Page 31 of Colliding with Ten

I nodded, the paper crinkling as I shifted. Then, as if it hadn’t been rehearsed a thousand times, I said, “You ever miss New York?”

He paused, looking with curious eyes. “Sometimes. Why?”

“You still got people with the Hawks?”

Now he knew this wasn’t small talk.

“A few. And again I ask, why?”

“There’s someone over there. She got hurt.”

His brows lifted. “Lennox, I was at the game, remember. You’re asking about the cheerleader?”

“I just want to get updates on her recovery.”

I hadn’t spoken to Ayla since our text exchange, and I didn’t plan to again. Or at least not anytime soon.

Mateo studied me, weighing things. Then he sighed and nodded. “Alright. Give me a day. I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Oh, and can you keep it quiet?” I said, then stopped. I thought better of it and restarted. “It’s not for anyone else. You know how the guys are.”

He hesitated. “Why does this matter to you? You know she’ll be fine. The team will take care of her.”

“I don’t know.” I lifted my eyes back to his. “I guess I just want to make sure.”

Mateo nodded. “Guilt’s a heavy motivator.”

“Yeah.”

But I didn’t think it was just that.

He smiled and clapped me on the shoulder. “I’ll check in and let you know.”

Mateo called in a favor. I didn’t ask how or who. Two days later, he leaned against the counter and started talking before I sat down.

“She’s home resting. Taking it easy.”

“How long?”

“They expect a decent recovery in eight weeks, twelve if it’s slow. Light work sooner if she responds well. They’re being careful since she is a trained ballerina.”

“She is?” That information both impressed and intimidated the hell out of me.

“Yeah. Her brother wants her to have the option to return to ballet. He doesn’t want this to ruin her career.”

I ground my fist against the wooden table. “I didn’t know she was a professional ballerina.”

“Lennox, it’s not your fault.”

“That’s all?” I wasn’t getting into who was to blame. Actions still had consequences.

Mateo stared at me with concern. “That’s all for now. They’re keeping things quiet, but I don’t think there is anything to worry about. If she wants that career, she can still have it.”

I nodded, stood, and grabbed my hoodie. I paused but didn’t look back. “Keep trying. Let me know when she’s back at work.”

“You sure you want to stay this invested?” Mateo asked, sounding surprised.

I considered that. Basic decency included at least one follow-up. I wanted to stay informed on her recovery without asking her because doing so would invite more distractions. She’d already become one, so it was best I kept my distance.