Chapter 23
I didnt say a word while Rubie drove too fast all the way to the hospital. Her face was pale. She probably shouldnt be driving, but she hadnt had anything to drink. Id only had a few beers, but I was regretting them now. Right when she needed me, I couldnt help her the way I wanted to.
We probably should have taken a taxi, but she was behind the wheel of her car before I could even suggest it.
So I hung on until we got to the parking lot and pulled into the nearest available space.
I took her hand and we walked quickly through the front doors.
Skye said they took him to the emergency room. She nodded towards the sign on the wall.
The colour was back in her face now and she was all business. It was like she had shoved every drop of fear into a box, locked it and pushed it to the back of her mind.
Rubie, maybe you should take a minute… I was worried about her. I knew it showed on my face.
She glanced at me. I just need to see him. To make sure hes still— She swallowed audibly.
I took both of her hands and drew her aside. Hes going to be okay, I said firmly. I locked my eyes on hers and stayed like that until she nodded.
I know I just… He’s supposed to retire, and annoy me from a safe distance. If anything happens to him… She pressed her forehead lightly against my chest. She didnt move, but when she picked her head back up again her cheeks were wet.
In a firm but gentle tone, I said, If theres anything I know about Carson Thomas, its that he is a tough old coot. Whatever happens, hes not going down that easily. Okay? I wiped a tear off her cheek with my thumb.
She nodded. I know. Thank you. I dont know what Id do without you right now.
You wont have to find out, I said. Ill be here for as long as you need me.
Or until I had to go to training on Monday. Right now, all of that seemed less important. At the end of the day, it was a game. This, right here, was about a man’s life.
Come on, we should check in with the nurse on duty. Theyll tell us if your father is still in the ER. There was a chance they wouldnt let us in to see him for a while anyway.
We had a quick chat with the nurse, an older woman named Audrey. She checked on Carsons whereabouts and confirmed that wed have to wait outside.
Hes currently undergoing some tests, she said in a professional but firm tone. She was obviously used to dealing with stressed-out family members.
I thought Rubie might argue with her, but to my surprise she didnt. She nodded and led me over to some plastic chairs in the corner. She leaned against me and held my hand like she might never let go.
We sat like that for about an hour. Maybe two. Finally, I said, Do you want a coffee?
Have you tasted the stuff they serve here? she asked softly.
No, I admitted. Hospital coffee was probably horrible, but it would help to keep us awake.
I could try to find some all-night place. They might have something better. Id go all over town looking if she needed me to. Or I could look it up on my phone.
Or you could have some of the stuff Waves sent over.
I heard Bams voice before I knew he was there. I looked up to see him and Grace, Hawk and Bec, and Ashley and Chase. Bams sister Chantel trailed along behind, without Pinky in tow.
We thought wed come and check up on you guys, Hawk said. He handed me a coffee cup and gave the other to Rubie. Hows the boss?
We dont know yet, I said. Theyre still doing tests, I guess. I nodded my thanks and inhaled the smell of coffee.
They sent burgers too, Chase said. He held up a paper bag with the top folded down. We might have saved you half of one. He grinned and handed me the bag.
It almost smelled as good as the coffee.
Thank you, Rubie said. Your being here will mean a lot to Dad. The team is everything to him.
I put a hand on her arm. Almost everything, I said softly. You mean a lot more to him than the Rapids do.
She smiled wanly. I dont know about that.
We are pretty freaking awesome, Bam said.
And modest too, Grace said.
Bam pretended to look offended. Hey, woman, why do you have to attack me like that?
We all laughed, although Rubies sounded strained.
I gave her a concerned glance.
She offered me a watery smile in return before covering it by taking a sip of her coffee. This is good.
I sipped mine. It really is. Is there anything Waves doesnt do well?
Theyre not good at keeping out the riffraff, Chase remarked. They let Bam in all the time. And Hawk.
And Chase, Bam said.
Worse than that, Ashley said. They let in me, Bec and Grace. Her eyes widened.
The other two women grinned.
Bec shook her head. John and Vera must have some really low standards, she joked.
Hey, Hawk put an arm around Becs waist, thats my girlfriend youre talking about. He kissed her temple and smiled at her like a man who was obviously head over heels.
What does that say about your standards? Bec asked him.
Theyre sky high, Hawk said firmly.
Could you two be any cuter? Chase asked. He rolled his eyes, but the gaze he turned on Ashley was just as besotted.
A couple of nurses passed and gave us all a funny look. Maybe because there were eight of us gathered around, maybe because they recognised us.
Bam grinned at them and gave them both a finger wave.
One of them even blushed, but I suspected he wasnt Bams type.
Rubie? Skye stepped out of a corridor nearby. She looked exhausted. Her eyes were red like shed been crying.
Rubie stood so fast I had to grab her coffee before she dropped it.
Is he?—
The doctor said he should be fine, Skye said. They think he had some kind of seizure brought on by stress. The sides of her mouth turned down, but she didnt seem to be blaming anyone. They said he needs to rest, but you can see him.
Her eyes scanned the group. Maybe only a couple of you. Im sorry, the doctors said…
We understand, Hawk said quickly. Doctors orders are doctors orders and we all want him to get better.
Yes, we do, Chase said. Now we know hes okay, we should probably go and leave Rubie and Ollie to it.
Yes, Grace said. Come on, Bam. We can come back and visit in the morning. She took his hand and led him toward the door. The others followed.
Thanks for the coffee and burgers, I said before they headed out into the winter night.
I offered my cup to Skye. Ive only taken a sip.
She nodded her gratitude and took a drink. Come on I can show you to his room, if you like? She was tentative, as if uncertain Rubie would accept her help.
Rubies lips were pressed in a tight line, but she nodded. Are you sure hes doing okay?
Better than he was, Skye said. He gave me such a scare. She looked like she was going to start crying again.
Rubie hesitated. Then she stepped forward and gave Skye a quick hug. I guess I should thank you for getting him here before anything really bad happened. Her voice sounded choked with emotion.
Between us, well have to make sure he rests, Skye said fiercely.
Even if we have to take turns sitting on him, Rubie said. She accepted her coffee back from me and we followed Skye to Carsons room.
You want me to go in too? I asked softly. I dont mind waiting outside.
Id like you to come, Rubie said. When she took my hand I felt her tremble. She laced her fingers in mine and added, If only so you can take a turn sitting on him. She smiled briefly.
Anything for you, I said.
Carson was propped up in bed, attached to a monitor of some kind. He looked exhausted, but smiled the moment he saw Rubie.
There you are, he said. That tyrannical doctor wouldnt let anyone else in here.
Hes just trying to look after you, Skye scolded.
He grimaced, but his expression softened when he looked at Skye, then Rubie. He gave me a nod. He didnt look surprised to see me there.
Rubie sat down on the side of the bed. She gave him a hug, then asked, How are you feeling?
Ready to play in the Down Under Bowl, he said with a short laugh. Maybe Ill be center and give Ollie a rest.
Maybe you can leave Ollies job to Ollie and give the Rapids a chance of actually winning, Rubie said dryly. If you dont rest, Im pretty sure the doctor will make sure youre here during the Down Under Bowl. You can watch on the comfort of your own phone.
Youre as bad as that doctor, Carson growled.
And you would never forgive yourself if you missed that game because you didnt do what youre told, Rubie said firmly.
Rubie is right, Skye said. Youve been so worried about the team and the…the divorce. Her face turned slightly pink. She was obviously uncomfortable talking about it. Its not surprising this happened. But you will do what you can to make sure it doesnt happen again, wont you?
Carson looked grumpy. Are you going to give me a choice?
No, Rubie said. You are going to rest. And that is that.
Skye nodded her agreement.
Carson grunted. You women.
I suspected he was secretly enjoying the attention. And that the two women were getting along.
Its good to see you looking okay, I said. I quickly added, Not okay enough to do my job for me, but fine.
Twenty years ago, I might have done your job better than you. Not now though. Carson sighed.
Youre not that old, Rubie told him. Old, yes but not that old.
Thank you, he said sarcastically. Youre all heart. He sagged back against his pillows.
We should probably go and let you get some rest. Rubie kissed his forehead and stood.
You might as well, Carson said. The doctor or one of the nurses will kick you out soon anyway. He looked as though he could barely keep his eyes open.
For your own good, Skye said. We need you around for many more years to come.
Only so you two have someone to boss around. Carson eyed them both but smiled. He looked toward me and said, Make sure you take care of Rubie. Dont let her worry about me so much she doesnt look after herself.
Ill try, I promised. She is very strong willed.
Yes, she is, he said proudly. Ive made a lot of money, but she is the best thing I ever made. He actually teared up a little.
Shes very special, I agreed. Ill make sure she rests. She wont want to end up in the room across the hall.
No, she doesnt, Rubie said dryly. But youll be in that room if you dont stop talking about me like Im not here.
I smiled and put an arm around her waist. At least wait until after the Down Under Bowl.
You can still play without your balls, she pointed out.
I winced. Okay, youve made your point. But your father is right, its time I took you home so you can get some sleep.
She gave me a look which, without words, spoke volumes.
Thank you for being here for me when I needed you.
I love you, she said softly. So softly at first I wasn’t sure I heard right. Then her words sunk in.
I love you too.