by Anne Stone
“Coming,” he called as he slowly stood and gimped towards the door opening it. Her eyes flew from his face to the crutches that precariously kept him upright. A fine sheen had broken out on his brow. He was in pain—a lot of pain—after his fall.
Before he knew it, he felt her arm close around his waist. “Here let me help you.” She shut the door and eased him toward the couch. “What happened to you?”
“First off, how’s the cold?”
“Cold, my cold? You’re concerned about me and my cold? Forget about that, what happened to you?”
Pointing to his hip. “Hip pointer injury.”
“That sounds painful.” She scrunched her face.
“It is. And I don’t think it’s gotten much better.”
“When did this happen?”
“Last week when I was upended.”
“You mean you’ve been hurt this entire time and haven’t bothered calling me?”
He knew he was in trouble. Cocking his head, he drew in his lips and nodded.
“Why didn’t you call? I would have been here in a heartbeat.”
“I know. We’ve been trying to keep my injury under wraps.”
“And who would I tell?”
“Jen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’d tell anyone. We’re trying to keep my injury out of the news.”
“Why?”
“So I won’t be a target when I return.”
“A target?”
“Yeah. Some guys don’t let you live down certain injuries. This isn’t my first hip injury and may not be my last…”
“So that’s why you’ve been scratched from the lineup? When are you planning to return? From the looks of it, you can hardly walk let alone get up on skates.”
“It’s going to be awhile.”
“So you’ll be on the playoff team.” She caught the far off look in his eyes. “Well, won’t you?” He shook his head. “You are returning, right?”
“Honey, not this year.”
“Ryne. Is it that serious?”
“Doc says it is and unfortunately I have to agree. He thinks it’s going to take a couple of months to fully recover. On the bright side, I have some time on my hands, so we can jump right in on the fundraiser.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I need something to do, so what better way to spend my time. Right?”
She nodded and reached for his hands. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know, but injuries are a part of the game. You learn to deal with them.” He squeezed her hands. “Oh, I forgot, I have something for you.” He reached for her earring and handed it to her.
“I was wondering where I lost this.”
“I found it on the carpeting. You must have lost it went you went to lie down.”
“Thanks,” she said smiling up at him. “My mom gave these to me as an early graduation gift. I was worried that I’d never find it. Thanks.”
He caught the faraway look in her eyes again but decided not to comment. Instead he asked, “So what’s for dinner?”
They ordered room service, but this time she was able to enjoy her meal. She took the last bite of her grilled salmon. “This beats a grilled cheese sandwich hands down.”
“Glad to hear,” he said, reaching for his glass of wine. Taking a sip her eyes glimmered in the light. She looked happy.
Just as he was ready to comment further on the fundraiser, his napkin fell from his lap. As he reached for it an intense pain seared through his hip. Gasping, he grabbed his side. She jumped from her seat, knocking her water glass over in the process. His eyes were tightly closed as he dealt with the throbbing. He felt her hand tease the side of his face. “What happened?”
He drew his lips in and shook his head. “Just my hip,” he said, sighing through the unpleasantness. It took a moment for the twinge to pass when he opened his eyes. She was kneeling beside him with her hand draped across the back of his chair, her look of happiness replaced with one of concern. “I’m okay now.”
He raised his hand and cupped the side of her face. As he moved in, he saw her eyes change color. He ran his lips across hers and felt her warm to his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he drew her closer. He was enjoying the kiss when she pulled away for no apparent reason. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” she said as she grabbed his napkin from the floor dabbing up the spilt water. “Look what I did. I’m such a klutz.”
“You’re not a klutz.” He reached for her hand. Taking it in his, he smiled up at her. “You were reacting to my cry of pain.”
“Are you better?”
“Much, especially after that kiss.” He watched the red blush creep into her face. She started to pull away, but instead he pulled her hand and she fell hard onto his lap. He cried out again.
She jumped up all excited. “Oh my,” she exclaimed. “Now I really hurt you.”
“You didn’t hurt me.” He pulled her close and she rested her head against his chest. “I’m fine.” He tightened his hold. Rubbing his thumb against her cheek, he leaned in and softly kissed her lips. “Relax.”
They sat in the quiet of the room for a few seconds before he spoke again. “I was reaching to pick up my napkin and that’s when I felt the twinge.”
“Twinge, it seemed more than a twinge. You groaned in pain.”
“You have me there. It felt like a lightning bolt searing through my side. I don’t know what that was all about, but it’s better now. Enough about me and my injury. Let’s discuss the fundraiser.”
She described everything she’d done so far. Then he told her he’d spoken with Ed and had his full support. They could use the team any way they needed. Not only did they discuss her showing of photographs, they decided on an auction and dinner too. By the time they hashed out the details, it was well past midnight, and they’d long since forgotten the episode with his hip.
Jen tried to suppress a yawn and that’s when he decided to call it a night. He led her to the door. Smoothing her hair from her face, he leaned in and gave her one last kiss. “Thanks for everything— I had a great time. I think we got a lot accomplished,” he said while running his forefinger across her brow. “I’ll phone Ed tomorrow. I have several ideas, and I’m sure he’ll support them. I’ll call you.”
She smiled and the effervescence of her eyes glowed. At this moment, she seemed happy. “You look beautiful and I hate to let you go.” Teasing her lower lip with his thumb, he kissed her one last time. “But I must,” he exclaimed as he opened the door. “Call me when you get home.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said as she turned away.
“It’s late and I’d feel better if you did.”
“Fine,” she called over her shoulder as she started down the hallway.
“Don’t forget to call…Careful driving home,” he proclaimed louder than he intended. She was definitely making an impact on his life. He’d been hurt by Whitney and her ways. He closed the door and leaned against it. Jen’s different. She just might be the one for me. He made his way to the couch where he wrote down several ideas he intended to discuss with Ed the following morning. He got lost in his thoughts and heard the ringing of his cell.
“I’m home,” he heard her say.
“Glad to hear. Sweet dreams.”
Chapter Ten
Jennifer knew if she was going to have a showing of her photographs, she needed to get busy. Luckily, she was on spring break for the next ten days, so she phoned Ed and was given full access to the team. Fortunately for her, the Generals played the remainder of their scheduled games at home. The downside was Ryne was still hobbling around on crutches and she wouldn’t be able to capture any photographs of him playing. They’d figure out something once he was able to return to the ice.
One of the upsides was she had Ryne’s full attention once he completed his therapy for the day. He did attend team meetings but practice wasn’t a requirement since his ‘practice’ was the grueling therapy he endured
.
She witnessed his pain one day. She’d been at the dome, photographing the team’s workout when she heard a loud commotion. She wasn’t quite sure what was happening until she heard Derek. “I guess he’s having a bad day,” he’d said as he skated past her. She wasn’t aware he was talking to her until he sprayed her with ice as he approached the boards. “Hey, what was that for?” she hollered as she flung ice crystals from her sweater.
“Did you hear me?”
“I heard you, but I haven’t a clue who you are referring to. Everyone looks like they’re having a tremendous practice.”
“Not us, silly. Ryne.”
She looked at him in surprise. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. How is he having a bad day?”
“Didn’t you just hear him as he walked from the trainer’s room?”
“That was him?”
“Sure thing. I’d know that voice anywhere.” She’d forgotten that they’d played together before he was traded to the Generals. “I’ve known him long enough, and I definitely know when he’s not having a good day.”
“Maybe you should go check on him. After all, you are his friend.”
“And so are you,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.
“Yes, I am, but I think you know him a little better than I do.”
“You sure about that?” he questioned as he skated away.
She didn’t know what to do, so she did nothing other than take another round of shots as the players partook in practice. When they left the ice, she packed up her equipment and headed towards the hallway that led to the locker room. She wasn’t sure if she’d see Ryne.
One by one, each player left the locker room. She thought she’d missed him when she heard the thunk, thunk of the rubber as his crutches met the floor. Not sure of the emotion she’d capture, she raised her camera and began clicking away. She caught him just as he walked through the doorway with a pensive expression on his face.
Lowering her camera, she held his eyes. Immediately, she knew he wasn’t in the mood for a photograph. He hopped his way towards her, never losing eye contact. “I wasn’t sure you were here today.” He stopped and rested his arms on his crutches.
“I’m trying to finish up a few shots with the season ending and all.”
“Did you get anything noteworthy?”
“In fact, I did. Derek sprayed me as he approached the boards, and I think I was able to capture the ice flying through the air. I’m really excited about that one if it turns out like I think it will.”
“Any plans for the rest of the day?”
“Nope. Just waiting for you.” She caught a smile along with a grimace as he raised himself from his crutches. She knew about his mood and hoped she could brighten it somewhat.
“Well, let’s get out of here.” She reached for her bag and tripod and noticed him as he shook his head. “I wish I could be a gentleman and carry that for you.”
“Hey, you are a gentleman, but I think I can carry my own equipment. I have for years before now.” She placed her hand on his arm halting his movement. She reached up placing a kiss on his cheek.
“What’s that for?”
“For being you.”
She smiled at him. She wanted to do whatever she could to take his pain away. If that peck on the cheek helped his mood in any way, she’d be happy. “My car’s right inside the garage, where would you like to go?”
He swallowed deeply. “What I’d really like to do is go back to my room and take a long nap.” She held the door open for him as they made their way to her car. “I’m not in the best of moods today.”
“Is that so?” she asked, trying to suppress her grin. She wanted to laugh at him for no reason other than to cheer him up.
“What’s so funny,” he queried as he made his way alongside her. “I know you’re trying not to laugh at me. Do I have something on the bottom of my shoe?”
Scrunching her face at him they reached her car, “Why would you say that?”
“I can tell something’s up. Each day I get to know you a little better, and that look on your face says it all. So what is it?”
“Just something Derek said to me, that’s all. Now, get in the car.” She waited while he eased himself into her car and then grabbed his crutches, storing them in the backseat. He groaned as he reached to lock his seatbelt. She jumped into the driver’s seat and stuck her key in the ignition. He’d been staring out the window when she sat down beside him. She dropped her hand from the key and turned. “You know you can be honest with me.” He didn’t respond. Instead, he continued to stare through the window, at what she didn’t know. His hands lay clasped in his lap.
She reached over and laid her hand atop his. “Ryne, what is it?” He clenched his jaw all the while she grew more concerned as the seconds ticked away. “You can tell me, you know. I want to help you.”
He began to gnaw on his lower lip. He turned with what appeared to be unshed tears in his eyes. “I’m not getting any better. My hip,” he stopped and shook his head. “Hurt like hell today and I don’t know why.”
“What does Stafford have to say? Should you see the doctor again?”
“You know I really don’t know what he said. I remember tuning him out… Actually, I lost it in there today. Something I normally don’t do.” He shook his head again. “I don’t know what’s come over me. I’m afraid I’m…”
She reached up and smoothed her hand across his jaw. Edging closer to him, she forced him to look at her. “It’s one day at a time. Remember? You’re going to have your good days and bad ones. It’s all a part of the healing process. Enough of feeling sorry for yourself; let’s do something fun.”
She knew he’d heard her because she saw the light return to his eyes. “Thank you,” he uttered. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “You know just what I need. Where have you been all my life?” She felt the tension leave his body as he kissed her one more time. “I really need to change.” He pointed at his clothes.
“You look fine to me,” she grinned and started the car. She knew he was in pain and didn’t want to stress him more than he already was. She started to back away from her parking space when she came up with a plan. She grabbed her phone and called in a carryout order from the bar just around the corner from her home. Dixon’s Bar & Grille had the best toasted ravioli and hot wings in town. At least that was her opinion. She ordered that along with two cheeseburgers and fries. She was hungry and knew Ryne was too. He always seemed to be starved when they were together.
“It’ll be ready in twenty minutes.” She started up the car and headed out of the garage.
“What did you just do?”
“Ordered us a snack.”
“That sounded like more than a snack. If fact, I think you ordered enough food to feed the team.”
“I’m hungry.” She sheepishly looked at him. “And I know you’re always hungry.” He burst out laughing as she pulled from the garage.
“You could say that,” he chuckled. They entered the highway and headed towards her home.
“What are your plans?”
“I thought we’d take it easy at my house. I think you’ll be more comfortable there than in your cramped hotel room. We can watch a movie, play a game, or take a peek at my photos.”
“Ooh, I like that idea. I haven’t seen any of your photography.”
“Yeah, well, don’t get too excited. It’s been a while since I’ve taken it seriously. I’m excited to look at the pics from today, though. I think I got some really nice shots that could earn a good price at the fundraiser.”
“Well, Grandma, put the pedal to the metal— I can’t wait to see them.”
“Did you just call me Grandma?”
“I did. You drive like one.”
“Hey,” she yelled. “I drive the speed limit. No tickets here.” She pointed to herself.
“I can’t confess either way…” The air in the car was much more relaxed as they drove along.
/> She pulled up in front of Dixon’s and parked in the spot reserved for carryout. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He smiled when she opened the door.
Jennifer ran into the bar and waited for their food. She’d made it there in less than fifteen minutes. Grandma! I am not a grandma driver. She thanked the bartender and hurried back to the car where she discovered Ryne had drifted off to sleep. She wondered if he’d taken a pain killer as that seemed to throw him over the edge every time. She hated to wake him. So instead of going straight home, she set their food on the floor of the back seat, hopped into the car, and started to drive. She knew rest was the best medicine for him, and he needed that after his difficult therapy session.
Almost an hour had passed since she’d picked up their food. Just as she pulled into her driveway, he started to wake. She saw him brush the sleep from his eyes and stroke his jaw with his hand. “Sorry about that. I don’t know what happened. One minute you were getting our food and the next…”
“You were asleep.”
“Yeah, not sure what quite happened.”
“I do.” He looked surprised by her words. “You took a pain pill.”
He nodded his head. “I did.”
“And you did it on an empty stomach.”
“That too.” She pulled her car into the garage, and he reached to open his door. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For being here for me.” He reached behind the seats and grabbed ahold of his crutches. She listened for him to call out in pain, but he didn’t. She jumped from the car, grabbed their food and her camera case, and met him at her door. She opened it.
“You don’t lock your doors?” he asked.
“You think I should?”
“I do. You never know when someone can break into your garage.”
“Thanks for the lesson.” She held the door for him as he hopped through the doorway towards the bar stools.
“You know, I don’t believe you use this kitchen. Every time I’m in here it’s cleaner than…”