Page 96 of Replay

Right, she’d asked that earlier. My mouth felt gross. I’d give a lot for a toothbrush. And my bladder was letting me know I needed to get to a washroom.

I rubbed my eyes. “I was keeping Josh company.”

Her lips tightened. “Well, I’m here now so you can go.”

“Okay. I need to clean up, but I can come back later.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“I’m happy to.”

“Yes, I’m sure you are. But you’re not needed. In fact, I want you to stay away.”

My brain fog was clearing up, much too slowly. She didn’t want me here. “Josh and I are together again. Didn’t he tell you?”

“No. Which tells you a lot about how serious he is, doesn’t it? Now, will you leave or do I have to call security?”

I had no idea what would happen if she followed through on that threat. Daniel had pulled some strings to get me in here, but Mrs. Middleton was right. I had no legal status. And she did. She wanted to keep me away from Josh, and right now, she could.

Until he was awake and aware, right?

I stood up, picking up my messenger bag. “I want nothing but the best for Josh, so I’ll leave rather than make a scene. But Josh gets to decide who he’s with, not you.”

“If you want the best for him, you’ll stay away. Permanently. Goodbye.”

No confusion about whether Mrs. Middleton still didn’t like me. Now she wasn’t bothering to even try to be subtle. I limped out of the room, still achy from the awkward sleep.

I’d be back though. Mrs. Middleton could have this victory now. But when Josh woke up, then we’d straighten things out.

Josh

I was confused when I regained consciousness. My brain was foggy and I couldn’t figure out where I was. With all the traveling we did, I was used to being in new rooms all the time but this one smelled different. The sounds were different too—noisier, with people and announcements. But not like the arena.

A twinge came from my knee and then everything came crashing back. The trade. Getting injured. And this was a hospital.

How badly had I fucked up my hockey career? And what about Katie?

“Josh?” The voice was soft and familiar.

Mom. How much time had gone by if my mother had made it here?

I flickered my eyes open, squinting against the light. “Mom?” The word came out in a whisper.

“Josh, it’s so good to see you awake. How are you feeling?”

She put her hand on my forehead, like I might have a fever. I felt pretty shitty, if I was being honest. Some familiar aches from bruises, muscles complaining after playing, but my leg felt heavy and my head was currently throbbing.

“Fine.”

“Would you like some water?”

I tried to nod, but that didn’t feel good. Mom got the idea and brought me a cup with a straw. I was thirsty and drank most of it.

Mom set the cup down and fussed with my covers. “The doctor will be by soon. But they say everything went well in surgery.”

What did that mean? Would I get to play again? Would I be able to play the way I had before?

I needed to sit up and make a plan for what was going to happen. If the trade was still on, how would that tie in? And I had to see Katie. That more than anything.

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