Page 62 of Draft Pick
“Only you can advocate for yourself the way you deserve,” Jack chimes in. “That’s really fucking brave, Doc.”
I can’t help it, I nudge his side, and Juniper clocks it.
“Only he gets to call me Doc.” She rolls her eyes, smirking with pride.
“Never said that,” I deadpan, lying through my goddamn teeth.
Like a loose cannon, Jack chuckles abruptly, “Like hell you didn’t. You whipped bastard. What happened to you?”
“We’re just friends.” Jack looks between Juniper and me, questioning us with his eyes. He’s not convinced.
“He’s right. Just friends.” Juniper salutes and continues, “Abiding by that strict doctor-patient confidentiality rule.”
He huffs. “You two must think I’m a fool. You’re seconds away from ripping each other’s clothes off on my porch.”
A rush of both humiliation and thrill shoots through me. Am I really that obvious? “Coach,” I sigh.
He holds up a hand, and I prepare for a speech. “Don’t ‘Coach’ me, Briggs. Just hear me out.” He points to Juniper,my anxiety causing me to white-knuckle my seat. She, however, looks ready for whatever lies ahead. “What’s stopping you from giving this good-looking fella a chance?” Jack turns his head and pinches the scruff of my neatly trimmed beard. “He’s a grizzly single dad with a fucking restaurant. What’s not to love about that, Doc?”
Stop calling her that…
Juniper shifts her attention to me and smiles softly. “Everything. He’s pretty great.”
“And you.” He points to me. “Take a look at her. You’re a moron if you let this beautiful woman go as only a friend. That’s the biggest load of shit I’ve ever heard. She’s a doctor. And she wears the color black like it was made for her. I bet Doodle loves her, too, doesn’t she?”
Blackwasmade for her. Down to her skintight jeans and faded band tee.
I nod, and he exhales, shaking his head in disbelief. “Thought so. Let me ask you both something, then. What’s stopping you from leaning on each other? You’re both going through some changes. Briggs, you know I hate to lose you to retirement after this season, but as your friend, I can admit it’s what’s best. And Juniper, from what I’ve learned about you tonight, it’s obvious you’ve been alone for most of your life. Something tells me you could use someone in your corner who really gets you. Shows up for you in more ways than one.”
Juniper starts, “I could, but it’s not that simple. Being friends is what’s best for both of us right now. I’ve actually already started dating, so I’m working on finding that person.”
“Dating, huh?” Jack questions, and suddenly, I want to put a hammer through his skull for starting with this shit.
“Not successfully,” I deadpan, knowing Juniper is about to light me on fire. Go ahead. Burn me to the ground, baby. Maybethen I won’t have to suffer through hearing about all the men trying to take you home.
“Crew.” Her tone is thick with attitude. Just the way I like it.
I tilt my head in response, smirking just to be a dick. “It’s true. They aren’t good enough for you.”
Her shoulders lift, and I know it’s her way of seeming unfazed. “Well, that’s for me to decide.”
Jack must sense the tension because he chooses now to change the subject again. “Any improvement on that shoulder?”
I exhale. “Some. The PT has me doing stabilization exercises every other day in the clinic. They help, but the pain at night makes it worse. Hurts like a bitch no matter how I sleep. Dr. Laken mentioned something about curating a throwing analysis this coming week, but it’s useless. I’ve thrown the same way since I was a kid. It’s just overuse. I know it.”
“Damn,” he sighs. “I’ve seen this happen hundreds of times in my career, but it sucks it’s with you, Briggs. You’re one of the best.”
“I am the best.”I’m also a cocky bastard.
“Evidently not,” he points out, nodding to said elbow before turning to Juniper. “You got any orthopedic experience in that doctor brain of yours, Juniper?’
“She’s a pediatrician, Coach. Let it go.”
“Actually, I studied some in med school. I wouldn’t say it’s my expertise, but I know enough. First thing that came to my mind was grip training. Has the team therapist worked with you on that, Crew?”
“Off and on,” I reply. “Lately, we’ve mostly focused on mobility.”
Juniper nods understandingly. “Might be worth a try. It’s something you can incorporate into your daily routine at home. Something as simple as pulling a towel between your hands tocreate tension or even a stress ball can make all the difference in building back your forearm strength.”
