48. Evvy
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
evvy
“Do not move your butt off that couch, Cap!” I warn as Zack attempts to come check on me in the kitchen. “We have it handled.”
“Yeah, listen to your girlfriend,” West tells him.
“You two are rather demanding when you team up against me.”
“At least they’re making us food,” Nate says.
Zack’s teammates are hanging out with him as West and I make nachos. They’ve been a popular request ever since our first time hanging out. Nachos are West’s go-to item. I’m starting to think they might be the only dish he knows how to make.
Zack has been home from the hospital for two days. He was stuck there for Halloween, which he felt terrible about, but I reminded him that we already celebrated. He’s going to be out for at least three weeks, possibly longer, depending on how quickly his ribs heal.
As far as Jeff goes, last I heard he was suspended indefinitely, pending an investigation and disciplinary hearing. Hopefully he’ll be out for a long time. It would be nice if Zack never had to play against him again, but that’s out of our hands.
“All done!” West arranges the food on a serving platter and carries it to the living room.
“What time’s your wife getting here?” Nate asks Brent.
“She and Coach Beryl are coming by in half an hour.”
“It’s been nice playing with you guys,” Zack says solemnly.
“Cut the crap,” Marsh tells him.
“They could trade me. He knows about the beef with Jeff.”
“We have your back, man. Don’t worry. No one wants you to leave,” Brent tries to reassure him.
The guys finish eating and say their goodbyes when Coach Beryl and Josie arrive. It’s weird to have her here for work purposes, as though she isn’t in our house every day to hang out.
“Mind if I sit?” Coach asks. Zack nods and motions for him to sit down.
“Join us, Evvy?” Josie asks me.
“You sure?”
“Absolutely.” She waves for me to join them, offering me a reassuring smile that puts me at ease.
Everything is going to be okay.
I take a seat next to Zack, and he immediately finds my wrist.
“I hear you’re healing well,” Coach Beryl states.
“I am. A little sore but nothing I can’t handle.”
Coach chuckles at Zack, who’s clearly minimizing his pain. He’s been through a lot, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him.
“I understand you’re nervous about your contract.” Coach looks at Zack, and I feel his fingers twitch on my wrist. He's still tethered to my tattoo.
“I…well…”
“There’s no need to be, Zack. You’ll be a Maine Meteor for as long as you want to be. It’s not time to sign yet, but we’ll be reaching out to your agent when the time comes.”
“Thanks, Coach.” The tension drains from Zack’s body, and he drapes his arm across my shoulders.
“Right now, our focus is on making sure you’re healing. So, work on getting better and then we’ll talk, okay?”
“Yes, Coach.”
“Well, I won’t keep you. I’ll see myself out. We’ll see you soon, but not too soon.”
“Bye, Coach.”
As soon as the door shuts, Josie shrieks.
“Eeeek! He told me right before we left the training center. Do you know how hard it was to sit here and not just scream that everything was going to be alright?” Josie sits on my other side and pulls me into a hug.
“I wish I could stay, but I need to get back to the office. Want me to tell the other guys the good news?”
“Absolutely!” Zack grins.
“You two have fun. I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” And with that, Josie bounces out the door.
“Hear that? You’re a Maine Meteor for life.” I lean in, careful not to put any pressure on Zack’s ribs, and press a gentle kiss to his lips.
“I’m so fucking relieved, sweetheart. I was worried I messed this up for both of us.”
I brush my hand down his cheek, relishing the feel of the scruff. “You deserve good things, Zack. You earned your spot on the team, and you have friends who not only count on you, but love and admire you. I’m glad Coach sees it that way too.”
“You deserve good things too, Evvy.” He places my hand over his heart. “Caught in your web, remember?”
“How could I forget?”
“I love you so much, my Halloween girl.”
“And I love you too.”
“I’ll need to hear that about a million more times.” Zack brushes his lips over my wrist.
“I love you.”
“That’s a good start, sweetheart, but keep them coming.”