Page 95 of Hard to Get

Jayden’s on the ice for the penalty kill. We win the faceoff in our own zone but then lose possession. Damn. Can’t get it out. I watch as Winnipeg passes the puck and passes and passes, and then someone shoots at the net. Jayden’s between him and the net and he goes down on one knee to block the shot. Success! Except he’s down. And he’s not getting up.

My heart lurches.

“Oh God.” I cover my mouth with my hands, watching.

Still down. He tries to use his stick to get up but right away, two of his teammates are there, one on each side of him, helping him up. A trainer comes running out. I get a sick feeling in my stomach.

They help him off the ice. He’s not putting any weight on his right leg. And he heads straight down the tunnel.

“Shit, shit, shit.”

Why does he do that? Blocking shots is so dangerous!

Okay, I know he has to do it. Even after taking a puck in his man pouch that time. I don’t have to like it, though.

They announce a little while later that he won’t be back for the rest of the game. But somehow, the Orcas use that to motivate them, maybe, and score with about four minutes left in the period to go ahead, and they then hang on for the win. Well, that’s one good thing, anyway.

Should I text Jayden to see if he’s okay? What if he’s not? What if they’re rushing him to the hospital at this very moment?

I jump to my feet, pacing around as they announce the three stars—one of them is Jayden! Dammit! He was playing great, but at what cost?

I know I don’t have the right mindset here. I’m more worried about Jayden than the team or the win. What kind of fan am I?

I’m a fan of Jayden.

I twirl a piece of hair in my fingers, feeling like a corkscrew is twisting in my stomach.

“I’ll send a text.” I grab my phone and drop back onto the couch to type in a message. Then I toss my phone down again. I know he might not be able to answer right now, but when he can, he’ll see it.

I turn off the TV, take Betty out for one last pee before bed, then go upstairs.

I’m in bed when my phone chimes. I snatch it up and peer at it.

Jayden

Hey I’m okay

I blink a few rapid bats of my eyelashes, then quickly type again.

Stella

Really? That looked bad

Jayden

Nothing broken, I had x-rays. Bone contusion

I let out a breath. Okay. That’s good, at least.

Stella

Are you in pain?

Jayden

Not with the drugs they gave me

Stella