Page 94 of Hidden Plays
“But you have a game tomorrow, babe.” Holden chewed his upper lip.
“And? How about we stop by our places, grab our laptops and come back? We can study and watch game footage between check-ups on your brother.” I darted my gaze from him to his mother. How much could happen in an hour?
“Yes, that works.” He patted his mom’s shoulder. “Go home and get some rest. We’ve got this.”
“You call me if anything changes, okay?” She dropped her coffee cup into the garbage bin at the end of the couch and then hugged him.
“We will.” He freed her. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too.” After stepping to me, she squeezed my forearm and sighed as she ambled away from us. “Thank you, JJ.”
“You’re very welcome.” I gave her a warm grin.
Holden raked his fingers through his hair. “Okay, let’s get everything we need to be comfy in this place.”
TWENTY
HOLDEN
We’d checked on Noel about twenty times Friday night, but he refused to talk to us each time. According to the nurses, he was stable and out of harm’s way. So, around ten, I let Mom know we were heading home. JJ needed to sleep well, and we both had a 9 AM bus to Tucson.
JJ insisted on staying the night, and we were so exhausted, we’d fallen into my bed and snuggled the night away. Being in his arms was the best and probably the only way I could sleep, anyway.
After the bus trip to Tucson, we had a healthy meal, meetings with the coaches and hit the field by one. Kickoff time was 1:30 PM.
I stood on the sideline, watching JJ warm up, Casey tossing him pass after pass. The man was unstoppable. I don’t know how I’d have managed this shit with my brother without him.
“How was your Thanksgiving, Cox?” Coach Bowden approached me. “Did you get enough turkey?” He chuckled.
My stomach tumbled. Should I tell him the truth or lie? “It was, uh, it was good.” Better not to go into it with him.
He peered toward the field. “Matthews seems to be in great form. His IT band is good as new, is it?”
“Seems to be. He told me he doesn’t have pain anymore. I’ve got him on a maintenance routine now. You know how soft tissue injuries can continue to flare up.”
With a nod, he patted my shoulder. “You’re a skilled trainer, Cox. I’d like to keep you on through next season.” He arched a brow. “And if you’re looking for a position in the NFL, you can count on me for a good recommendation. You know they have internships, right?” He raised the corner of his mouth. “The staff there rely on me for training camp interns.”
I stared at him, gaping. “Uh, um, thank you, Coach.” Holy fuck, did I have a chance at the NFL too? But what if JJ moved to another city this summer? I swallowed thickly. We’d figure this out, and we had time. “I’d really appreciate if you could help me out with that.”
“Consider it done, Cox.” He squeezed my shoulder.
The Uof A Wildcats had a disastrous game. Three touchdowns and a field goal separated us from victory with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. JJ had scored two of those touchdowns, and he was the happiest I’d ever seen him. Victory and the Territorial Cup were imminent, and soon we’d board the bus home.
As the special teams took the field for the kickoff, JJ jogged off the field with Carter and Dawson.
My phone buzzed in the pocket of my sweats. I glanced at Coach, chatting with the medic. I’d ignore my phone except…Noel. What if something happened to him tonight? Fuck. I slipped my phone out, twisting my back to everyone, and tapped on the screen.
Mom
I hate to bother you at the game, but I know it’s almost over. We need you at the hospital as soon as you get home.
My heart jumped into my throat, and I winced. Noel couldn’t give us one night of peace? I typed back.
Holden
Okay, we’ll leave in about an hour and should be home within three.
“Babe, what’s going on? If the coaches see you on your cell…” JJ stood beside me, huddled over my phone.
