Page 200 of Make Us Yours
That’s another thing that’s been rough on my spirit. No hockey. I miss my morning runs with Veronica, I miss working out with my brother, I fucking miss playing hockey with my friends. And knowing that I’ll most definitely be out for the whole season sucks.
Despite our management team not saying anything to the reporters just yet, Coach and our team doctor don’t think I’ll be ready to hit the ice until the playoffs, if I’ve completely recovered by then and my physical therapy goes well. And that’s abigif.
The only upside to this whole shit show is that I get Veronica. I’ll have her at my side every step of the way. Day and night. And after a scare like that—where I thought that I would never get to see her beautiful face again, never get to hear her voice, to hold her and kiss her—the only thing that matters to me at this moment isher.
We drive through the city and past the penthouse. My brows furrow as I notice we aren’t taking the right route home. “Where are we going?”
Veronica swallows as her eyes gloss over. “I can’t go back there, Noah… I tried, but I can still see it all… it’s still too fresh in my mind…”
A tear spills out, and I quickly catch it before taking her hand in mine. “Hey, it’s okay, Kitten. We don’t have to go back to the penthouse. If anything, I’m kind of glad.”
“You are?” She peeks at me quickly before refocusing on the road.
“Yeah. I mean, I’m fine. But stairs are still a little rough on me.” I chuckle, a bit embarrassed that I have a hard time going up and down stairs at my age. Although getting stabbed is a pretty good excuse for it.
“Then you’ll be happy about where we’re going, because there are no stairs.” She smiles and heads down roads I know too well.
I laugh. “Who got roped into hosting us for the time being?”
She looks over with a twinkle in her eyes. She’s been doing that a lot, just stares at me like she can’t believe I’m really here. I know this hasn’t been easy on her, and she’s still shaken up by the whole thing. I wish I could take all her pain away, make her see that I’m not going anywhere. That I never will. Not just yet.
“No one,” she finally says as we pull up at Burkley’s place. “Morgan and Clay offered us their pool house for as long as we need.”
“The one they turned into an apartment for Cecilia back in the day?”
“Yeah, that’s what I was told. I know it’s not big, certainly not for three people and a cat. But we’re already used to being all together, so I thought we could stay here until we find a house.” She smiles at the thought of buying our first home. We have been looking during my time in the hospital and have found a few potential ones.
“Plus, there’s no stairs.” She giggles as she climbs out of the car.
She rushes around to my side while I’m opening the door and helps me climb out. That’s the worst part, getting up. Sitting down sucks, or walking up and down stairs, as I’ve mentioned, but standing up from a seating position? Holy fuck, does that shit pull on my abdomen.
“Are you okay? Do you need a minute?” Veronica asks me once I’m standing by the car with my hand on the roof.
“Nah, I’m good.” I wrap my arms around her neck and kiss her. “The only thing I need is you.”
She smiles against my lips. “Well, that’s going to have to wait another six weeks. Doctor’s orders.”
I groan, pressing my forehead against hers. “Don’t remind me.”
She dips out of my hold and stretches a hand out. “Come on, everyone is waiting inside to see you. But we don’t have to stay long. If you get tired or in too much pain, we’ll head out back to our place.”
“Okay.” I take her hand and walk up to the front door that hasthree.Fucking. Steps.
I can’t wait for this shit to clear up. From what Dr. Willensteed said, it should be better in a couple of days. At least I’m eating normally again. Well, not as normally as I used to, but it doesn’t hurt my stomach when I eat normal portions now.
“Just take them slowly, there’s no rush,” Veronica says, to which I say fuck it, and get it over with as quickly as possible.
When I hit the landing with a satisfied sigh, she looks at me with a disapproving frown. “I’m starting to see what Wendy was talking about.”
I laugh and push the door open, excited to see my friends again.
“Oh my God! He’s here!” Emma shouts as she throws herself into my arms, crying.
“Careful!” Veronica rushes out with worry.
“It’s fine,” I huff out.
“Right, right. I’m sorry.” Emma lets go and wipes her tears, taking a step back beside Morgan, Aubrey, and Cecilia, who are all in tears as well.
