He leaves without another word, and I stand in the empty treatment room and let out a long breath.
That was exhausting.
I sink onto the edge of the treatment table and replay Ken's words in my head.If he doesn't cooperate, tell me immediately. But I also remember what else Ken said. Ethan's contract is up for renewal. If this doesn't work, there's a chance the organization won't re-sign him.
If I report him, I could end his career.
One bad report from me, and the front office has all the ammunition they need. They can point to his lack of cooperation and wash their hands of him.Sorry, Ethan, we gave you every chance. You just wouldn't play ball.
He was difficult today. Monosyllabic, hostile, and unwilling to communicate. But he showed up. He did the exercises even when they hurt. He didn't quit.
I think about the fear I saw flash in his eyes when I asked about his pain. He's terrified. He's a man whose entire identity isbuilt around hockey, and now he doesn't know if he'll ever play again. Naturally, he's angry, and he's pushing people away.
I'm not going to be the one who destroys what's left of his career.
I'll handle Ethan Ward myself. I'll be patient and professional, and I'll get through to him somehow. And if he makes me want to scream into a pillow every night, well, that's between me and the pillow.
I gather my things and head to my new office.
It’s a small room with a desk and a window that overlooks the practice rink. I sink into my chair and pull out my phone.
Eve answers on the second ring. “So? How was day one?”
“Remember when you said I was crazy for taking this job?”
“You were right.” I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. “The patient I'm working with is difficult. He barely spoke to me. He answered every question with one word.”
“That bad?”
“Everyone warned me about him. Apparently, the last physical therapist left in tears.”
Eve laughs. It's a familiar sound. We've known each other since we were six years old, thrown together at neighborhood barbecues because our parents were friends. She's seen me through braces, bad haircuts, college heartbreaks, and now this. There's no one I trust more.
“Oh, honey. What did you get yourself into?”
“I have no idea.” I rub my temples. “He's so angry, Eve. Like, radiating hostility. But honestly, I can't blame him. His entire career is on the line. He doesn't know if he'll ever play again, and his contract is up for renewal. If I were in his position, I'd probably be angry too.”
“Look at you, already defending him.”
“I'm not defending him. I'm just saying I understand where it's coming from. It doesn't make it easier to work with him, but at least I get it.”
“Give it time. You're good at your job. He'll come around.”
“I hope so.”
“What's he like otherwise? Is he at least cute?”
My mind flashes to Ethan on the treatment table. The way his t-shirt hugged his chest. The strong lines of his jaw. Those intense blue-grey eyes that seemed to see right through me.
“He's a professional athlete,” I say carefully. “They're all in good shape.”
I can hear her smile through the phone when she says, “That’s not what I asked.”
“Eve.”
“Fine, fine. Keep your secrets.” She pauses, and her tone shifts. “Listen, I need to tell you something. Brody came by the bank today.”
My stomach drops. “What?”
