Page 65 of Game Changer
Scott skated slowly off the ice, supported by his teammate, while the crowd applauded.
Kip slumped back into his seat with relief.He’s all right. He’s all right.
Dad put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “He’s a tough one.”
“Yeah.” Kip exhaled. He watched as Scott was escorted by the team doctor down the hall behind the bench.
The game continued, but Kip was no longer paying attention. He kept his eyes on the bench, watching for any sign of Scott’s return.
The final seconds ticked down, and the match ended 3–2 for the Admirals. Scott never came back from the dressing room. Kip wasn’t sure what he could do. He was supposed to go to Scott’s tonight, but...
As he and his father were leaving the arena, Kip sent Scott a text:Just tell me you’re ok.
There was no reply, which Kip had expected. Scott probably wasn’t anywhere near his phone right now.
On the subway, his father said, “Hunter’s got heart, that’s for sure. That act of self-sacrifice may have won them the game.”
Kip chewed his lip. “Yeah...”
They trudged along the slushy sidewalks from the subway station to their house. He felt bad that he couldn’t enjoy his dad’s company right now. He’d been having a great afternoon, but now he was completely preoccupied with worry.
They had been home for almost an hour before Kip got a reply from Scott.I’m ok. Nasty bruise, but ok. Heading home now.
Kip sat on his bed, hard, and wrote back,Good. You scared me.
Scott: Sorry. Looked worse than it was, probably.
Kip frowned.You still want me to come over?
His phone rang a second later.
“Yes,” Scott said.
“You sure?”
“I’m sure. I mean... I don’t know if I’ll be able to...do much.”
“I knew it! Youarehurt!”
“It’s not that bad. It’s just a bruise. I put ice on it, and I’ll put more ice on it when I get home. No fractures. No bruised ribs.”
“You got an X-ray?”
“Yes, of course. They gave me an X-ray right in the arena. No fractures. Please come over.”
“All right. You’d better have an ice pack on that when I get there.”
“I will,” Scott said. “And I like that you’re so worried about me. It’s really...sweet.”
Kip blushed, because what was he doing? Telling an NHL superstar how to care for his injuries? “I just—I’m glad you’re all right. I’ll be right over. And I’m serious about the ice pack.”
Scott chuckled. “I’ll see you soon.”
* * *
“All right, let’s see it,” Kip said. Scott had been unable to keep himself from grimacing as he walked Kip back up to his apartment. Kip, of course, had noticed.
Now Scott was laid out on the couch, and Kip was carefully lifting his shirt up.
