Page 53 of Open Net

Madi seemed surprised when I opened the training room door. “Olli.”

I nodded.

She cleared her throat and put her hands on her waist. “Good to know you remember where this room is.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Of course I do. It’s the only place I get to spend quality time with my favorite PT.”

She glared at me for a few, long seconds. “I have a different client at this time.”

I scanned the empty room. “Where is he?”

The door opened behind me and I turned to see Brassard walk in. “Hey man.” He actually sounded happy to see me. Or maybe it was relief.

He didn’t seem injured, but just because he wasn’t limping didn’t mean he was fine. “What happened?”

He shot me a strange look, with narrowed eyes. “You didn’t see last night’s game?”

Suddenly the ground was the most interesting thing in the world. I hadn’t been watching the games, just reading highlights and reviews after. It was too hard to watch. To see someone in my goal.

“I missed it.”

Brassard nodded. “I took a hit into the boards, had to have my shoulder put back into place. It’s a little stiff today so I asked if Madi had time to work with me.”

I peered at her, and she shrugged. “I’ve been in here every day alone for the past week. Excuse me if I let someone else come in at your time.”

I shook my head. I couldn't and didn’t want to argue that. I’d wasted her time. Of course, she was going to help someone that actually wanted to be here. Someone that wanted her help and wanted to get better.

“It’s fine,” I said.

I could tell she was angry at me, and I wasn’t surprised. Not only had I blown her off, but she was Team Emma. I’m surprised she didn’t throw free weights at me when I walked in.

She sighed and shrugged. “I heard you have an appointment with Dr. Elliot. See if she can see you early. By the time you’re done we should be done in here. I’ll stay and we can do a session.”

I knew that meant she would be sacrificing time somewhere else. She only came to the arena to work with me as a favor. Coach didn’t like the details of injuries getting out and the best way to do that was to treat them in-house. She had other patients at her office. If she stayed, she’d be pushing back other clients. I knew she was the type to work late to catch up which meant time away from Erik.

I nodded, even though I didn’t deserve it. My friends - family - still believed in me. They were still willing to drop everything to help me. I couldn't wrap my head around it, but I wasn’t in the position to turn it down. Not if I wanted to heal. Get back on the ice. And get Emma to speak to me again.

“Thanks. I’ll see you guys later.”

I walked out and headed down the hall to where Dr. Elliott's office was. She wasn’t in all the time. Like Madeline, she had another practice, but had a contract with the team to work with us when we needed it. I wasn’t scheduled to meet with her for two hours, so I doubted she would be around or available.

I knocked on her door and took a step back when the door swung open.

“Olli.” Dr. Elliott didn’t sound too surprised to see me. “Come in.”

I checked her office, but it was empty. “Are you sure you’re not busy? I can come back.”

She shook her head, making her grey bob dance around her face. “I’m wide open this morning.”

I wanted to ask how that was possible. Why was she here without appointments when she could be at her normal office, but I didn’t want to know. I had a feeling it had to do with me. Which was an admittedly selfish thought, but stranger things had happened. Maybe Grant let Coach know he’s given me an ultimatum this morning.

“Please take a seat.”

I sank into the chair across from her desk. There was a sitting area with a couch and a few chairs, but I felt less comfortable with that set up than having her eye me from across her wide, oak desk.

“I’m glad you’re here, Olli.”

I wished I could say the same. “Thank you.”