She grins. “Well, I went out to Greene’s and met this really hot guy. We kind of hit it off. We are meeting up again this Wednesday night.”
“Wow, sounds fun. What about Sly?”
She shakes her head. “Sly and I have never been a thing. We had a night and it was great, but that’s all it was. We both knew that going in.”
“Okay. So what’s this guy’s name?”
“His name is Drake. How sexy is that?”
I grin, raising my eyebrows and nodding my head. “That does sound sexy.”
“So did Lox know you were pissed this morning with him?”
“I think so. I didn’t start yelling at him or anything. I’m pretty sure he could just tell. You know?” As I finish, my phone pings.
LOX: I didn’t mean to make you mad this morning. I hope you aren’t too pissed with me. I just know what it’s like for a single mom.
ME: Sorry I was such a bitch. I’m just so used to doing everything on my own. Trusting someone for help is a little hard for me.
LOX: I understand someone helped me see your side.
ME: It’s not that I don’t appreciate what you were doing. It’s just complicated. Sorry you are such a nice guy and my own personal crazy just keeps rearing its ugly head around you.
LOX: No biggie. I’ll see you tonight for training.
Oh yeah, we have training tonight. I wonder if Kara remembers. I look up to Kara. “Hey, we have training tonight. Don’t forget.”
What’s with the damn nervous stomach this morning? I felt like I had to throw up when I woke up. Now Lox texts me and I feel it again. Does he really make me this damn nervous?
“Shit. I’m glad you reminded me.” She grabs up her mug and heads to the front desk.
My phone pings again.
LOX: Just for the record I think crazy is kinda sexy.
Fuck! I am so screwed.
Dr. Beck comes in the break room. “Sloan. How are you doing?”
“Doing okay, Doc. How about you?”
“Doing great. We had a good weekend. What about you? Did you enjoy the seminar?”
I smile. “Oh I did. I can’t wait to do some more research into some of the techniques.”
He sits down across from me. “Sloan, the night of the dinner-.” Oh my God, my job. I never even thought about it.
“Doc, I’m sorry you had to see all of that. I understand if you don’t want to-.”
He put his hand on top of mine. “Sweetheart, none of that was your fault. I know that, Gloria knew that, too. Hell,” he chuckles, “I had to hold Gloria back. She was headed right over there to jump right in the middle of those fighters and football players. She did, however, run into Mr. Smith in the lobby. She told him that the behavior she witnessed from him was disgraceful and that he should be ashamed of himself.”
I start laughing. “Go Miss Gloria.”
“Oh yeah, she’s a little hellcat if you piss her off. I should know, I’m married to her.”
“Thank you, Doc. Tell Miss Gloria thank you also.”
“I will, honey. I only heard a little bit of the argument. He’s Sage’s dad, isn’t he?”
I nod silently.
“He’s a sorry son of a bitch. I will never be a fan of his. I wasn’t that fond of him to start with and I’m damn sure not now.”
“Thanks, Doc. I really appreciate the support.”
“Now. What about you and Lox?”
I shake my head. “Lox and I are not-. Well, I mean we-.”
“Honey, what I was going to say is Lox seems like a good guy. I know if Marco had any kind of hand in his raising, he’s a hell of a guy. He was ready to tear Lucas Smith apart right there by the open bar.” He stands up. “I’m just saying, you could do a lot worse.”
I stand up from the table and the same wave of nausea hits me. Fuck, I’m getting the stomach flu or something.
CHAPTER 23
LOX
“So at least she’s not pissed with you anymore,” Sly says as he hits the heavy bag.
I wipe my face with a towel. “I don’t know if she is or not. She may just be trying to drop it. I was just trying to do something nice for her.”
He stops, holding the bag still. “Mom was right. You know?”
Earlier today, I called my mom for advice. She told me that she would’ve reacted the same way. “It was important for everyone to know that no matter what, I could take care of you. I wanted you, and even the twins, to see that I was strong. You wounded her pride and took a brick out of the fortress she’s built around her and her son.”
I step to the heavy bag and start hitting. “I know, I get it. I just want to,” I shrug, “I don’t know, take care of her.”
He pokes his head around the bag. “Like seriously? Not just be buddies?”
“No, I don’t know, man.” I shake my head. “I’m just all screwed up.”
“Look, man, Slick is at the grandparents for a few days. Ask her out on a date. A real date.”
I bark out a laugh. “Do you even know what a real date is?”
“Yes, jackass. I went to the prom,” Sly says as Huck comes storming through the door heading for the locker room. “Dude, he’s been moody as fuck lately.”
I agree with Sly. “Is he that worked up over the new weight class or is it something else?” I wonder out loud.
Sly shakes his head. “I don’t know but I wish he’d get the fuck over it.”
“Hey, don’t forget we have the classes this afternoon,” I remind him. “Oh, and Trent Snell from Bellator finally called. We are going to meet with him after Thanksgiving.”
Sly nods and smiles. “Dude, I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“I know, man.” I say, shaking my head. “That night we talked to him, though, he really acted like they wanted to extend into the Southeast. It’s just crazy.”
“Yeah, man. I know.”
Huck storms in the weight room and starts on the speed bag. I step over to him. “Damn, man, you need to slow the fuck down.”
He stops, he’s panting and pissed. “I’m fucking pissed, okay? Just leave me alone.”
“Man, calm down. We are just worried, that’s all.”
“Well, don’t be. It’s nothing.”
Elizabeth comes tearing into the gym. “What the fuck is your problem, Huck?”
Sly and I look at each other confused as hell.
“My problem is you being buddy, buddy with the fucking enemy. You are Marco’s daughter, who conveniently showed up around the time we have several important matches coming up. Then I see you having a fucking chummy lunch with Sergio. HMMM. Sounds kinda funny to me.”
She shoves him hard in the chest. “Don’t you ever fucking question my loyalties to my father! He knew I was having lunch. A simple fucking lunch with Sergio. Let’s make one thing clear, what I do is NONE of your fucking business.” She steps back, holding her arms out as if she’s challenging him. “We clear?”
His jaw clenches and his eyes narrow. “Crystal fucking clear.”
She turns and storms out of the room while Huck yanks his gloves off, grabbing his bag and storming out the door.
Sly looks at me wildly. “Dude, did we just watch a damn episode of the Maury Show?
“I don’t freaking know, but that was crazy. So I’m guessing Huck isn’t going to be here for class tonight.”
“It doesn’t matter. Kara said that her sister wouldn’t be here either.”
I shrug. “Okay, well then it works.”
~*~*~
An hour later, Kara and Sloan make their way through the front door. Sloan looks sick, she’s pale and sweaty looking.
I step over to her. “Are you okay? You look like you aren’t feeling well.”
Sly laughs. “Whoa, man, way to say she looks like shit.”
Kara shoves his arm. “She’s been sick all day. Doc and I tried to talk her into going to the clinic. She was worried that you would think she was still pissed or something.”
She puts her hand up. “I was just going to say I couldn’t stay. I’m pretty sure I have a stomach flu or something.”
Sly jumps backward. “Stay back, typhoid Mary.”
I look at him like he’s dumb, well, because he is. And he has no filter.
“Trust me, Sly. I’m going home.” She turns to go and stumbles.
I grab her arm. “Sweetie, you are burning up. Is anything else going on?”
“Just a stomach ache and cramps.”
“Let’s get you to the hospital. Derek would kick my ass if I didn’t get someone to check on you.”
I can tell she’s really starting to hurt or feel bad because she just nods her head. Seconds later, she hurls in the trash can.
“Sly, grab my keys and a trash can. Let’s get her to the hospital.”
She starts to faint and I scoop her up, running to my truck. “Baby, you’re going to be all right. Just hold on.” I turn back toward the door. “SLY, KEYS NOW!”
He comes running with Kara in tow behind him. “I’m coming, man. I had to tell Marco what was going on.”
I jump in the passenger seat holding Sloan in my lap. I can’t even think to let her go. I have to hold her.
CHAPTER 24
SLOAN
Oh, sweet Jesus. Something is killing me. I’ve had a baby and that hurt like Hell, but this is almost comparable.
“Ms. Foster. Ms. Foster.”
“Sloan, baby, wake up for me. For just a minute.” I hear Lox but it’s distant.
I start opening my eyes and see him smile. “Hey, pretty girl. The doctor needs to ask you a few questions.”
“Sage.”
He nods. “I called your parents. They are on the way.”
“Okay.”
The doctor looks over at me. “Ms. Foster, I’m Dr. Reynolds. Your co-worker told me some of the symptoms you were having today. I have a couple of questions. Is it possible that you are pregnant? Because you may be having an ectopic pregnancy.”
I shake my head. “No, ma’am, I would have to be having sex for that to happen.” Whoa, I just said that out loud. This IV must have more than fluid in it.
The doctor laughs. “Yes, ma’am, it does. They told me about your pain. Your gentleman friend was nice enough to call your family and make sure you didn’t have any allergies. He also got some of your information so we could get you registered. Show me where your pain is.” I hear Kara and Sly chuckling.
I point to the general area of the pain. “It’s not hurting so much now, it’s kinda dull. This feels great.”
She smiles softly. “Yes, the pain meds help. Since there isn’t any way you could be pregnant, I’m going to probe your abdomen a little. You tell me where it hurts.”
She pushes in a couple of spots and then she hits the money maker. “Shit!”
Lox grabs my hand. “Shh. It’s gonna be okay.”
“Ms. Foster, I’m pretty sure your appendix needs to come out. I’m going to have a nurse draw a little blood for some labs and I’ll have the on-call surgeon paged.” With that, she steps out of the room.
Suddenly, I’m scared. I never understood this kind of scared until I had a child. “Lox, how long before my parents will be here?”
“They left about forty-five minutes ago so they should be here within the hour.” He brushes my hair back. “Sweetie, you are going to be okay.”
“Lox.” My lip starts to tremble. “If something happens, make sure Sage-.”
He puts his finger on my lips. “Baby, this is a simple surgery. You’ll be okay.”
A short, dark haired woman makes her way into the room in scrubs and hugs Sly and then Lox. “Honey, I heard you were here. What’s going on?”
“Mom, this is Sloan. Sloan, this is my mom, Elaine. They think she’s having an appendicitis, she passed out at the gym.”
She smiles, stepping over to me. “Awe sweetie, you look rough. I’m so glad my boys could bring you up here. I’ve heard a little about you. Where is that young man my boys are always talking about? Slick.”
I laugh a little but it hurts. “He’s with my parents. Who are on their way here, I guess?” I say, looking at Lox.
He nods. “Yeah, I called them on our way to the ER so I could get her allergies and stuff for the doctor.”
She smiles. “I’m so glad you listen to me every once in a while.” She looks at me. “I’ve always told the boys to make sure their friends know of any medical issues they might have in case an emergency comes up. I don’t know how many times we’ve had people come in here and their friends don’t know a thing about them.”
I nod and she can sense I’m scared. “Sweetie, it’s going to be okay. Dr. Franz is on-call and he’s a wonderful surgeon. He’ll take good care of you.” She rubs my forehead, comforting me like moms do.
A short, grey headed lady steps in the room with a blood kit. “That’s my cue.” Sly steps out.
The lady smiles. “Elaine, what are you doing in here?” She sees Lox and smiles. “Well hey, sweetie. What’s going on?”
Elaine steps over to my side. “This is friend of Lox’s. He brought her in. It looks like her appendix is hot.”
The lady smiles. “Well, I’m going to draw a little blood.”
I nod and stick out my arm. A minute later, she leaves with a couple of vials.
A few minutes later, my parents, Jacob and Sage come flying into the room. My mom rushes over to me. “Sweetie. What’s going on, are you okay?”
I smile. “I’m feeling pretty good now.”
Everyone chuckles. Lox steps over to my mom and explains what all is going on while Sage talks very animatedly to Sly. I’m kind of sleepy, my eyes are so heavy. I see my mom and Elaine are talking. Lox keeps rubbing my head. “Are you getting sleepy again?”
I nod. “Mmm hmm.”
It feels like seconds later, Lox is waking me up and my mom is standing beside me with a man in scrubs.
“Ms. Foster, I’m Dr. Franz. It looks like we are going to be getting that angry appendix out tonight. Give your boyfriend and your family love. We are going to get you down and get this over with. It’ll get you feeling a lot better.”
I’m too tired to even correct him about Lox not being my boyfriend. Sage gives me a kiss. “I love you, Mommy. I hope you feel better soon.”
“Thank you, baby. I love you, too.”
My daddy hugs me and my mom kisses my forehead. I guess she can see the little bit of fear in my eyes. “Don’t be scared, baby girl. Elaine says this doctor is top-notch, you’re going to be fine. We’ll see you in a little bit.”
I nod. Elaine smiles and rubs my head. “You’ll be fine, sweetie. I know all of the nurses and doctors that will be in there. You’ll be in great hands.”
“Thank you.”
Jacob comes over. “All right, Squirt, at least I know you won’t eat all the pie at Thanksgiving.”
I shake my head. “Shut up, Dillhole.”
Kara and Sly come over and wish me well, as an orderly comes in to take me to surgery.
I doze off on my way down to surgery. I wake up when they are moving me from my gurney to the operating table. The doctor starts giving me instructions and then everything gets fuzzy.
CHAPTER 25
LOX
I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life as when Sloan passed out on us. I didn’t know what was going on. I won’t try to act like a caveman about it. I started crying and I really wanted my mom. I knew she’d know what was wrong. Once I finally gained some composure, I did what my mom had always taught me to do. I called her parents to get all of the information I could about her.
We’ve been sitting in the surgical waiting area for almost an hour now.
Her mom hugs me. “Lox, I just wanted to say thank you so much. I should’ve made my way over here sooner to tell you. It just scares me to death. If she’d went home by herself, there is no telling what would’ve happened,” she says with tears in her eyes.
Trying to l
ighten her spirits, I say, “It was nothing. I’m just glad she’s a lot tinier than that big lug over there.” I say pointing to Sly, who is playing the DS with Slick.
Jacob steps over, he’s a big guy like Derek. He sticks his hand out. “I’m Jacob, it’s nice to meet the guys Sage is always talking about. Sorry I’m just now making it over here, I was on the phone with my boss.” He looks over at Slick. “Thanks for taking care of my little sister. She’s a strong girl, but can be super stubborn.” He speaks softer, turning his face from Sage. “I also heard about the incident in Jacksonville. Thanks for protecting her. I should’ve beat that guy’s ass a long time ago but she wanted everyone to just let it go. She just wants to move past him.”
“Hey, no problem. I was ready to handle him.” I chuckle. “Even if it meant taking on several linemen from the Panthers to do it.”
“Thanks, man. I was really worried about her moving away from us with Sage. It seems to have all worked out though. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. I can’t wait to meet the other twin. He talks about all of you like you’re super heroes.”
“He’s a great kid. Your sister has done amazing with him.” It occurs to me that no one has called Huck to let him know. We need to call Marco so he can call Doc. Shit!
“Sly.” I motion for him to come over. “You need to call Huck and let him know what’s going on. He’s going to wonder why we haven’t been home. Also, call Marco and get him to let Doc know.”
Sly smiles, looking between Jacob and I. “Already done. Marco called me a little while after we left the gym to get an update. He and Elizabeth will be by later, after she’s settled in a room and all. Doc should be here soon, he was finishing up a Thanksgiving dinner party at his house. He was going to come straight here when I called but I let him know her parents were already on their way and that we would keep him updated. He was just worried about her being alone. Huck was in a conference with Marco and then he was going to head this way.”
Letting Lox In Page 10
