Coach Taylor nods and sits back. "My prognosis exactly. Now, if you had access to an ultrasound machine, I'd add that in, but most houses don't have that. Even ones in the Vista."
I nod somberly. "Think we can keep this under our hats?"
"Unless someone makes a direct request, sure. What you do with your boyfriend in his apartment is none of my business."
"Our apartment now. I'm moving my stuff this week."
Coach Taylor nods and gives me a smile. "Congrats. I know I warned you about him way back when, but I'm happy to have been wrong in this case. And don’t worry, Duncan will get the best treatment Western can provide."
Chapter 19
Duncan
For most of the guys, being away from home for Christmas week is hell. Some of them have always gone home for Christmas, and until this year, Western's been lucky, getting December 31st or January 1st games, giving everyone at least a chance to eat dinner and open presents with the family. So for a lot of the team, it's strange being in Tampa for a football game. Then again, we're getting a longer Christmas break because of it since our vacation isn't being interrupted by football practice. We just start later than most students.
Personally, though, I don't really mind. Christmas for most of my life has been just another day, perhaps with some presents thrown in, but no real feeling behind them. But when you can buy pretty much anything you want, except the attention of your father, Christmas and those presents are mostly meaningless.
This Christmas is different, however, in that I have Carrie. She went home to spend the holiday itself with her parents, and while I miss her, we can't spend the nights together the way we want anyway. We're in a team hotel, after all.
"Merry Christmas, Duncan!"
"Merry Christmas, beautiful," I say into my computer. I made sure to bring my laptop along with me, and the hotel has a good enough Wi-Fi connection. "How are things?"
"Dad's relaxed some," Carrie says, pointing toward her right, "especially after that back massager you got him for a present."
"Oh, did I put the wrong tag on that? That was supposed to be a, ahem, 'massager' for your mom."
"Duncan Hart!" I hear off-screen, and Carrie leans back, laughing. I join in as Vince sticks his head in the screen. "Tell me you did not just say that!"
"Sorry, Mr. Mittel," I apologize, still laughing. "I couldn't help it. Carrie's laughter was too worth it to worry about you being upset."
"Well, okay then. By the way, we saw you on TV today. Nice interview."
"Thanks. I felt like an idiot the whole time." I did, too. It’s something I've been surprised with, as I've gone through finding the new me. I've gone from being a glory hound camera hog to being a bit shy in interviews. I guess when you can't hide behind talking shit, it's a lot more difficult. "So did I look okay?"
"You looked amazingly handsome," Carrie says, smiling. "I'm looking forward to seeing you play tomorrow. How's the arm?"
"As good as it could be," I answer, flexing it for her approval. "The team docs shot me up with a cortisone injection two hours ago, so it hurts like hell right now, but it'll feel much better tomorrow. At least until the pounding starts."
Carrie nods, and Vince sticks his head in again, taking a seat. "Duncan, are you really sure about this? I mean, Carrie explained to me why you're doing it, but it still seems awfully risky."
"It might be, but it’s what I want to do."
Vince strokes his chin and nods. “Well, I guess it’s your choice. Still, be careful out there. I'd prefer if my daughter's boyfriend spends as little time in the hospital as possible, okay? She's already talked my ear off for three days about all her ideas for your rehab after your surgery."
I laugh, and my stomach rumbles. "Deal. Hey, my stomach is kicking me for missing the team lunch—because of the interview, in fact—so I'm going to have to take off soon to find some grub."
Carrie smiles and nods. "We're going to be sitting down in a couple of hours ourselves. How about we catch up after the game?"
“Sounds like a plan,” I say, and Vince looks at his daughter before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Okay, I see you two want to share your goodbyes, and you don't need some old man getting in the way. We'll be watching tomorrow, Duncan. Good night."
Vince leaves the camera, and Carrie and I just look at each other for a little bit. "I've missed you," she finally says, smiling.
"My arms have felt pretty empty too. Have they asked you about it?"
"Mom refuses to acknowledge it. She just asks if my bedroom at the apartment is comfortable or not. Dad . . . he's totally avoided it. You know how it is. There's a part of them that knows, but it's like Schrödinger’s Cat. As long as the question isn't answered, their daughter both is and isn't sleeping with her boyfriend."