Page 48 of The Head Game

“Okay,” Nico said with a sigh. “And can I eat now? I know they didn’t want me to before but I’m starving.”

“Yes. You’ll have to fast for about eight hours prior to surgery but we’ll make sure you get fed today.”

“Good,” Nico said. “I feel a little weird right now.”

The doctor gave him a concerned frown. “Can you describe how you’re feeling?”

“I don’t know,” he said, trying to find the words to explain it. “Kinda … lightheaded or something? And my stomach feels strange.”

“Probably hunger then. We’ll get that order for you in immediately.”

“Thanks.”

But the doctor paused, studying his face intently. “Let the nurse know if you feel off otherwise though. If your headache returns or you’re feeling more spacy or confused or irritable than normal. Anything that feels abnormal to you at all. It could be a warning sign of another seizure.”

“Okay,” he promised, although he wasn’t sure if he could tell the difference. Of course he felt weird right now. He’d played a game, been up all night, and hadn’t eaten breakfast.

Besides, he’d just been diagnosed with a fucking brain tumor. Of course he was confused and irritable.

“The nurse will be coming through to do neurological checks every two hours but if anything changes, you let her know, okay?”

“I will.”

“Take care of yourself and I’ll see you in the morning.”

He nodded and Dr. Douglas smiled, then turned to Kate. “You indicated you’d like me to speak briefly and answer a few questions at the press conference, right?”

Nico had agreed to let Kate make an official announcement about what he was dealing with, then do an update following the surgery.

“Yes,” Kate said, rising to her feet. “And if you have time, I have a few questions for you before we get started.”

“I do. I have a little time available now. Want to grab a coffee and talk?”

“Sounds perfect.” Kate turned back to Nico. “Okay, Mom and Dad are here in Buffalo so I’m going to use that as my base of operations. I’m going to meet with Dr. Douglas now, then run home for a shower and a chance to pull myself together before the press conference. Text if you need anything, Nico.”

“Okay.”

“And I’ll let your nurse know you need some food,” Dr. Douglas said.

“Thanks.”

After they left, Nico reached for his phone, then tossed it away, restless.

God, this sucked.

What he wouldn’t give for a little excitement right now.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Half an hour later, Nico’s food still hadn’t arrived and he wondered if the nurses would let him get up and walk around while he waited.

He pressed the call button and a moment later, one of them walked in and greeted him.

He squinted at her name badge. “Leigh.” He gave her the best smile he could manage. “Could I go for a walk? Just up and down the hall. I promise I’ll be good. I can’t lay here doing nothing.”

“Let’s get your breakfast first,” she said firmly. “It should be here any time. Dr. Douglas said you were feeling lightheaded?”

“A little.”

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