Page 20

Chapter 20

ZACK

I wake up to a voicemail from an unknown number. That’s weird. I don’t give my number out very often— a telemarketer.

I hit play while filling the coffee pot, but the second I hear the voice, my stomach drops. The matter-of-fact female voice on the other end starts by saying, “Hello, Zack, this is nurse Rachel Murray at St. John’s Hospital in Northville, Michigan. According to our records, you are the emergency contact for an Ava Colt.”

I leave the coffee pot in the sink, barely hearing the water as it fills up and spills over the sides. I sit down on the couch to listen carefully to the rest of the message.

“I’m calling because Ms. Colt was in a car accident at approximately 6:30 this morning. She’s awake and alert, but she has a mild concussion and a fractured collarbone that may need surgery. Her condition is stable, and we are monitoring her closely in case anything changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call.”

The nurse rattles off contact info while I just sit there, phone in hand, trying to process the words. My mom was in a car accident, probably on her way to work this morning. I replay the message – mild concussion, that’s not too bad, I’ve had a few of those myself. Collarbone fracture is a little more serious, but nothing life-threatening.

I blow out a huge breath. My mom is going to be fine. But no way I’m letting her sit there alone. Not for a second.

I’m distracted when I get to the rink, trying to figure out what I’m going to say to Coach Green to get a few days off. I’m hoping he doesn’t decide that my mom’s injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant me missing a few days of practice. It is his job to get us in fighting shape for the season, but I’m going to be useless here if he makes me stay.

“Zack?” Amber steps out of her office and into the hallway in front of me, stopping me in my tracks. Her eyebrows come together, concern pinching her face. “Whoa, you don’t look so good. Is everything okay?”

“My mom was in an accident.” Amber’s hands fly to her mouth, horrified. I shake my head hard. “She’s fine, I think. The nurse said she was stable. But I have to go see her.”

“Of course!” Amber reaches for my hand and gives it a quick squeeze, ignoring how clammy I am with worry. “Come on, let’s find Coach Green.”

“You don’t have to come with me,” I tell her as we start down the hallway together.

Amber completely dismisses me. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m already here. You don’t have to do this alone.”

We reach Coach Green’s office, and Amber opens the door for me. Coach Green looks up from his paperwork to see both of us coming in hot, and he raises his eyebrows. “Zack. Dr. Morrison. How can I help you?”

“I need to take a few days off.” I look Coach Green in the eyes when I speak, hoping he can see the desperation on my face. “My mom was in an accident, and I want to be with her.”

Coach Green doesn’t hesitate. “Of course. I know how close you are to your mom. Take whatever time you need.”

Relief floods through me. That’s one thing I can cross off my list of worries.

“Dr. Morrison?” Coach Green asks. “Was there something you needed?”

Amber shakes her head. “I was here for some extra support, in case you needed a doctor’s note for Zack to take a few days off. You made it nice and easy.”

“Of course.” Coach Green gives her a small smile. “Well, Zack, you let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Coach.” I leave his office with Amber, feeling a little less shaky than before.

As we approach Amber’s office, she stops and gestures toward the door. “Come in for a minute.”

I follow her in and sit down in my usual chair. Amber pulls her chair around from behind the desk so she can sit next to me. “I know you’re scared, so I want to help you out however I can. What can I do to support you right now?” Amber stares at me, like she’s going to pull the answers straight out of my head without me needing to tell her.

“Um…” My mind is spinning, and I rub my hands over my face. “I need to figure out how to get back to Northville,” I finally say.

“Do you feel like you can drive yourself there safely?” Amber asks. “I can see if Mike can come pick you up.”

“That might not be a bad idea.” I think about how worried I am for my mom, and I know I wouldn’t be able to resist going above the speed limit to get to her. I can’t be reckless, though. I wouldn’t want to get pulled over, delaying me even more, or worse, get into an accident myself.

“Okay.” Amber pulls out her phone and shoots off a quick text before returning her attention to me. “I assume you’re going to stay at your mom’s house?” I nod. “Great. So you don’t have to worry about lodging. Do you have clothes there?”

I have to think about that one, but I shake my head. “No, nothing that fits. It’s just a few things from high school.”

Amber hides a small smile. “Well, we don’t want you running around in clothes that are too small. “ Want me to make you a packing list? You always forget socks.”

“I think I can handle it.” The more practical questions she asks, the more my mind calms. I no longer feel like I’m drowning in my worries.

Amber’s phone dings, and she frowns. “Mike’s not available until tomorrow morning. But you don’t want to wait that long, right?”

“Not if I can help it. I’m sure I’m fine to drive, don’t worry.” I try to reassure her, but she sees right through me. “I mean it! I’m feeling much better now. And I’m sure taking the time to pack will also help me calm down some.”

Amber still narrows her eyes at me. “Text me when you leave. Then again when you get there. If it’s less than an hour, I’ll know you were speeding.”

For the first time all morning, I crack a smile. “You drive a hard bargain.”

“I care about you.” She says it so offhandedly, but I know she means it. “I know this is intense, but you need to remember to take care of yourself, too. You can’t take care of your mom if something happens to you.”

“You’re right. Thank you.” I reach for Amber’s hand and she lets me take it, rubbing her thumb gently over the back of my hand. “Seriously. Thank you for everything today.”

“Of course.” We stand up, and Amber walks me out. Before she lets me leave, she surprises me by pulling me into a tight hug. “Listen to classical music or an audiobook or something on your drive, okay?” Amber pulls back and looks deep into my eyes. “And if there’s anything else I can do, please let me know.”

“Okay.” I pull her in for one more quick hug before I head home. I’m not worried about how it’ll look if anyone sees – everyone will be hearing about me taking some time off soon enough anyway. If anything, they’ll think Amber’s just being friendly with her clients. She’s allowed to care about us players as people, after all.

When I get home, I take my time counting out enough socks, shirts, and underwear for a week away from home. That should be enough, even though I’m not sure when I’ll be back. The methodical process helps me stay grounded and present. Then I make sure everything is locked up before I leave.

As I grip the door handle, I look down at my hand fisted around the knob. I put my thumb in my palm and close my fingers around it. Then I watch as I raise my fingers slowly, stopping half way.

Yep, I am “flipping”, but I see it, feel it. But I notice my fingers start to wrap back around my thumb. As I practically run to the car, I manage to slow my breathing.

Once in the car, I take Amber’s advice and pull up a classical music playlist on my phone before I start driving. I feel a little silly at first, but soon the soft piano chords work their way into my body, and my shoulders finally start to drop–muscles relaxing. I let the music carry me, and before I know it, I’m pulling into the St. John’s parking lot.

I turn the car off and feel my anxiety slowly creeping back in. I take a few deep breaths and notice I am doing Amber’s “Lion or Bear” exercise. It immediately calms me down. I let Amber know I’ve arrived. Her response is instant. She was waiting for me. I smile at her message: Everything is going to be okay. I’m here for you.

It’s enough to get me out of the car and face whatever’s waiting for me inside.