April focused on her breathing; it was all she could do not to retaliate. SheknewSuzie had done that on purpose.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine,” April managed to say in as level a voice as she could currently manage.
“I’d put some ice on that shoulder just to be sure, darlin’.” Suzie called over her shoulder as she started to walk away. “Wouldn’t want you to have to pull out of the tournament now, would we?!” With that, Suzie disappeared down the hall.
Jon rushed over, “How bad?” He asked.
“I need to throw-up. It’s my playing arm, Jon.” April grabbed her shoulder, and they made their way to April’s room.
Chapter 17
Jade
Jade had spent the last two days learning the layout of the venue, and the quickest routes to some of the nearest hotels where most of the players were staying. She had learned that she and Will had been accommodated within the hotel where most of the players without their own physical therapists were staying. It made a lot of sense.
It had been agreed that she and Will would stay close to the hotel unless told otherwise between certain hours of the day. The venue’s physical therapy team would handle any issues during matches and practices unless they needed additional help.
Will had received a phone call from Nathan and was in his room while Jade was reserving a table for them to eat dinner later that evening. Per their contract terms, they were never fully off duty. There were a few people ahead of her, so chances were, it would either be room service or takeaway delivery for their dinner.
She rang her brother, Evan, while she waited.
“Hey hot shot, how’s life?” He asked her.
“Oh, you know, hanging around a fancy hotel waiting to book a table for dinner. How are you doing?” Jade replied.
“I can’t believe this is your life just now. I’m happy for you. I’m good! Toni and Willow are over for dinner, which as you know means Toni’s cooking and I’m trying to keep Willow and Sophie out of trouble.” Evan laughed and Jade could hear his girlfriend in the background.
“Don’t believe a word of it, Jade, he’s the one thatcausesthe trouble, as you well know!” Toni shouted to be heard.
“I’m sorry I’m missing Willow’s school play. She was so excited about it.” Jade said.
“I know you are, but honestly, she’s getting a bit overwhelmed with how many people are going. You know she’s not used to it, but she’ll be ok.” Evan added softly.
Willow’s Dad had never been around much, and he left to work across the country last year and hadn’t contacted her since. Toni didn’t have any family, so it had just been the two of them. Willow was a great kid, with an old soul for a 7-year-old. She and Sophie got on like sisters already, and Jade wouldn’t be surprised if Evan and Toni ended up married down the line. They each had complicated backgrounds, but their blended family had fit right in with the rest of the Foster Clan.
“You'd better send me photos or videos or whatever you can, ok?” Jade sternly told her brother.
“I will, I’ll take photos when she comes out still in costume, and I think there’ll be a link to the video the week after,” Evan explained.
“Good! Now, how’s Sophie doing?” Jade asked about Evan’s daughter.
“Same as always,” he chuckled, “she somehow managed to convince Cleo and Ivy that she and Willow need to be involved in the wedding planning while you’re away. So that’ll be fun.”
Jade laughed hard. She knew if her niece had it her way, their wedding would be the gayest, rainbow everything, unicorns and glitter covered, event of the year. “I may need to send some apology flowers to them then.”
“More like a few bottles of bourbon, given the fact I had to buy three different wedding magazines on my way home from work today for the girls asinspiration.” Jade could just imagine the eyeroll and Evan putting his face in his palm.
Just then, Jade’s phone rang in her ear. She checked the caller's ID, and it was the venue contacting her.
“Look, I’ve got to go, work’s calling. Chat soon.” Jade quickly hung up before Evan could reply, and accepted the incoming work call.
“You’re needed at the Royal Heights Hotel, room 537. Discretion is paramount.” The voice on the line said.
“I’m here already, I’ll be at the room in a few minutes,” Jade replied, and the call swiftly disconnected.
This feels like some secret agent stuff, kinda liking it!
Jade arrived at the requested room door and knocked. As was contracted, she held her access pass up for the occupants of the hotel rooms to view through their door’s peephole. Secondslater, the door opened, and she was invited into the room before anyone said a word.
