Page 83 of Breakout
I could have done without the bruised ribs, but it’s the price of the game. It’s why hockey is one of the more violent sports. You put knives on the bottom of shoes and ask players to give it their all to land a tiny puck into the net.
This isn’t the first time I’ve bruised my ribs, nor will it be the last. Not if I keep playing.
Still, the worry on Peyton’s face damn near killed me. I looked up at her for some comfort. I figured she would be watching the game, and I could sneak a glimpse of her. Instead, her eyes were locked on me. The worry lines on her face told me that she wasn’t okay. I wanted to reach out and hold her. Reassure her that I am fine. I will continue to be fine. I won’t abandon her.
I couldn’t, though, so I settled on a smile. I felt like a king when her worry seemed to melt away.
Now the game is over, most of the guys have left, and I’m still stuck here.
“How much longer is this going to take?” I ask Jim, our doctor on staff.
“You got a hot date or something? All the way down here in Boston?” he teases, wrapping my ribs.
I’m still pissed about it too. It was preventable. The guy didn’t have to slam me into the boards, but I could see the frustration on his face. He wasn’t playing his best game, so he took it out on me.
Kellan got some licks in for me, but fuck if I wouldn’t have loved my own.
“I’ve got a girl waiting on me,” I admit.
He smiles. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer then. You’re all set. Take some ibuprofen and rest. I know you have a pretty little thing waiting, but no activities. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
I climb off of the table, grabbing my bags. I’m glad he let me shower before he dressed me all up.
Pulling out my phone, I shoot a text to Peyton.
Me
Where are you?
I hope she’s at the hotel with the girls and still awake. I need to see her. Hold her in my arms. That will help ease some of the anger I feel. The pain will go away eventually too.
Wife
By my car, waiting for you in the parking lot.
My heartbeat picks up. She waited for me? I know she looked worried, but I didn’t expect her to wait. It would raise so many questions from our friends.
I don’t question it, though. Instead, I pick up my pace, ignoring the ache in my ribs as I do. When I make it to the parking lot, I find her leaning against her car.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, walking closer.
“At the hotel.” She straightens from the car.
I drop my bags, opening my arms. She runs to me, hitting me with some force, making me groan, but I hold her to me tightly.
“I’m sorry.” She tries to pull back, but I refuse to let her.
This is what I needed. I inhale deeply, loving the jasmine scent of her shampoo. It has a calming effect for me.
“Are you okay?” she whispers.
I kiss the top of her head. “A little banged up, but I’m okay.”
“Well, let’s get you to the hotel then.” She attempts to grab my bag, huffing when she realizes how heavy it is. “Jesus, are there rocks in here?”
“Hockey gear isn’t light. I got it. Pop the trunk.”
