6. You definitely have a career in breakfast cooking, if the hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
"You definitely have a career in breakfast cooking, if the hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
Caleb Hawthorne
When my alarm blares from my bedside table, it takes me a second to remember why I’m so exhausted. Then, it all falls into place again. I hop out of bed and take a quick shower, my mind fixating on Jane. I wonder if she’s up yet, and if she’s hungry.
I head downstairs, but her bedroom door is still closed and I don’t hear any noise from inside.
Grabbing the clothing that’s piled by the door, I continue all the way down to the family room, where t he laundry room is, and put her clothes in for a wash.
I’m sure she’ll be happy to wear something other than my Raptors sweats.
I’m whipping up breakfast in the kitchen when she walks down the stairs, her medical patch still hiding one of her beautiful deep-brown eyes. “Hey there,” I call.
“Ahoy, matey,” she chirps back, making me laugh.
“Right. Forgot I was hosting a pirate.”
“Sorry,” she says with a chuckle. “Frankly, I’m not sure where that’s all coming from. I’m a little worried about myself.”
“Don’t be. It’s fine,” I laugh, kind of impressed that she’s taking this all so lightly.
I don’t know how I’d react if I woke up in a hospital with no recollection of who I was, but I doubt I’d be so chill about it.
Then again, she might just be good at covering up her anxiety.
I can see there’s something deeper in her eye—even if it’s just the one.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked for breakfast, so I went for a classic omelet with a side of bacon. ”
“Honestly, I don’t know either.” She shrugs. “But it smells delicious. Wow, it’s beautiful out there,” she adds, gazing through the large sliding glass door that exits to the small patio.
“Yeah, I like having an outdoor space to relax. Don’t use it much, but it’s nice to have a drink there in the summer or fire up the grill. Coffee?”
“Oh, yes please,” she says, sounding eager. I put the pod in the machine to brew her some coffee, then continue working on breakfast. Once it’s finished, I grab a plate to serve her food.
She glances at the single plate. “What about you? You don’t eat breakfast?”
“I eat at the arena,” I say, glancing at the clock. “I’m the captain, so I like to eat with my teammates.”
“Oh, right. You didn’t have to make me breakfast, then. I could have figured this out, I’m sure.”
“It’s my pleasure. You’re my guest, after all.” I offer her a smile. “Oh, speaking of, I was thinking I could introduce you to Marissa and Beth. They’re friends of mine who are dating my teammates.”
Her cheeks redden. “Oh, thanks, but that’s not necessary. I’m fine staying here.”
I scratch my head. “You’re not supposed to be alone, remember? And I have practice—”
“I’m not a child, Caleb.” She gives me a pointed look, then chuckles, shaking her head. “I’m just really tired, and I’d like to take a breather here for today, you know? Plus, my vision is still only at fifty per cent, so it might be for the best. Tomorrow, maybe?”
I hesitate, but I can tell she really needs some alone time, and I don’t want to push it. She did suffer a concussion, so staying home and resting is probably a good idea. I can only imagine how weird this is for her. I guess she still needs a few hours to process everything.
“Okay, yeah. Feel free to use anything around the house. TV’s downstairs in the family room with pretty much every streaming service you can imagine.
I also have a bathtub in my master bathroom, if you want to relax, and there’s plenty of food in the fridge.
Oh, and your clothes are in the washer downstairs. ”
“As always, you’re very kind,” she says with a small smile.
“Practice will wrap up around three p.m. I don’t have a game tonight, so I’ll come right back.”
“Sounds good. This breakfast is superb, by the way. You definitely have a career in breakfast cooking, if the hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
A chuckle escapes me as I wipe down the counter. “Good to know. Although, I’ve been at it for over ten years now, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Anyway, I’m sorry, but I really have to get going. See you later?”
“Oh, yeah, of course. I’m all good here. Don’t worry about me.”
I hesitate for a second. Leaving her here feels wrong, but I also know I can’t blow off my duties as captain.
When I reach the arena, a cluster of fans are waiting out front. A good number of them are kids, which is pretty routine for the weekend. I stop to sign their jerseys, then ask them to sign my cap. I have a whole stack of caps at home signed by kids—my most prized possessions.
“Hey, Cap,” some of the guys call when I saunter into the canteen.
“How are you feeling?” Miles asks when I grab my plate and join them.
I sit down across from Miles and Adler. “All good. A bit tired, that’s all. How are you guys?”
“We’re good,” Beaumont says from my right. “Adler, on the other hand, is on cloud nine.”
I glance at him, and indeed, his smile is brighter than ever. “What’s up?” I ask.
“I got engaged last night.”
“No way!” I high-five him. “Congrats, dude. I’m happy for you.”
He ruffles his hair. “Thanks, C ap. Yeah, it’s pretty crazy.”
“That she said yes?” Beaumont teases. “For sure.”
We all laugh, and I just shake my head. I knew Adler would be getting engaged soon.
Even if I know better, it seems like it’s been so easy for them. Finding a girl, proposing, and getting married. How do they even manage the work-life balance? Because no matter how much I’d like to have someone by my side, the idea of leaving her behind half the year is unthinkable.
“Speaking of crazy things,” Miles chimes in, forking a piece of bacon. “How’s the girl from last night? Still in the hospital?”
I take a sip of my water. “Actually, she’s at my place.”
“ Quoi ?” Beaumont practically shouts.
“Dude,” Adler says. “Why?”
I now officially have the attention of everyone in the canteen, teammates and staff alike.
“Well, when I slammed into her yesterday, her head hit one of the steps pretty hard, and that caused damage to her brain. She’s all right physically—aside from a minor eye injury and a nasty bump—but she has no recollection of who she is. ”
“No way,” Miles whispers, leaning back into his chair. “Wow.”
“I couldn’t just leave her at the hospital. Not when all this is my fault. So yeah, she’s staying with me until she figures out who she is.”
“And I thought my news was big,” Adler says, massaging his forehead. “So, let me get this straight. This girl is at your place right now? Alone?”
“Yeah.” I nod.
“Dude, you should have called the girls,” Beaumont chides me. “I’m sure they’d have been happy to hang out with her.”
“I offered, but she wanted to be alone. Who can blame her? She’s in a tough spot.”
Wally’s snort booms from the end of the table, and we all turn to face him. Wally, AKA the resident grumpy goalie of the team, doesn’t participate in our conversations much—let alone snort in response. His sharp eyes land on me. “Watch for that girl fleecing you while you’re here.”
The guys laugh, and a bead of sweat forms on my temple.
Would she really do that? I didn’t even consider the possibility.
It’s just my trusting nature. But I guess, hypothetically, Jane could wipe out my entire place.
Would she, though? I’m pretty good at reading people, and I didn’t get that vibe from her.
“I guess she could,” I say. “But I don’t think she will. She literally has nowhere to go, and she doesn’t know anyone. Stealing the contents of my place wo uldn’t help with that dilemma. She has bigger fish to fry.”
“Just saying, lad,” Wally grunts in a low voice before returning to his breakfast.
“That’s insane, though.” Adler plays with his fork. “I can’t imagine waking up not knowing who I am.”
“Yeah, especially since you’re so full of yourself,” Beaumont teases him.
“As if.” He scoffs. “Max ‘The Hair’ Beaumont, you’re probably the most vain player on the team.”
Beaumont shakes his head, mumbling, “It’s just hair.”
Everyone chuckles, and the conversation shifts back to hockey as we march into the gym to start practice.
We emerged exhausted from our on-ice practice and are now back in the gym for strength training and conditioning drills.
I’m working with Jasper, the assistant coach, but all I can think about is Jane.
Since this morning, I’ve glanced at the clock more often than I ever have, wondering if she’s doing okay.
I assured Garrett and the doctor I’d stay with her, and here I am, leaving her alone on her first day.
But at the same time, I have to respect her wishes, and given everything that’s happen ed to her over the past twenty-four hours, I understand her reluctance to hang out with two girls she’s never met.
“Um, Hawthorne? You’re supposed to engage your core.”
“Right, sorry,” I stammer. “I was thinking about something else.” I exhale sharply, setting the barbell down. “Actually, do you mind if we take five?”
He frowns, not used to me asking for breaks. “Sure.”
“I’ll be right back,” I say, hustling over to the benches.
I’m just going to give her a quick call, make sure she’s fine.
It’s not too intrusive, and it feels like the right thing to do.
I walk to my bag and grab my phone, but then I realize she doesn’t have one.
Crap. I can’t call her. But even worse, she can’t call anyone else in case something goes wrong. Why didn’t I think of that?
I hurry out of the gym and knock on Coach Martin’s office door, my breaths coming in quick huffs. I can’t wait another two hours. I need to get out of here—now.