Page 38 of Goalie Secrets

“Vanya, hi.” I check my phone to confirm that it’s Kyle because the voice sounds like he’s partly underwater. “I need a favor.”

“You sound terrible.”

“I feel worse than terrible.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Kyle. Do you need me to take on your appointments for a few days?”

“I don’t have anything booked tomorrow.”

“OK, that’s good. So…” The word lingers as I wait for him to clarify.

“I don’t have anything booked because I’m supposed to be in Chicago with Jeremy! It’s just for one day because there’s no other time that lines up with a break in their game schedule and Dr. Leroi’s availability to do the tests.”

Chicago. The tests. The tests that I pushed for him to book.

“Can’t someone from the Mavericks take him?”

“Dr. Leroi is not going to consult with atrainer. It’s already a favor to do the new dynamic ultrasound on the same day as the MRI contrast. And his 3D gait analysis is unprecedented. Jeremy needs one of his doctors by his side and, I’m sorry to say, that means you. I haven’t been hit with a flu this bad in years.”

“I have patients tomorrow,” I say weakly, knowing we have physical therapists at the center equipped to take on my run-of-the-mill appointments.

“Sabrina is working on moving them and booking you a flight. I’m sorry for the short notice, Vanya, but we both know Jeremy needs some answers. And you do, too. He’s the first EDS patient with access to the best imaging technology in the country.”

He’s right. I can’t pass this up. Targeting Jeremy as a patient was a way for me to enhance my understanding of diagnosis and treatment. If it wasn’t for my unprecedented attraction to him, Chicago would be an ideal opportunity for research.

“Fine. I’ll do it. What are the travel details?”

“They’ll be in your mailbox in the next hour.”

Sure enough, when I check my email later, the early morning itinerary taunts me with the promise of a whole day with Jeremy. Or maybe this is a warning that I shouldn’t spend a whole day with Jeremy? I am a pathetic bundle of contradictions.

I spend the rest of the night trying to catch up on sleep, but it eludes me. The thought of going to Chicago with him sends electricity through my veins, turning every cell in my body into a live wire. But are these musings meant to excite or repel me? Who the hell knows anymore?

The next day, as I slide into the back seat of the shared airport ride that Kyle arranged, it is apparent that Jeremy did not get much sleep either. His hair is on end and his eyes droopy. If burying himself in his hoodie is any indication, he looks ready to dive into a pile of blankets.

“It’s six in the morning, Vanya. How are you looking so good?” he asks grumpily.

“This isn’t good. This is awake. Did you get home late last night?”

“Nah. I just can’t sleep before two in the morning most nights.”

“Really?”

“Kyle says it’s part of my condition.”

“That’s likely. Your body doesn’t wind down like most people.”

He looks at me sideways but says nothing in response. We continue in silence throughout the drive. The check-in process and plane boarding happen with minimal interaction. Jeremy attempts anonymity as he navigates the airport, deflecting attention from curious eyes. Subdued Jeremy is a good thing. I don’t miss his playful familiarity at all.

Keep telling yourself that, Vanya.

It’s only when we’re sitting side by side at the front of the plane that I notice Jeremy isn’t subdued. He’s downright tense.

“Are you OK? Does your hip hurt?”

“Not more than usual,” he mutters while looking out the window.

“It will be good to get answers,” I say gently.