Page 59 of Offside Secrets
“Sutton,” he says, crossing the lobby in a few strides. “Good, you’re here.”
My stomach drops. “What’s wrong?”
He glances down the hall, then gently takes my elbow and guides me back into my office, closing the door behind us. The silence that follows is heavy, like he’s looking for the right words and can’t quite find them.
“It’s my uncle. Campbell’s dad,” he says finally, his voice low. “Bad RA flare. Campbell took him to the hospital really early this morning.”
For a second, I just stand there. The words don’t fully register. Hospital. This morning.
Campbell’s dad.
“Oh no,” I whisper. And just like that, everything else—the photo, the whispers, the headlines—fades into static. My chest tightens. “Is he okay?”
“He will be. But Campbell...” Sawyer runs a hand through his hair, looking uncharacteristically rattled. “I’ve never seen him like this. He’s trying to hold it together, but he’s scared. Really scared.”
I sink into my desk chair, my mind already racing. Campbell at the hospital all day, missing practice, probably running on coffee and anxiety. “Where is he now?”
“Still there. Says he’ll be here to warm-up, but...” Sawyer shakes his head. “His dad was in so much pain he couldn’t get out of bed this morning. Campbell had to carry him to the truck.”
The image hits me like a physical blow. Campbell, strong and capable. Campbell, watching his father suffer and feeling helpless to fix it.
“He won’t ask for help,” Sawyer continues, rubbing the back of his neck. “I told him to call you. But you know how he is—stubborn as a mule. Sometimes thinks admitting he needs anyone is a weakness.”
That sounds exactly like Campbell. The man would rather tape a broken rib than let someone see he’s hurting.
Sawyer exhales, his gaze flicking toward the window, the arena lights reflecting off the glass. “But with everything riding on this game…” He trails off, then looks back at me. “He needs to know his dad’s taken care of so he can focus.”
My throat tightens. “What do you need from me?”
Sawyer hesitates, his expression softening, almost hopeful. “He mentioned a conversation he had with you once,” he says quietly. “Said you understand about taking care of family.”
My heart tightens. I nod a little, urging him to keep going, even though the worry already buzzes beneath my skin.
He shifts his weight, the words coming slower now, like he’s trying to be careful with them. “And I know you two have been…whatever you’ve been. But right now, he could use someone who cares about him.”
I swallow hard, the breath catching in my chest. “I hear you,” I say before he can say more, my voice steadier than I feel. “Whatever he needs, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
Sawyer studies me for a moment, like he wants to make sure I mean it. I hold his gaze, willing him to see I do. Then he nods, relief flickering across his face. “Thanks, Sutton. I knew you’d get it.”
He gives my shoulder a quick squeeze before heading for the door. The click as it closes behind him feels louder than it should.
I sit there for exactly thirty seconds before grabbing my phone. I may have been avoiding Campbell for days, may have been spiraling about gossip blogs and board meetings, but this—this is bigger than all of that.
This is Campbell needing help, and me being in a position to give it.
The first call is to my assistant. “Margaret, I need you to coordinate grocery delivery to an address I’m going to textyou. Full service—someone to stock the refrigerator, prepare some easy meals, make sure there’s coffee and whatever else a household might need.”
“Of course. Anything specific?”
“Comfort food. Things that are gentle on the stomach and easy to prepare. And make sure they include instructions.”
“I’ll handle it personally.”
The second call is harder—a private nursing service I’ve used for board members’ families. It’s expensive, but that’s not the point.
“I need someone available for in-home care assistance, possibly starting this evening. Rheumatoid arthritis patient, recent flare-up. Just someone to be there overnight, help with medications, call for help if needed.”
“We can have someone there within two hours.”
