Risky Move: Tampa Suns Hockey

by Robyn M Ryan

  “Nah, I put in my request too late. It’s a busy time in the ER, and I can’t take much time off—not enough for a trip to Toronto.”

  “Is it the busiest time of year for hospitals?”

  “In my experience, yes. Between now and January, too much drinking, too many people driving impaired, kids not wearing a helmet when trying out new bikes…I could list dozens of bad decisions that end up in the Emergency Room.”

  “So, Christmas is no holiday for doctors and nurses. New Year’s also?”

  Tom smiled as he quickly took his eyes off the road to look at her. “Unfortunately, the same. But we try to work it, so everyone has at least one of those two-day holidays off.”

  “And you picked which to work?”

  “Christmas Eve and Christmas, usually the hardest shifts to fill. I’ll back-up the residents those two days, and another neurologist took New Year’s.” Tom glanced at the GPS. “Did you decide what you’re doing?”

  “Staying here. Lauren and Dave invited my mom and grandmother to visit Tampa, but they keep going back and forth about it. I doubt they’ll come. My dad’s taking his family on a Disney cruise, so I think it’ll be just Lauren, Dave, and me. And I’ll bring you Christmas dinner while you’re working.”

  Tom caught her hand and squeezed it. “I won’t discourage that.” His smile caused her heart to skip a beat, and Cassie hoped the darkened interior hid the flush she felt warming her face. Please don’t let this be a dream.

  They dined at a small restaurant, Bistro by the Bay. Besides a stunning view of Tampa Bay, the intimate decor created a casual French ambiance. The cuisine featured traditional French food and American favorites. Tom recommended the Coquilles Saint-Jacques, but Cassie declined until he assured her that scallops, not oysters, were the main ingredient.

  “Have you had it?” Still not convinced, Cassie looked at him with a skeptical smile.

  “Yes, the house specialty. Promise, if you don’t like it, we’ll stop for pizza, okay?”

  Cassie couldn’t resist the persuasive golden-brown eyes or disarming smile. “Just because you recommend it.” She set the menu aside as she beamed at him. “I trust you not to lead me astray.”

  “Not knowingly.” His wink made her stomach flutter.

  They chatted about everything and nothing as they took their time savoring the food. The evening was perfect, beyond Cassie’s wildest hopes. She almost confessed her crush to Tom, but then decided that discretion dictated otherwise.

  The phone call came as they left the restaurant and discussed plans to drive out to the beach. Cassie saw the frown cross Tom’s expression as he fished for his work phone in his pocket. He touched her shoulder apologetically when he answered it.

  Cassie watched the gamut of emotions cross Tom’s face as he listened intently and asked succinct questions. Cassie realized that an emergency required Tom’s skills at the hospital. She tamped the disappointment that tried to flood her mind. He’s a doctor and responds to emergency situations.

  Tom sighed as he shoved the phone back into his pocket. Cassie immediately read the remorse in his eyes.

  “You’re needed at the hospital,” she said.

  He nodded, and she could see him processing thoughts. “Yeah. Massive wreck on the interstate…expecting at least two dozen casualties. They need me ASAP.”

  “You need to go. I’ll call Uber.”

  Tom’s arm closed around her shoulders. “I’ll call a car to meet us at the hospital. I’m not sending you home from here. You okay going to the hospital with me?”

  “Whatever’s easiest for you.” She closed her eyes as he hugged her and felt his lips kiss the top of her head.

  “Raincheck on the beach walk?”

  “Any time.” Cassie pulled back and flashed a bright smile. She took his arm. “Let’s get you where you’re needed, doctor.”

  After Tom helped her into the car, she saw him on the phone as he walked in front of the vehicle to the driver’s side. Wish he wouldn’t go to all that trouble. If not Uber, I could call a cab. His eyes reflected disappointment when he slid into his seat.

  “I’m sorry—this doesn’t happen often, but it’s always a risk.”

  Cassie smiled. “And you control what happens on the interstate?”

  “I wish.” He brushed the hair away from her face, then gently cupped her chin in his hand. Cassie held her breath as he leaned toward her. “Just in case it’s too crazy at the hospital.”

  She met him halfway and closed her eyes. Although gentle, the kiss held so much promise. She parted her lips and turned herself over to his kiss. Better than she’d remembered. Cassie leaned into Tom, as electric pulses shot sparks throughout her body. She tried to contain a sigh of disappointment when he pulled away.

  “You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to kiss you again,” he said as his fingers traced her lips.

  “Raincheck?” Cassie ventured in a tiny voice.

  He nodded as he kissed her forehead before securing his seatbelt. “Absolutely.” As soon as they were on the highway, he reached for her hand. “One of the ‘perks’ that comes with a physician.”

  “I understand. That’s why you’re a doctor—when there’s a need, you respond. I’d want someone like you in the ER if I was involved in an emergency.” She squeezed his hand. “Not someone who complains as they drag their…behinds…to report to work.”

  She heard Tom’s soft chuckle. “Unfortunately, there are some who don’t have that sense of urgency—or ignore the call. Though once they understand the situation, most do a one-eighty. Few need a kick in the ‘behind,’ as you so delicately put it.”

  Cassie bit back a giggle. “I’ve had to consciously work on my vocabulary around the twins…I don’t want the first word that comes out of their mouths, something I didn’t censor!”

  “Agree. We’ve all had to clean our mouths. Euphemisms work just fine, and the crazier the better.”

  “Like ‘what the puck?’”

  “Maybe too close for comfort.”

  “How about ‘fudge?’” Cassie suggested. “Fudge that.”

  “Good one.”

  “You know, once I went to a Vancouver game with a bunch of friends…I got frustrated that the defense couldn’t clear the zone and yelled, ‘Get the puck out of there.’ The lady in front of me turned around and told me to watch my mouth.” Cassie giggled in memory. “My friends thought that was hilarious.”

  “In that case, you really meant ‘puck’—correct?”

  “Back then, I would have used the other word if I meant it.”

  Too soon for Cassie, but not quickly enough for Tom, he pulled into the staff parking lot next to the ER. She spotted Andrew standing by his car.

  “You didn’t need to call Andrew,” she said as he held his hand out to her.

  “I didn’t want you to wait for a cab. My comfort zone, okay?” He grasped her hand as they walked toward the SUV.

  Andrew spoke softly. “Looks like a war zone with all the ambulances arriving. It’s all over the news—massive pile-up, including a tanker that jack-knifed.”

  Cassie saw Tom take a deep breath and close his eyes for a moment. “Thanks for meeting us, Andrew.”

  “No problem. Good luck in there.”

  Tom stopped Cassie when she moved toward the passenger door. “See you whenever…” His hug was brief, but Cassie reveled in the embrace that brought her against his chest. He brushed his lips against hers, then opened the door for her.

  “Go,” Cassie said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Take care of yourself.”

  31

  Cassie watched as Tom quickly entered the emergency room, then turned to Andrew. “Thank you for coming all this way. I planned to take a cab.”

  “No way, especially not after this catastrophe on the interstate. I can take back roads to avoid it.”

  Cassie shivered. “So, he just walked into a nightmare situation?”

  “Something like that. Don’t know what caused
it, but this time of year—too much traffic and too many people rushing to get somewhere. And speed’s not a concern…until there’s a horrendous accident.”

  Cassie looked out the window, silently praying for the crash victims and the doctors and nurses treating them. She thought about the times she and her friends had taken risks—driving too fast, ignoring snow and ice, talking on the phone or even texting while driving. She’d only gotten into a car once knowing the driver should not be behind the wheel—and the memory of that ride home kept her from ever considering it again. If either of her parents had known, she’d have been grounded her entire final year in secondary school. Thankfully, her guardian angel looked out for idiot teens.

  Caryn smiled sympathetically when Andrew and Cassie entered the house a while later. She patted to the seat beside her on the couch before looking at Andrew. “I had to turn the TV off. How’s the hospital handling all the injuries?”

  “I think some have routed to other hospitals, but the worst are definitely going to Tampa’s trauma center. Never seen a battle zone, but that’s the thought that keeps popping into my head.” Andrew opened the refrigerator and looked over his shoulder. “Water, soda, wine, tea?”

  “Water, please,” Cassie said.

  “I’ll make some hot tea,” Caryn added. She hugged Andrew when she met him in the kitchen. “Thank you for bringing our girl home safely.”

  Andrew met Cassie’s eyes as he held his wife. “We took a very safe, scenic route—right, Cass?”

  “Yep. If you’d been a cab driver, I might have thought you were planning to ditch me in a swamp…filled with alligators. I had no idea where we were.” Her attempt to sound light-hearted felt off. “Thank you again, Andrew.”

  Although Tom worked through several shifts, he and Cassie exchanged a few texts. The aftermath of the multi-vehicle collision left too many head injuries. Besides the neurology staff and residents, private physicians affiliated with the hospital volunteered their time. Whenever he had a break, Tom opted to grab a few minutes’ sleep and fast food rather than drive home.

  Cassie: Can I bring you anything? Food? Clothes? Whatever?

  Tom: Yes. Pls. ask Andrew 2 bring me a set of fresh clothes for 2nite’s game.

  Cassie: You’re coming home afterward?

  Tom: Yep, unless I get a call, or we have an injury during the game. R U coming?

  Cassie: Caryn’s sorting through Christmas decorations. May need to distract munchkins.

  Tom: LOL. Ping me if you come, OK?

  She set her phone on the counter and asked Caryn if she could help her with the decorations. Seated on the floor, surrounded by boxes, Caryn laughed. “I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. I get so caught up with memories, nothing gets accomplished.”

  “Where do you set up the tree?”

  “Actually, this will be the first year we’ll have a Christmas tree in this house. Andrew’s injury happened before Christmas, then last year with the bed rest and then the early arrival of the babies, we didn’t think about decorating.” Caryn smiled as she opened another box of ornaments. “These we bought together in Toronto and St. Louis. Lots of memories.”

  Cassie looked up when Andrew joined them. “Decide where you want the tree?”

  “What would you think about the sunroom? I’d like it under this vaulted ceiling, but little hands may find it irresistible. We can close the doors to the sunroom, but still see the tree from here.”

  “Just let me know the size, babe. I’m heading over to the arena in a few. You need anything?”

  “Nope, just a plan,” Caryn said with a laugh.

  “We could take the boxes to the sunroom,” Cassie suggested. “Then, you can use the table for sorting.”

  “I should have thought of that! Thank you for the back-up brain.” She stood and brushed the dust from her shorts. “We can easily move these.”

  Andrew grabbed a couple boxes before Caryn or Cassie could reach them. “I’ve got this. Just set aside anything you decide you won’t use.”

  Cassie relayed Tom’s request as she followed with a small box in her arms.

  Andrew nodded. “I’ll get his bag on the way out.”

  “Cassie, why not go to the game?” Caryn suggested.

  “I thought I’d distract my munchkins while you’re working on Christmas.”

  “I think I’ll start fresh in the morning. Go ahead, call Lauren for a ride.”

  “Are you sure?” Cassie hesitated.

  “One hundred percent certain. I’ll probably doze during the game after Jen and Danny go to bed.” Cassie watched as Caryn looked at Andrew with a spark in her eyes. “I’ll see you score goals, Drew. I’m always alert when you have the puck.”

  “I’m sure.” Andrew set the final box on the table and shook his head. “How did you accumulate so many decorations?”

  “You mean ‘we’ don’t you?” Caryn countered. “I didn’t buy all of these.”

  “That’s right—maybe one or two ornaments.”

  “I can’t wait to see where everything will go,” Cassie said.

  “Please call Lauren while I help my husband pack Tom’s bag.” Cassie watched as Andrew shook his head, and Caryn pulled him down the hallway toward Tom’s apartment. Maybe someday, I’ll find a love like theirs. Nothing like my parents. Just love…true love.

  She’d never admit it, but Cassie hadn’t slept well since her date with Tom. Anxiety about the crash victims combined with worry about Tom filtered through her dreams. She refused to watch the news or read about the crash online—as did Caryn—but her imagination conjured images that led to nightmares. She considered not going to the game, but the prospect of seeing Tom trumped her anxiety and exhaustion.

  She caught a ride with Lauren, happy for the chance to chat.

  “Haven’t seen you since you went to dinner with Tom.” Lauren glanced at Cassie with a smile. “Enjoy? At least until he got called to the hospital.”

  “Exceeded my hopes, Lauren! Still can’t believe he asked me out.”

  “Oh, I can. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

  Cassie felt her neck grow warm. “Seriously, Lauren?”

  “And I’ve definitely caught you looking at him with stars in your eyes. We wondered how long it would take for Tom to ask you out!”

  “We? As in…”

  “Caryn and me…but also anyone who saw you two together on Thanksgiving.” Lauren couldn’t resist teasing Cassie.

  “I’ll confess I’ve crushed on him since the first time I saw him—please don’t tell anyone, Lauren. But I never thought he’d be interested in me. He’s older…”

  “Just a few years.” Lauren smirked. “Remember, age is a state of mind.”

  “And he’s a doctor…I thought he looked at me like a kid sister. Why would he want to get involved with the twins’ nanny, your niece? If my age didn’t scare him off, the rest should have. You don’t mind?”

  “Not a bit. I know you hoped to get involved with a hockey player—but guys like Cam, the younger players—tend to try to sample every willing woman who comes their way. I’m so thankful you saw through Cam. But, when I noticed the chemistry that neither you nor Tom acknowledged, just figured it was a matter of time.” Lauren looked briefly at Cassie. “Tom’s one of the good guys—like Dave and Andrew. I don’t worry about you dating him.”

  “One date, Lauren. Just one wonderful evening…until that horrendous wreck.” Cassie shuddered. “He hasn’t been home since. Not sure he’s had much sleep.”

  “Such a nightmare. All those innocent people…” Lauren’s voice trailed off. “Will Tom work the game tonight?”

  “He said he is…I just can’t imagine how he deals with something like this.” Cassie looked at Lauren with a small smile. “I just want to see for myself he’s okay…and maybe give him a hug.”

  32

  After Cassie sent Tom a text that she had arrived at the arena, he asked her to meet him after the game near the Suns’ family gatheri
ng room.

  Tom: Took Uber here. Beg a ride home?

  She showed Lauren the text. “No problem. Wise decision—told you he’s one of the good ones.”

  Cassie relaxed and wandered over to the buffet, her appetite suddenly returning. She waved at Amelie near the bar, happy to see her friend.

  “Feels like a century since we’ve talked.” Amelie greeted her with a hug.

  “I looked for you at the Thanksgiving meal, but heard you and Chance had some quality time at the beach?” Cassie teased Amelie as she handed her a plate.

  “Oh…that day was magnifique!”

  “Couldn’t get him to come to Terri’s?” Cassie selected some fresh fruit and cut veggies.

  “I tried…he’s really a private man. Never talks about himself or his family. When I ask him questions, he never answers. Says he lives in the present.”

  Cassie waited until Amelie filled her plate. She led to a high-top table and didn’t speak until both perched on stools. “Does that bother you? Not telling you anything?”

  “He’s given me the basics. Has an older sister in Québéc City, parents deceased. He won’t talk about past relationships, but said he’s not married ‘at this moment,’” Amelia laughed as she accented his words with air quotes.

  “At this moment…what’s that supposed to mean?”

  Amelie shrugged. “Who knows? Not married right now. Maybe divorced? Maybe not in a relationship with anyone else? He wouldn’t specify, except to say he expects us to be exclusive if we will be together.”

  “Serious?”

  “Who knows? I just go with the flow. I dislike juggling two guys, and if exclusive means he isn’t hooking up with random puck bunnies when he’s on the road, I’m good for now.” Amelie grinned as she looked at Cassie. “I hear you and the hunky hockey doc got together.”

  “Where did you…? Never mind…Cam told you.”