Page 32 of Whiskey Wednesdays

“Just kidding. I’ll be doing whatever a physician assistant intern does. I’m here Mondays and Tuesdays, and the home games.”

He turned to Connor and jerked his thumb at me. “The players are gonna love her.”

Connor wiped his hand down his face. “That’s what I’m fucking afraid of.”

“You’re the second person who’s said that,” I grumbled.

“That’s another five bucks!” Elodie patted Connor’s leg and turned to Jackson. “He’s said lots of bad words today. I’m rich!”

Jackson laughed. “I bet he has, El. Women will do that to a guy sometimes.” He grinned. “The season just got a lot more interesting.”

Chapter 9

The first week of clinical rotations took some adjustment. I’d never done more than one rotation at a time, but I was able to schedule my hours on Mondays and Tuesdays at the arena, and Wednesdays and Thursdays at the pediatric clinic.

On my first day, I met Dr. Ben in the medical room so he could show me the ropes.

I wore my trusty black spandex stretch pants that looked dressy but were super comfortable, and a light blue sweater. Over that, I had on my white PA jacket.

Ben leaned against the counter. “Let me show you around, and then I’ll introduce you when the players come in from practice.”

We took a tour of the facilities and discussed what I’d generally be doing every day. He also explained common injuries that occurred in hockey players.

Ben pointed to his forehead. “Head injuries are the most concerning. I think complex shoulder injuries from body checking might be next, then hip and knee injuries.”

Just then, the physical therapist walked in. She was a husky woman who reminded me of my middle school gym teacher. She had short, cropped hair and wore khaki pants with a white polo shirt sporting the team logo.

She smiled. “Hey Ben, this your new intern?”

“Hi, Phyllis. Yeah, this is Isabella Cruz.” He turned to me. “Isabella, this is Phyllis Padfield, the trainer.”

I smiled and shook her outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Call me Phil.”

We talked with her for a few minutes, then went to the team locker room where Ben introduced me to the players and coaches. A few team members were changing, and several looked at me curiously. I felt like I was swimming in testosterone.

“Hey everyone,” Ben said in a loud voice.

They eventually quieted down and turned our way. Coach Bailey, a fit middle-aged man with sunken eyes and a stern face, walked over and stood next to me with his arms crossed. He didn’t look happy.

Ben pointed to me. “This is Isabella Cruz. She’s working as a physician assistant intern with us in the medical office for the next three months. Isabella, introduce yourself.”

I always hated this part, and it was even harder with so many muscular, athletic, half dressed guys staring at me. I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward.

“Nice to meet you all. I’ll be in the medical office before and after practice on Mondays and Tuesdays if you have injuries or health-related questions. If it’s outside my purview, I’ll let you know and consult with Dr. Rasmussen or Dr. Singhal. Please call me Isabella.”

Coach Bailey stepped forward. “No, they won’t.”

He was going to make it awkward, damn it. I glanced at him with a small, fake smile.

“They can also call me Isa if Isabella is too hard.”

He raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips. “They’ll call you Ms. Cruz.”

I faced him. “Coach Bailey, I’d prefer Isabella.”

He folded his arms and glared down at me. “We all need to keep it professional.”

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