Page 6 of The Hooker

“Where’s my baby?” Daisy demands and lets Westley off the lead to roam around the house.

“Your babyis still sleeping as it’s a teacher only day today, and apparently primary school takes it out of her. Sage is at the shop today.”

Daisy pouts. “I wanted to see her.”

“I’ll let Sage know he wasn’t missed,” Poppy says with a smirk.

The love between the siblings goes without saying. Sage named his flower shop after Daisy when she lent him money to get it started. You don’t do that unless you’re close. I ordered her birthday flowers from his shop, and once you’ve received flowers from Daisy Chains, other florists don’t compare.

“Sage knows I only visit him for his girls.”

Poppy and I lock eyes and smile fondly. Daisy loves her brother, and it’s clear to see whenever she talks about him. When one of the boys asks about her family, she lights up.

“You have time for a coffee?”

Daisy shakes her head. “No, sorry, we’re running a little late.”

We aren’t, but if we stay for coffee, we will be. We only made that mistake once. When they get talking, time ceases to exist.

“Okay, we’ll try find some time before you leave for South Africa to have dinner.” Poppy nods at me. “You’re invited too.”

Daisy’s head jerks to me, but I answer before she panics. “Thank you, but my presence has been commanded for my own family dinner.”

“One day I’ll match up everyone’s schedules.” Poppy sighs and says, “I’ll settle Westley in your garden around four.”

“Thanks, Pop.” Daisy tugs her into a hug and kisses her cheek. “See you in a few days, and Violet better be awake.”

“Your demand is nothing to hers. Have a good training session.” She huddles in a cable-knit jumper and waves us off in the drizzle that’s quickly turning to rain.

When we arrive at the training area, we head straight to the medic room so Daisy can strap my whole body, or what feels like my whole body, and massage my tight hamstring.

“Morning, Adam,” she calls out.

“Hey, Daze. How’s it going, Jamie?”

“Good, mate. Can’t wait for the torture.” I dump my bag by the wall and notice someone in the corner, and I frown. “What are you doing here so early?”

Hemi shoves his hands deeper into his hoodie pockets, which tugs the hood further over his face, and shrugs. “Wanted to talk to Daisy.”

“Hey, Hemi.” Daisy appears beside me, and I jump when she touches a hand to my lower back and murmurs, “I’m going to work on him first since he’s here. That okay?”

“No worries,” I reply, keeping my voice quiet so I don’t spook Hemi. I don’t know why he’s here, but if he looks that worried seeing me, I’d rather sit back and let Daisy work her magic than demand her time first.

“How’s your sister? She enjoy the game?” Daisy asks, dragging a chair over to him and sits. The questions get him to shove his hood down and give her a smile.

“The company she works for has a corporate box, and she’s started sending me zoomed in videos.Notof me being awesome.” His nose scrunches.

Daisy winces. “Brutal. All right, on the table and I’ll take a look.”

I sit in the corner against the wall with my legs stretched out and grab my phone. The medic room is wide open with multiple tables for Adam and Daisy to work with and room to take us through exercises. No private rooms for physio, need to know how everyone on the team feels and where they’re at. It’s never been an issue, but it’s clear Hemi isn’t comfortable with it.

Daisy takes him to the table in the far corner, and he removes his hoodie so she can massage his shoulder before taping it up. His dominant arm. Not exactly a good sign. Especially knowing we have two games with South Africa. Our most brutal opponents, and they have the home advantage. Don’t want injuries on top of that or we’ll be worse off for the last game with Australia.

Alex is announcing the match day squad and the starting fifteen in a few days. No wonder Hemi is concerned. Fighting against thirty-five men to be one of the twenty-three in the match day squad, let alone the starting fifteen, is stressful enough, put a niggle in your muscles, something that feels off that could turn into an injury if you aren’t careful, and suddenly you second guess everything and have to remember techniques the team psychologist makes you do for a clear mind. Not letting the little things get in the way, but being aware of your body and listening to your limits is important.

Hard to do when there are always younger guys coming from club and coach mixes things up to see how they do.

I don’t blame Hemi for not wanting to confront whatever’s happening, but it means it could get worse when it doesn’t need to.

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