@QweenPandora:
Looks like the #GoldenBoys and #SexyBeast had a boys’ night at the royal palace. None of the ladies were spotted, so was this a little pick-me-up for #KingMidas?
From pics of #NewGirl still slumming it with #PrisonBae after two full weeks, I’m guessing our king needsall the support he can get.
I don’t know, guys. It’s starting to look pretty grim for the King and Queen of Cypress Pointe.
Later, peeps :)
—P
Chapter Twenty
West
She should be here.
It’s weird waiting for Dr. Graham to deliver news about my shoulder without my wife beside me, but having Grandpa Boone here is the next best thing.
“Just relax,” he says quietly. “You’re about as tense as a pig at a barbecue.”
I laugh under my breath. Having him here calms me a bit, butnothingcan takeallthe nerves away. My future as the Cypress Pointe Emperors’ starting quarterback comes down to this visit. Everything is riding on the doc’s opinion of how I’ve healed so far.
A firm knock at the door has me sitting straighter, but it feels like my heart drops to my feet the second the doctor enters the room.
“Good afternoon,” he says, and my eyes dart toward the tablet tucked against his side.
“Good afternoon. This is my grandfather, Boone Landry.”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” Dr. Graham says, extending his hand toward Grandpa.
“Pleasure’s all mine. You two can pretend I’m not in the room. I’m just here for moral support.”
“Very well,” Dr. Graham smiles, then focuses on his tablet as it lights up. “So, I’ve had time to analyze your images over the past couple days. The swelling has reduced considerably, which is good, but now that I’ve got a clearer view of the issue, I’m afraid it’s what we feared.”
It’s like all sound gets sucked out of the room. I don’t need to hear him say I’ve retorn my rotator cuff to know that’s exactly what’s happened. Which means another round of surgery, another round of rehab, only this time, the chances of me returning to my position are even slimmer.
“I think the best course of action is to get the surgery scheduled shortly after the swelling reduces a bit more. Then, we’ll take it one day at a time from there.”
I don’t speak, because what the fuck am I even supposed to say to that?
My career is as good as over. As if I haven’t already lost enough.
Grandpa’s hand rests on my arm. “Now, West, I know what you’re thinking, but no one’s saying this is the end. You’re a strong boy, and you come from strong stock. Wewillget through this. Together. Just like we get through everything else.”
I still don’t have words, so I just keep my eyes trained on the floor tiles.
Grandpa turns to Dr. Graham. “Thanks, doc. He’s just going to need some time to process everything.”
“I completely understand. I’ll have my nurse email all the information over, including next steps, then we’ll be in touch when it’s time to get Mr. Golden scheduled.”
“Sounds good. Thank you very much.”
Dr. Graham leaves Grandpa and I on our own, and it feels like I’m coming undone. Like my entire life is pulling apart at the seams.
“I meant what I said, son. I’m here with you, and I will not let you give up. You hear me?”
I nod, but the words go in one ear and out the other. No matter what he says, I have to face my new reality.
