Page 73 of Body Check

twenty-six

. . .

Amelia

There’s a protocol for these situations. One of the team’s medical staff has to stay back to monitor and accompany any injured player. Dr. Hudson has privileges at the local hospital, but it isn’t his job to babysit during the trip home or the recovery.

So, when Derek calls Graham and me into his office Jason’s speech, I already know what he’s going to say.

“I’ll do it,” I volunteer. “I’ll stay with—McKittrick.” Shit, I almost called him Jason in front of my boss.

Derek eyes me. “You sure?”

“We’re neighbors. My brother delivers his meals, so I have access to his apartment. I’ll get him back home and situated.”

Not to mention, I’d drive myself nuts with worry, if he was alone—or worse, with Graham.

“Thanks, Amelia,” Derek finally says. “Doc wants to get an MRI, but he thinks McKittrick needs surgery, so it might be a day or two before he’s cleared to fly.”

“Got it. I have it covered,” I say. There’s nobody on my roster who Graham can’t handle, especially for a day or two. After all, there’s a reason two PTs travel with the team.

My boss nods at me. “We’ll handle the rest of the game. Touch base with Vanessa on the protocol.”

Dismissed, I exit the medical bay, and seek out Vanessa, who handles all the logistics. She’s sequestered in an office, typing quickly on her laptop. She looks up when I knock on the doorframe, a backpack already slung across my shoulders.

“I booked a hotel room for each of you tonight, although you probably won’t need them,” she says.

Blowing out a breath, the realization sits heavy in my belly. “Because you think he needs surgery.”

“Just covering my bases,” Van says. “Call me or text the results of the MRI. Once he’s cleared to fly, I’ll coordinate the charter.”

“It might be a few days, if he needs surgery.”

“We’ll take it one day at a time. I already have Robby pulling both your suitcases from the bus, and they’ll be delivered to your hotel rooms.” She sighs. “This sucks. It never gets easier.”

“He’ll be okay.” I don’t know if I’m trying to reassure her or myself. “He has to be.”

She hands me a sheaf of papers. Insurance information, injury protocol, hotel reservations… everything I need is in this packet. I stuff it into my backpack.

Vanessa’s phone buzzes, and she checks the screen. “Okay. Your car is here. The hospital is four miles away.”

Giving her a nod, I head for the tunnels, jogging to the gate. Security nods at me when I pass by, a team badge swinging from my neck.

The drive to the hospital takes for-fucking-ever. Finally, we pull into the emergency room, and I hurry to the reception desk.

“I’m with the Boston Grizzlies. I’m here for Jason McKittrick.” I show her my team badge and employee ID. “Dr. Hudson is expecting me.”

The nurse hums, not looking impressed. “Who’s that?”

“He’s your VIP patient. He was probably rushed straight for an MRI.” I hold up my employee ID. “I’m his patient advocate. I’ll fill out his insurance information, but first I need to see him.”

She finally nods, handing over a visitor’s badge. “Second floor.”

“Thank you!” I take the badge and jog down the hallway.

The nurses at the second station are moderately more helpful. Jason is in for the MRI now, and Dr. Hudson is outside the radiology booth, wearing hospital scrubs.

“Ah, Amelia,” he says, with a wide smile. “I didn’t think I’d see you here.”