Page 35 of Fever Dream
It was amusing to see that the presence of the East Coast Fever at the game caused such a stir of interest. Our faces made it up on the broadcast frequently throughout the night, mine especially, which meant Harrison featured quite prominently too. His phone has been lighting up ever since so I imagine it was noticed back home.
Suddenly there is commotion near the doors and the players start making their way through to the lounge accompanied by a round of cheers and claps. Harrison perks up, eyes pinging through the players until they suddenly light up as Xavier steps into view and it only takes a moment for him to beeline for our booth.
Harrison is on his feet in an instant, Xavier pulling him into a bone crunching hug that is highly inappropriate for a physiotherapist who relies on his musculature for his job. Does the man have no respect?
“Xavi,” Harrison enthuses.
“Thorny,” Xavier replies. Sorry, what?Thorny?What kind of a nickname is that? A stupid one, that’s what it is.
“Guys,” Harrison beams, Xavier’s arm twisted over his shoulder, “This is Xavier. Xavi, this is Sonny, Izak and Casey.”
Xavier smiles at each of us, holding out his hand to shake each of us in turn. I’m not rude so I shake his hand even thoughit would be a lot easier to reach if he wasn’t so committed to holding onto Harrison’s shoulders.
“Casey? I’ve heard about you,” Xavier grins.
“Have you?” I ask.
“Yeah. This one told me all about you,” he continues, knocking his head in Harrison’s direction.
“Did he?”
“You played awesome, man,” Sonny cuts in, his tone a little too gushing. Have some self-respect, Sonny boy. You’re an elite athlete too.
“Yeah, seriously that goal was incredible,” Izak enthuses, eyes bright.
“Didyoulike it?” Xavier asks, eyes on Harrison. Maybe I should buy him a fishing rod so he can use it to reel in more compliments.
“What do you reckon?” he returns with a cute eyeroll, bumping his shoulder onto Xavier’s chest. They share a grin, and I feel something clench inside.
“Anyone want another beer?” I say, leaving the booth before anyone can reply. I think I hear a few yeses follow me so I make my way to the bar and begrudgingly order five beers. Would look a little petty to not bring back a beer for the star player of the night. Even though he probably earns more than the entire Fever’s salary cap combined.
Everyone’s all snug and cosy when I return with the beers, balancing all five in my arms. Harrison and Xavier have squeezed in beside Izak, leaving no space between them. I slot back in beside Sonny who thanks me for the beer.
Xavier and Harrison are still talking animatedly about the game, no room for anyone else to get a word in as I huff out a breath and sip on my beer.
“You okay?” Sonny asks, voice low just for me.
“Course. Why would I not be?”
“Just, you seem a bit … put out.”
“In your head, Sonny boy,” I reply, taking another sip from my beer. “I am perfectly fine.”
“So, Casey,” Xavier suddenly says, eyes trained on me. “He’s pretty great, isn’t he?” He knocks his head at Harrison, that arm going back around his shoulders. Seriously, leave the guy alone.
“Harry? Yeah, he’s awesome,” I shrug.
“I honestly would not be where I am without this guy,” Xavier adds, sharing another super special smile with my physio. “Got me back up on my feet after a severe case of achilles tendonitis. Docs had almost given up on me. All I can say is I wouldn’t be here without him.”
“I did my achilles once in high school. That shit hurts,” Izak says, sympathy on his face.
“Yeah, Harrison’s working on a special treatment program with me,” I cut in, ignoring Izak’s comment. “We spend a lot of time together.A lot.”
“I bet,” Xavier smiles at me. “Just do whatever he says. That’s what worked for me. Guy’s a genius.”
“I’m not a genius,” Harrison chuffs, shaking his head.
“No, you are,” I cut in, wanting him to look at me with that soft smile.
