Page 93 of Aftersome
I grunted in response. I knew there wasn’t much of a choice other than to listen to what he had to say. He was the expert, and I hated how he knew my body better than I did.
My broken, battered fucking body.
“Fine,” I agreed. “I’ll do it your way, but you have to promise me that in exactly one month I’ll be back playing again.”
Trevor sighed.
“Mal, I can’t promise that…”
“Then what the fuck’s the point then? I’ve already been out for a month this season, who’s to say they bench me for good after another month I’m out?”
My shoulder pain was beginning to flare up along with my temper. I felt helpless already and knowing that I had a long month ahead of me didn’t help either.
“Look at me, Mal,” Wren ordered. At first, I didn’t want to, but reluctantly, I glanced down at her, knowing I couldn’t ignore her. “Your health is far more important than hockey right now and the team knows that. Maybe after a month, your shoulder will be stronger than it ever was before.”
She went on. “Stay positive, Mal. You’re not alone.”
Never again,I added in my head.
“It’s easier said than done. My life’s been nothing but negative, Doe.”
Her mouth fell into a frown.
“It doesn’t have to be negative anymore. You just need… You need…” She was having trouble finishing the sentence, but in my head, I knew what she wanted to say.
“I need what?”
Her breath came out like a wave. Choppy and unsure.
“Positives. You need things that bring you joy, happiness. Things that make you believe in yourself again.”
You, I wanted to say.
You could be that thing.
“Sounds like an impossible task for whoever or whatever that thing is.”
Her brows wiggled together as her eyes twinkled in confidence.
“Difficult, but not impossible,” she said. “And trust me, I would know. I’m about thirty percent away from understanding you entirely.”
Fuck, I wished that were true.
Even I couldn't even understand myself.
“Or at least, I think I’m finally getting to that point.”
“Once you do, let me know.”
Again, we found ourselves caught up in a never-ending stare-off that began to warp all my feelings and emotions. Just her eyes alone were enough to make me want to be a better man and one that would do anything she asked.
She was my kryptonite.
My Achilles’ heel, and I knew there was no way I could ever let her go.
Soon, our stare was severed by a cough coming from in front of us.
“Before I go, I just wanted to say maybe it would be best if you had someone with you tonight. To help with your nightly schedule.” He eyed Wren as if he already knew she would be the one. I didn’t stop him from assuming it. “I don’t want you to put too much strain on it tonight.”
