Page 64 of Nailing Heat
It’s nice having Dex in the apartment with me. He’s so attentive and helpful. The kissing we did last night wasn’t bad either. I flush thinking of it. Then I quickly look around to make sure that no one saw me. It looks like I’m in the clear. My fingertips come up and touch my lips, remembering the way it felt to have his lips on mine. I wonder when it will happen again. The anticipation that he could kiss me at any moment, should he choose to, eats at me. I thought he might have tried when we left the apartment,but he didn’t. He was the perfect gentleman, helping me get out of the apartment and making sure I had everything I needed for today. I may not be playing, but I keep a notebook of notes from games, film and formations.
“How are you doing today, Amelia?” August appears beside me.
I look over at him and smile. He’s trying so hard to be so helpful and never leaving my side. Like he thinks that I’ll be suing them or something, even though there are no grounds for it. Dex says he’s only trying to show that he does really care about the team and players. That it’s not about the money. I never thought it was, but I love that he is trying so hard with all of us.
“Hey, August, can’t complain. How are you?” I reply.
He chuckles. “How I’m doing isn’t really relevant right now. I want to make sure you’re doing okay. Are you comfortable? Can I get you anything? I know you’re in a second-floor apartment, and I would move you if I could. I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. I get around okay with the brace and the crutches. I can manage. Dex has been a big help to me,” I tell him. “I appreciate all you’re doing to make sure that I’m okay.”
“I’m glad you’re doing well. As for the treatment, this is what I would do for any member of the Blaze family. I feel bad that your hurt.” I start to speak but he interrupts me. “I know that injuries can happen to anyone. I hate that it had to happen at all. I want all our girls healthy and running around being amazing. Just know that, playing or not, you’re not forgotten. The Blaze family has you.”
“Thanks, August. I appreciate you saying that.” I mean it too. August gets a bad rap for being a playboy and for having the team handed to him by this father. But he is really digging in and learning the business. He’s been our best advocate so far, and it’s a shame not everyone notices it.
“You’re welcome.” He pats me on the back. “I know how itfeels to be sitting here watching when you’d rather be doing. I had the same unfortunate experience that Dex did.”
“I’m not sure what you mean by that,” I reply, turning so that I can see August’s face.
“He didn’t tell you?” He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “He doesn’t like to talk about it, but Dex had a promising career in college. He could have gone pro, but he threw out that shoulder. And that ended everything.”
“You’re all just a bunch of former athletes that work here, huh?” I’m referencing Jase, the former goalie, and now Dex. I’m not sure about Andie, though. I know she played but I’m not sure why she stopped.
“Yeah, we are. But the difference between us and you is you’re going to play again. Our injuries were life-changing. Yours is a blip and eventually you’ll be back out there, running around with the rest of them. I believe that.”
“Thank you for saying that,” I reply, swallowing. I can feel the tears pricking at my eyes. “Scans are saying no surgery, some PT and time. I have to strengthen it and the muscles that surround the meniscus. But that will be with time.”
“We’ll get you back for next season, that I’m sure of,” August replies, patting me on the shoulder again. “It looks like practice is winding up, so I want to make sure I’m not in the way of the girls getting to you.” He chuckles and adds, “You are so missed on this team, Amelia. Just know that.”
“Thanks,” I reply. It comes out all raspy as I choke back a tear.
“You bet,” and with that, he’s gone.
The team comes rushing over to say their hi’s and offer hugs. I take in each one of them, happy to be back around these girls. Our team was put together piece by piece. The only girls who had previously played together were Mac and Cassie, so bonding has been a huge part of it. And it’s helping; we’re really coming together both on and off the field.
“I’ve missed you.” I must have said that sentence a thousand times and it’s true.
“Hey you,” DJ pulls me into a long hug. “How are you doing? How’s the pain?”
I shrug, taking inventory of her question in my head. “I’m good. The pain isn’t too bad. I’m on medication and they say it will calm down. But no surgery is needed, so that’s good.”
“That’s great news! I miss you out there.” She pulls me into another long hug.
When we pull apart, I grin widely at her, “Thank you. I miss being out there with you too. But it’s going to be fine. I’ll be on the sidelines, helping to be your eyes.”
“I hope so.”
Once DJ walks away, my girls come up to see me.
“How are you doing? How was watching practice?” Cassie asks me.
“It was okay, not as bad as I thought it would be.” I sigh and decide to give in and tell them. “I always hated when we had to run the perimeter of the Blaze property but today I would have done anything to run with you all.”
“I know, honey, I know. I’m sorry, but eventually you will be back out there,” Hendrix pulls me into a hug.
“Thanks, Hen. I’m sure I’ll be back before you know it.” I try to sound positive, but I feel anything but. I worry about how long my therapy will take and when I can get back to running and the contact aspect of the sport. When will they allow that?
I sigh deeply and this time it’s Cassie who puts a comforting arm around me. “Don’t spin out. This is going to be fine. I promise you.”
