Brandon’s brow furrows behind his glasses. They really are a good look for him. Kind of a Clark Kent vibe. If Clark Kent had a kid with Tarzan and that kid only wore flip-flops.
“I was thinking at the clinic there could be a referee station. Like some kids could play and other kids could ref. You can’t have a game without referees, you know. Anyway, I’ll talk to my people when I’m done with my workout.” Brandon gets up and starts looking around. “I’ve got to get going. I’m going to be late as it is.”
It takes me a minute to realize what he’s searching for. “You don’t have keys. You drove my car.”
“Damn it, that’s right.” He pulls out his phone and rapidly texts. “Shit. I was supposed to text Landon to come pick me up this morning, but he won’t have time to get up here and back before we’re supposed to be there. I don’t care about being late—”
“I know,” I interject. It is really something I hate.
He rolls his eyes and continues, “But I can’t make Landon late. They fine us. I mean, I could always just pay his fine. It’s only money.”
“Says the person who has plenty of money.”
“I don’t want to get him in trouble. It’s fine if they’re mad at me. They can’t be mad at him, too.” He looks around as if trying to formulate another plan.
I sigh. “Just take my car. We can figure out how to get it when you’re done working. I’m calling in anyway. I’ve got to cancel my trip to Birmingham.”
That’s something I dread doing. Nathan’s going to think I’m faking to get out of the meeting. I don’t like facing difficult situations, but running away only creates more problems.
I stand there and take it like a woman.
Once the door closes with Brandon Nix on the other side, I feel like I can breathe a little more. I also feel totally gross, so I take a lukewarm shower as per my instructions. Then I send the email I’ve been dreading.
Hi Nathan,
I had an accident while running on a treadmill last night. I have a concussion. I’m afraid I won’t be able to do the Birmingham game, as I’m on a ten-day restriction of physical activity. I can still fly down to Atlanta if you need me to. I would only ask that one of the USSLRA administrative assistants book my tickets. I’m supposed to be on total screen rest for the next two days at least. I’ll check my email periodically, or feel free to give me a call with your directives.
Andi
P.S. I’m attaching the discharge paperwork from the hospital for my personnel file. Please let me know if you need other documentation.
I like throwing directives in there. It’s a union thing. I really should email them too, but I’m sleepy again. I’ll lie down here for a bit. After a short nap, I’ll email my union rep and let them know about the impending meeting.
And then maybe I’ll think about what happened with Brandon Nix.
Just a quick nap.
