47. Zack
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
zack
A beeping sound wakes me up from a deep sleep.
Attempting to open my eyes, I’m blinded by fluorescent lights.
Squinting, my eyes scan the room and it doesn’t take long to realize I’m in a hospital.
I try to move my arm but I’m hooked up to some sort of monitor.
A blinding pain rips through my ribcage when I try to sit up.
“Zack!” Evvy’s voice cracks from somewhere off to my side.
“Evvy, baby.” I open my hand, waiting for her to find me.
“I’m right here. Oh my god, Zack. You’re awake!”
I feel her hand slide into mine and she comes into view. “Come here, sweetheart.” I try to pull her onto the bed with me but she won’t budge.
“You have three broken ribs.” She sits gently on the edge of the bed, and I see her tear-stained cheeks.
Fuck, I’ve caused her even more pain.
“Don’t care. Lie with me.”
“Zack…I shouldn’t…I need to get a nurse and tell them you’re awake.” Her tears are still flowing and it breaks my heart.
“Do I need to play up my injury? I need you here with me. I promise I’ll hit this little call button.”
Her lips pull into the tiniest smile, and she gently lies next to me. She rests her elbow on the bed and places her head in her hand so she can see me. Her fingers brush over my cheek and my heart melts for her.
“It’s Wednesday, Zack. You’ve been out since last night. I was so scared.” She carefully places her hand over my heart, like she’s checking to make sure it’s really beating.
“I’m so sorry, baby.” I may be hurt, but I can’t imagine what this has been like for her.
“It’s not your fault, Zack. Fucking Je—”
I stop her. “Don’t even say his name, sweetheart. He’s nobody. Fuck him.”
Her hand runs through my hair, and the sensation helps to dull a bit of the pounding in my head. “You have a concussion too.”
“I might have fucked this up for us, Evvy.” My heart cracks when I think about how to tell her this.
“You didn’t, honey. You’re awake now. You’re okay.”
My fingers circle her wrist as my thumb brushes over her tattoo. “I only have a one-year contract with the Maine Meteors. They might not sign me again after all this.”
“This wasn’t your fault. It was all…you know who.” My sweet Evvy doesn’t say the asshole’s name. “He attacked you, Zack.”
My fingers trace circles over the smooth skin of her wrist. “The day he showed up at the training center...the day of your interview, he tried to pick a fight and Coach Beryl intervened. He knows there’s bad blood between us and warned everyone not to cause trouble on the ice.”
“You didn’t cause trouble. He did. You’re so lucky, Zack.”
I know she means well, but I don’t feel so lucky at the moment. I feel like a guy that might have ruined both of our careers. What if they rescind Evvy’s job offer? What if I get traded? Our life is here now. Our friends are here. My mom is here.
“My mom?”
“She left a little while ago. I’ll call to let her know you’re awake.” Evvy leans down and brushes her lips over mine just as a nurse walks in.
“Good morning, sunshine. Nice of you to join us!” Fantastic, she’s chipper. This is going to be a long day.