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His little head turns in my direction before letting out an ear-shattering squawk. Yep, he's definitely a jerk.
I get in my beat-up, little car and pray the thing actually turns on. After two painful attempts, it finally kicks over, so it’s nice to see that some things are actually going my way today.
The closer I get to the Thunder’s training centre, the worst the nerves get. Oh, geez, I can’t screw this up.
This is what I’ve been training for. I know the human anatomy like the back of my hand and I know exactly what to do with it when it’s under stress. I’ve got this. There’s no reason to be nervous.
I pull my phone out and dial my brother’s number. It rings twice before his soothing voice fills my ears. “There better be a good reason why you’re waking me up at 8.15 in the morning,” he scolds.
"I have my first day with the Denver Thunder," I remind him, though, by the tone of my voice, it's pretty damn clear why I'm calling.
“And?” he questions. “You’ll be fine. There’s nothing to worry about. You were practically born for this job.”
“I know,” I sigh.
“Good. Now that’s settled, can I go back to sleep?” he asks on a yawn.
I hesitate for a moment, knowing how much he hates me asking about him but as his big sister, I have no other choice. I mean, it’s my right as a sister to bug him however much I please. “How are you?” I question.
He lets out a sigh. “You had the dream again, didn’t you?”
“How’d you know?”
“Elle,” he starts with a sadness heavy in his tone. “You only ever ask how I am when you’ve had that dream. It’s like it’s your reminder to check in with me. Otherwise, you avoid asking because you know I hate talking about it.”
“Geez, Bren. I didn’t realise I was that easy to read,” I scoff.
“Like a freakin’ book,” he says with a chuckle.
“Oh, shut up,” I scold. “Would you answer the damn question.”
“Fine,” he groans and I bet what little money I have sitting at the bottom of my handbag that he’s rolling his eyes right now. “I’m doing ok. A little stiff and sore but nothing I can’t handle.”
“You sure?” I question as I feel the worry start creeping over me.
“Chill out,” he laughs. “I’m fine. I’ll get a hot chick to come give me a massage, work out all the kinks,” he says in a suggestive tone.
“Ugh,” I groan. “You’re so gross. But seriously, don’t pay for a massage. I could come around after work and do it.”
“Don’t be stupid. You’re going to be exhausted after work and besides, I wouldn’t want to miss my weekly rub down with Stacey. She has magical fingers, you know.”
“I’m hanging up now,” I tell him.
“About time. I’ll see you on the weekend.”
I can’t help but smile at the idiot. “Yeah, I’ll see you then.”
I end the call and pocket my phone, feeling much calmer. My brother was my absolute rock after the accident and that has never changed. Not when we buried our parents and Sammy, not when we were sent to live with our Aunt and Uncle and not when I moved away for college. No matter what, he’s always there.
I pull up at the Thunder’s training arena and just like the day I pulled up for the interview, I’m caught off guard by the sheer magnitude of the place, I mean, it’s huge. I shake off the nerves and pull my shit together.
I’ve got this.
I stand tall and make my way inside. I’m met at the door with the senior physiotherapist who from memory, I think is named Dave. He’s big, sweaty and bald, and gives me the creeps. The kind of guy who holds onto your hand a little too long and whose eyes always seem to be looking at your ass.
But then, he really seems to know what he’s doing when it comes to physio, so with that in mind, I can ignore his flaws for the chance to learn. I just hope he makes a good teacher.
Dave sets me set up with a uniform and introduces me to a few people in management who I promptly forget the names of. He goes on to explain that the season is still two months out so I won’t be too busy, until then it’s just a few smaller injuries and stressed muscles to relieve, so I should use the down time to learn the ropes.
It’s just after lunch and the day has flown by so far. Dave has been very professional and I’m pleased to report, he’s making an excellent teacher. I stood in while he worked on two of the players this morning and after explaining the issues, he allowed me to work on the players and show him what I know.
