’ll likely be released by noon.
I feel relief wash over me and start typing a response.
Good update, about the CT. I’m betting the doc will want him off the ice for a bit. I’m guessing a week.
I wouldn’t let Eli on the ice for a week at least anyway. I only stopped playing a little over four years ago, so I still distinctly remember being pushed through a concussion, more than once, and how it did me no good. I vowed when I became a coach I wouldn’t do it to my players.
You’re psychic! Yeah doc said 7-10 days.
Sorry. I know that’s not good for the game.
So, psychic, give me some winning lottery numbers. ;)
I chuckle. Funny, getting her as Eli’s nurse kind of feels like I won a lottery. I start to type back, my fingers moving quickly, trying to outrun the nervous tension spreading through my body. I can’t believe I’m about to do this…
Trust me I’m not psychic. If I was I would know the answer to the question I want to ask you.
I lean against the wall outside Charlie’s room and wait. Is this stupid? Is she really flirting with me? Am I flirting with her? Do I even still know how to do that? My phone beeps.
What question is that? Don’t leave me hanging….
Here I go. Maybe dating is like riding a bike…even though it feels more like walking off a cliff.
I’d know the answer to whether you want to have coffee with me tomorrow afternoon?
Am I even free tomorrow afternoon? Should I have checked my calendar? Nah. I know I don’t have Charlie, and fuck anything else. For this woman, I’ll reschedule.
I scrub a hand over my face. It feels like the longest minute of my life, but that’s all it takes for her to respond.
I’d love to.
My face explodes in a smile, and my chest releases a huge breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I type back a time and a place, hoping it works. Four p.m., Saint Frank Coffee on Polk. I have no idea where she lives, but even if it’s on the other side of San Francisco I will pick her up and drive her there. It’s that good.
I set my phone to silent and head back into Charlie’s room. Her little fists have released the viselike grip she was holding the blankets with, and she’s flopped over onto her back. I can see her whole little face now; she seems peaceful. I stop at the side of the bed, lean down and smooth back her hair. She doesn’t stir. Just in case she has another dream I leave the door wide open and leave mine at the other end of the short hall open too.
I put my phone on the dresser in my room and realize she responded.
See you then, Griffin.
I just lined up my first date since the divorce. I kind of wish Hunter were still here so I could high-five someone.
4
Griffin
When I wake up the next morning, I instantly think of Sadie, and it puts me in a great mood. I reach over and check my phone. She’s left me a new message, and I smile.
Hey coach. Your goalie will make it. Upchucking has stopped.
Pupils are back to normal. He’s asking me to get him a milkshake.
Should be discharged by noon.
I lean back against my headboard and type a response.
