Kailyn #3
I turn around and look at Dr. Sanders, who hasn’t said much to me during my evaluations.
We’re almost done; my only remaining patients today are Brayden and Jake, who, just as luck would have it, is my last patient.
After our last interaction and with everything that happened, I’m nervous to see him again.
I know I won’t really get a chance to say anything to him with Dr. Sanders in the room, so I’m hoping I can either corner him after or find another time to talk to him.
Either way, it needs to happen soon. I keep playing Emilia’s words in my head.
Just keep showing up and keep trying.
“Brayden and Brandon are your brothers, right?” Dr. Sanders asks, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Yes, they’re my older brothers, as they love to make sure everyone knows.” I sigh.
“And you feel comfortable treating them? You know, technically the league has a policy against treating family members.”
“Yes. I wouldn’t have taken the offer if I couldn’t separate my personal life from my professional life.
And I already spoke to HR and signed all of the necessary paperwork.
I won’t be responsible for their care, it will go to another therapist, but for today since it is just the initial physicals, I figured I should be okay. ”
He smiles at me before he gets up from the desk and walks over to me.
“Kailyn, you have blown me away with your compassion and kindness to the players today. You listen to them, joke, and smile with them, but you’re also not afraid to call them out when it’s obvious they’re holding back.
They’ve opened up to you more in one day than they have to me or the other doctors in six years.
I think you’re doing an excellent job.” I smile at him as pride fills my chest. To know that he sees so much good in me really affirms my decision to come to this team.
“Thank you. That means more than you could know.”
“I think since there are only a couple players left, I’m going to let you handle things from here and I will take an early leave. I’m not as young and vibrant as I used to be.” He laughs, and I laugh along with him as he walks over to the door.
He opens it and on the other side is Brayden, hand raised as if he was about to knock.
“Oh, Brayden, just in time. Listen, don’t give your sister a hard time, you hear? And don’t try any of your funny business,” Dr. Sanders teases as he passes him and walks out into the hall. “I will see you tomorrow, Kailyn. Have a good night.”
“You as well.”
Brayden side-eyes me as he walks farther into the room and closes the door. He hops up on the table and waggles his eyebrows, before teasing, “So, tell me how amazing I am, Doc?”
I walk over and smack his chest, laughing at him. “Shut up, dumbass. Now take your shirt off and lie back.”
He laughs at me as I pull up his file and go over the basics with him, measuring his vitals, testing his range of motion and having him do some stretches to measure his agility and flexibility.
“Everything looks great, Bray. Nothing out of the ordinary from your exam.” He smiles at me before I put my hand up to cut him off.
“But, it’s noted in your file that at the end of last season, you were having some overextension in your right knee.
I don’t see any signs of that today, but I need you to promise to keep an eye on it and let us know if you have any other issues. ”
He must see the seriousness in my expression, because he wipes the teasing smile off his face and walks over to me, giving me a hug. “I promise if I hurt myself or have any pain, I will say something. I wouldn’t ever want to worry you, and you know hockey is my life.”
“Good,” I mumble into his shoulder. He releases me from his embrace and starts to get dressed.
“So, how are you settling in with the new job?” he asks.
“It’s been really good so far. I’m really excited for this season.”
He walks over and pulls me into his arms. “I’m so proud of you, brat.”
“You know I hate that nickname,” I grumble at him.
“Which is exactly why I use it,” he teases, then lets me go and holds me at arm’s length. “But in all seriousness, I’m truly so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and how amazing you are. And I kinda missed you.”
“You missed me?” I smile, and he shoves me away, laughing.
“Forget I said anything.” He scoffs, and I reach back out to him, hugging his waist.
“No, please.” He sighs into me. “I missed you, too, Bray. I’m glad to be home.” Wrapping his arms around me again, we settle into a hug until there’s a knock at the door.
Brayden releases me and I walk over to the door and open it, revealing Jake.
“Hey, I’m here for my physical,” he states with an uncomfortable tone, Brayden side-eyes me in question, but I ignore him.
“Hey, yeah, come on in and get set up on the table. I was just finishing up with Bray.”
Brayden walks over and ruffles my hair as I let out a soft laugh. “I’ll see you at home for dinner, brat,” he teases. I pick up a pen from my desk and throw it at him as he runs out the door.
He laughs down the hall, leaving me alone with Jake.
I sigh as I close the door and turn back to face him. He’s sitting on the table, looking anywhere but at me, and the nerves start to creep in. I guess it’s now or never.
Oh, boy, this is going to be interesting.