Page 90 of Penalty Zone

Mr. Dimon frowns. “We are not a team that attacks each other. I cannot tolerate violence against a teammate.” He holds his hand up when I try to speak. “There were, let’s call it, extenuating circumstances. The media caught it all on tape, and very few think the hit Leo took was an accident. Mr. Mason Griffin is being obliterated by the media and hockey fans.”

“Crap-on-a-cracker.” A scandal worse than a nightmare, which means I left Leo for nothing. Mason says he’s sorry, but he hurt his father, and the press won’t let this go. The flash of vindication lasts a mere second before sadness takes its place.

“On principle, I’m fining you and suspending you for half a game, which you served tonight.”

I’m stunned by his gracious gift. “That’s more than I deserve.” I duck my head, embarrassed.

Mr. Dimon checks his phone. “Perfect timing. Leo’s going into recovery.” The car stops at the hospital’s entrance.

Chapter 39

Leo

My head has an anvil on it. I lift my arm to check, but it gets tangled up in wires and that sets off loud beeping. I’m in a hospital bed surrounded by monitors and an ugly curtain that looks like a thick hospital gown. From the few feet in the opening, I can see four curtained rooms across the hall from mine.

“Hi, I’m your nurse, Melissa. Please refrain from talking. We’ve provided you with a communication board.” Melissa has a kind smile and a soft voice. “Spell your first name for me.”

I find the letters in my first name. And do the same for my last name when she asks. When she asks where I am, I point to the picture of a hospital.

“You’re doing great.”

She asks several more questions, which I believe I answer correctly, and then she explains the surgery I had. “We don’t allow visitors back here, but family members are allowed to check in on you for a brief moment. Once you’re in your room,they’ll be able to visit.” She steps around the curtain. “I’ll be right back.”

The only family I have close enough to visit is Mason. There are so many unsaid things between us, and I can’t talk.

“Leo,” Caleb cries and rushes to me, throwing himself on my torso for a hug. My hands thread through his hair, and I try to sit to curl around him.

“I’m sorry but—”

“Melissa, can I speak to you for a moment?” a doctor asks from the opening in the curtain. Ari stands next to him.

“Of course.” She turns to us. “Don’t sit up, and your…family member has to be gentle.” She bites her lip, and Ari pulls the curtain closed with them on the other side when she walks out.

“I love you so much, Leo. I’m sorry. I’m an asshole. Can you forgive me?” Tears stream down his face. For the first time in days, my heart has hope.

After I wipe his tears, I point to the communication board he’s lying on.

“Sorry,” he says with a watery laugh.

I spell outI love you,and Caleb hiccups, trying to hold in a sob. The fear of losing him evaporates, and my body sinks into the bed, knowing we’re going to be okay.

Our private time is over, and the doctor comes in to explain I’ll be moving to a post-surgical floor where they will monitor my pain, swelling, breathing, and the ability to drink liquids before I’m released.

The doctor gives nurse Melissa some instructions and tells Caleb and Ari they can visit me again in my room later.

Caleb kisses my hand, and my heart walks out with him.

Melissa is talking, but I can’t hear her over the pain and my thoughts. I’m certain of a future with Caleb, but I underestimated the rage of my son. My eyelids get heavy.

When I wake up, I’m in a standard hospital room and Caleb sits in a plastic chair, his head on the bed by my shins, sleeping.

It’s light outside, so my sweet boy must’ve spent the night here. I’m surprised they allowed it. On the bedside table, there’s a pitcher of water, a plastic cup with a straw, and the communication board. I forgot to ask how long it will be before I can speak.

My mouth tastes like someone died in it, so I reach for the cup, hoping there’s water in it. When I move, Caleb pops up.

“I’m here. I’m awake. You’re awake. I’m here.” He rubs sleep out of his eyes. “Let me get that for you.” He stands and pours water into the cup and guides the straw to my mouth.

Sucking in hurts, and the pain startles me so the water drips down my chin.

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