The Keeping Score Box Set

by Tawdra Kandle

  Next to me, Lisa had gone still. The whole crowd had quieted as the announcer’s voice came over the PA system.

  “That’s number twenty-two Leo Taylor who’s down. Taylor just scored for the Rebels. Coaches and the trainer are out there, checking on the situation.”

  I hadn’t realized that I’d brought my hands together under my chin, clutching at the collar of my coat, as I murmured the same words over and over again.

  “Get up. Get up. Get up.”

  It seemed like an eternity before the coach stepped back, giving me a clearer view of what was going on. I sagged in relief when I saw that Leo was sitting—still holding the ball. He pointed to the New York player who’d tackled him and then down to his knee.

  A cart rolled onto the field as the coach and trainer helped lift Leo to his feet—well, foot—and into the back of it.

  “God, not the knee.” Joe rubbed his jaw. “The knee . . . that could be bad. At this point, that could be a career-ender.”

  Something inside me snapped, and I wheeled on Joe Taylor. “Shut up. Would you just fucking shut up? He’s sitting up, can’t you see that? He’s awake. He can talk. He wasn’t knocked out, and he’s—he’s going to be okay.” I reached down for Ellie, grabbing for her hand. “I need to get down there, El. Can you get me to the locker room? That’s where they’ll take him, right?”

  I wasn’t sure why I thought Ellie could get me to any place I myself couldn’t go, but I knew I needed whatever expertise she might have right now. Ellie always seemed to know who to talk to in order to get stuff done, and that was what I needed. I had to get to Leo.

  “Of course. Come on.” She stepped over the person next to her to get to the main aisle.

  I glanced at Joe, who was still staring out at the field. I knew I should apologize, but right now, it just wasn’t in me. As I shimmied past Lisa, she grabbed my hand.

  “Text me as soon as you know anything.”

  “I will.” I squeezed her fingers and then shook them loose so that I could follow Ellie.

  As we reached the door to the box, I turned in time to see Leo settling onto a cart, which then sped away down the sideline toward the tunnel.

  “Let’s go. They’ll take him to the training room for the doctors to take a look. We might not get in there, but we’ll get as close as we can, so you can see him the minute they give the okay.”

  I nodded. We stepped into the elevator that would take us down there, and Ellie gave me a side hug.

  “It’s going to be okay, Quinn. Believe that. He’s going to be fine.”

  We’d been waiting in the empty, echoing corridor outside the locker room for twenty minutes. The guard had kindly but firmly told us that we couldn’t go any further, but after Ellie had cajoled him, he’d promised to give us any update he heard and to talk to the trainer about letting us in as soon as it was possible.

  People swooshed through the hall, to and fro, but none of them showed us the least bit interest. A couple of reporters straggled down, but a non-life-threatening injury to a second year player who was only just beginning to show his strength wasn’t exactly breaking news. I tried not to be bitter about that, thinking of all the times the press had hounded us about stupid stuff since Leo had been in college.

  One of the journalists was live streaming the game on his phone, with the volume pumped. Apparently the Rebels had made the extra point after Leo’s touchdown, but New York had come back to score ten points after that—a fast touch down and then a field goal. They were a mere field goal from tying it up as we went into the fourth quarter.

  There was a lull in the game when New York challenged the referee’s ruling on the field. One of the announcers covering the live stream spoke up.

  “Any word yet on Leo Taylor? In case you didn’t see it, folks, he was taken off the field after he scored a touchdown for Richmond. Looked like maybe a knee issue.”

  “What I hear from the Rebels’ organization is that it looks like a torn ACL. That’s a tough one, you know, Ken?”

  The other announcer was apparently a little more optimistic. “Well, Merle, this kid is young, you know, and strong. He’s shown a lot of promise, and if Richmond sticks with him, I have a feeling he could come back from this an even better player. You’re not wrong, though. It’s a painful injury, and a long recovery.”

  “Turn it off.” I ground out the words between clenched teeth. “Turn it off. Or turn off the sound.”

  The reporter frowned at me, but he bumped down the volume so that I didn’t have to hear any more doom and gloom from that quarter.

  My hands were shaking. I didn’t know what Leo would do if his career was over. He was smart and talented, without a doubt, but he’d never thought seriously about any other career. He had his degree, so a new job wasn’t impossible but . . .

  I scowled, angry at myself. What the hell was I doing? I was defaulting to the worst-case scenario, sure that if something could go wrong, it would. I thought I’d gotten beyond this kind of thinking. That second announcer—he was right. Leo was young, strong and determined. No matter what happened, he could and would come back from this. I was going to make sure of it. I’d do anything I could to help him.

  Digging in my coat pocket, I found my phone, opened my contacts and scrolled down to hit one name. I held up a finger to Ellie and walked a little way down the hall for some privacy.

  The phone only rang once on the other end before a familiar voice answered.

  “Quinn? You okay, honey? What’s going on there? We were watching the game, but Allan wouldn’t let me call you until we’d heard something definite.”

  “Kara.” Just hearing her speak gave me comfort. “I don’t know anything for sure yet, but they’re saying torn ACL. I mean, that’s what the press is saying. I’m standing outside the fucking locker room and no one’s bothered to give me an update.”

  “Yeah, that’s typical,” she sighed. “But okay. A torn ACL. What can we do?”

  “Doctors, Kara. Hospitals. The very best. I need names, and I need numbers. Hook me up with the doctors and surgeons who can get Leo back to playing as soon as he can. And anything else, too—rehab, physical therapy, you name it.”

  “I’m on it.” As always, when given a mission, Kara didn’t skip a beat. “I’ll call you back as soon as I have information. Now you try to keep calm and know that everything’s going to be all right, okay? Is someone with you?”

  I glanced down the hall. “Yeah, Ellie Iverson’s here. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks, Kara.”

  “You know we’ll do anything and everything we can, sweetheart. I’ll be in touch.” She hung up, and I slid my phone back into my pocket.

  Ellie tilted her head as I walked back. “Everything all right?”

  “Yeah, I just—”

  The door to the players’ area opened, and a young guy I didn’t recognize stuck his head out, scanning the hall. “Is there a Quinn here? Quinn, uh, Russell?”

  I lifted my hand, suddenly struck mute.

  “Yeah, if you want to come with me . . . Leo said I should get you.”

  I looked over at Ellie, who gave me a little shove. “Go. I’ll wait here. Call or text if you have news.”

  I stumbled through the door, following the kid who I decided was probably on staff, somehow. He didn’t offer me any information, and I didn’t ask.

  When we came to another door, he gave one brisk knock and then pushed it open. “Go on ahead in. He’s waiting for you.”

  I’d expected a training room to be some kind of cold, sterile environment, but it was actually well-lit, with a carpeted floor, mirrored walls and rows of wooden exam tables covered in gray pads. Sitting up on the second one in was Leo, grinning at me and holding out his hand.

  Relief coursed through me, making me weak. “You scared the shit out of me. God! I was terrified. I—” The tears that I’d refused to cry earlier came flooding out now, and I sniffled as I finally approached the table. “Don’t you ever frighten me like that agai
n, do you hear?”

  “Mia. C’mere.” Leo wrapped his arms around me. I saw that his right knee was wrapped, the uniform pant pushed up to his thigh. “I’m okay. See? All in one piece.”

  I dropped my forehead to his shoulder, breathing in the musky mix of sweat and football. “I couldn’t see you at first. They just said you were down. I was so, so scared.” I lifted my head, grimacing a little. “I might have screamed at your dad. Maybe even cursed a little. I dropped the F-bomb on him, Leo.”

  He shook with laughter. “Now that I wish I’d seen.” He skimmed my hair back from my face. “Did you see my touchdown?”

  “Of course I did. It was beautiful.” I kissed his jaw and straightened up a little. “Now about your knee. I know it might seem bad now, but try not to worry. I already called Kara and Allan, and they’re on the case. They’re going to set you up with the very best doctors and hospitals in the world, and we’re going to make sure you have the latest treatment. You’ll be back on the field before you know it, and it’s going to be fine. You’ll be better than ever.”

  “Mia—”

  “I know, I know. It hurts, and you’re probably scared, too, but Leo, you were born to play football, and as long as I’m breathing, you’re not going to let a little torn ACL get in your way.”

  “Babe.” He laid a finger on my lips. “Shhh. I don’t know where you got your info, but it’s not torn. It’s sprained, and I might miss a game. Maybe two. But I’ll be able to play in the post-season.”

  “Sprained?” I wanted to whoop with joy. “Are you sure?”

  Leo shrugged. “They’re going to send me for scans just in case, of course, but the doctor and the trainer are both pretty damn positive. Nothing to worry about. They said I got off lucky, considering how bad it could have been.”

  “Oh, my God.” I was crying again, holding onto Leo. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy.”

  “Hey.” He held me back a little, studying my face. “You really called Kara and Allan Crocker and had them looking for doctors for me? I mean . . .” He lifted one large shoulder. “This could’ve been a perfect excuse for me to give up the game, right? But you were going to move heaven and earth to help me get back out there.”

  I poked one finger into his chest. “Don’t make me regret that. If you go out there again and get really hurt, I’ll . . .” I paused, thinking. “I’ll let Zelda do to you what she threatened back in college. You know, the dick and the cutting off and the grinding and the dogs?”

  He paled a little. “Got it. As far as it’s in my power, I won’t get hurt.” He framed my face with one hand. “But I can’t tell you what it means to me—that you were ready to have my back if I needed it.” He drew me closer and brushed his lips across mine. “I love you, babe. So much.”

  I threaded my arms under his and held on tight. “I know.”

  Joe had been true to his word and taken all of us out for steak after the game. The Rebels had held on to their lead to win, so we had a lot to celebrate.

  So much.

  The parents had gathered at the restaurant ahead of Leo and me, since we’d had to go to the hospital for the knee scans. Although the films still had to be checked by the orthopedic surgeon the next day, the initial reports were a confirmation of the trainer’s verdict: sprain only. One to two weeks of rest.

  Corey and Ellie had joined us to eat, too. Joe, who must have been feeling particularly generous in the wake of his son’s touchdown and injury, had invited them. We had a wonderful time, eating, drinking and laughing. I noticed, though, that Joe didn’t say much to me, even after I’d apologized for my outburst.

  Lisa had leaned over to whisper in my ear. “Don’t apologize. He had it coming.” I tried not to giggle. “Besides, he’s not mad. He’s just giving you some space. You stood up to him, and that earned you some respect.”

  After dinner, I drove Leo home. His parents had decided to go dancing with my mom and Shane the dry cleaner, so I’d given them a key to the townhouse and promised to leave on a light. And then I’d made them promise to behave themselves and not to be out too late.

  “Oh, you mean they shouldn’t come back after the date and make out on the sofa once you’re in bed?” My mother had quirked an eyebrow at me.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I’d answered her loftily. “And eww. I don’t want to think about parents and making out and—just no.”

  So Leo and I had the house to ourselves as we watched the day’s football highlights. We were on the sofa, and Leo had his knee propped on the coffee table, covered with an ice bag. I lay with my head on his lap, drowsy from the day and the intoxicating warmth coming from the fire I’d started in our fireplace.

  “Tate did well today. Check that out.” Leo turned up the volume a little as the stats from the Philadelphia-San Diego game rolled across the bottom of the screen. “They won, too.”

  “Wouldn’t it be wild if you guys played each other in the playoffs?” I smiled sleepily. “I wouldn’t know who to root for.”

  “Hey.” He tapped my nose. “You just remember who you’re sleeping with, soon-to-be-Mrs. Taylor. Who gives you multiple orgasms every night?”

  “Let me think . . .” My lips curved up, and I caught Leo’s hand in mine, bringing it down to my face so I could kiss his fingers. “Don’t worry. I know where my loyalties lie.”

  “And don’t you forget it.” He wrapped one of my curls around his finger. “I don’t intend to let you.”

  “Oh, look! There’s you.” I watched the catch, the pivot and run, and then I buried my face in Leo’s leg before the hit came on. “I wish they’d end the clip after you scored.”

  He chuckled. “You know I’m okay. You know it has a happy ending. Why does it bother you so much?”

  “I don’t like to be reminded of it. I had a moment of thinking—this is it. I knew our happiness was too good to last. This is the end.” I sighed as Leo played with my hair. “And then I told myself to stop being an idiot. We made our happiness. We earned this happily-ever-after. We fought hard for it. And no one’s going to take it away from us.”

  “Damn right, babe.” His fingers touching my back as he combed them through my curls made me shiver. “There are still going to be bumps in the road. Life’s never easy, but it can be rich. As long as we can navigate the speed bumps together, I’m not going to complain.” He took my hand, turned the palm to his lips and pressed one long, searing kiss there.

  “As happily-ever-afters go, ours is the best I could ever want.”

  Come to Me by The Goo Goo Dolls

  Thanks to the security team that we’d hired to keep the media and the curious public at bay, I could only barely see the people lining the perimeter of the roped-off section of the beach. I knew they were there, but it was okay; today of all days, I wanted to share all of my happiness with everyone and anyone.

  Behind me, the folding chairs that had been arranged on the portable wooden floor—and who knew they had such things!—were filled with our loved ones. We had quite a crowd, for what we’d both termed a small, intimate wedding, but then we were very blessed with both friends and family.

  My mother sat in the front row, flanked by Joe and Lisa on one side and Mark and Sheri on the other. Leo and I had dispensed with the silly idea of the bride’s side and groom’s side. We shared so many friends that making them choose which one of us to support would have been crazy. And our parents had decreed early on that they were all going to sit together, forming a united front.

  The very first chair in the front row, in the same row where our parents sat, was empty. On it, I’d laid a single white rose, tied with a green ribbon, along with a sand dollar Nate had found on the beach and given to me when we were all in high school and a tiny toy train that the three of us had played with as children, a million years ago, in another lifetime. Threaded onto the ribbon around the rose was the simple gold wedding band Nate had slid on my finger over two years before.

  It was Nate’s
seat, and I knew he was here.

  Leo and I had walked down the aisle together, hand in hand, breaking with tradition once again. I didn’t want to be given away without my dad here to do it. My mother had offered, as had Joe and even Mark. I’d refused. If my daddy couldn’t do it, no one would. And Leo and I hadn’t hidden from each other before the service had begun, either. We’d been living together since the previous fall, and I wasn’t interested in creating any false illusions. I’d given Leo my virginity seven years before, and I’d never regretted it for a moment. I wanted to stride joyfully together into this next phase of our lives, not pretend to be something that we weren’t.

  Leo had asked that we be given a few minutes of privacy before we left the beach house to walk down the beach to the tent, and as we’d stood together on the deck, he’d handed me an envelope. I recognized the writing on it and glanced up at Leo, my eyebrows drawn together.

  “The last time I saw Nate, right here in this house, he gave this to me for you. He said you were supposed to read it on our wedding day. I don’t know what it says. I never opened it.”

  With hands that shook a little, I tore open the top of the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper.

  Dear Quinn,

  You’re beautiful today. How do I know this? Because you’re beautiful every day. I can just imagine what you must look like today, a bride about to marry the man she’s loved as long as she can remember.

  I hope I said this about a thousand times before I left, Quinn, but thank you for what you did for me. Thank you for loving me as much as you could, as your friend and even as your husband. Thank you for all the times you sacrificed for me. Being your husband has been the best part of my life, and I want you to always remember that you gave me what no one else could.

  I know that you and Leo are going to be wildly happy, and I know you’re going to be together forever. There has always been a kind of rightness about you two, even when I didn’t want to see it. Now that I’m gone, I’m glad that you have each other.