“No, she didn’t think it related to a physical injury. She thought it would be emotional.” He huffed a sigh. “But who knows? She can’t be right one-hundred percent of the time.”
I worried my lower lip. If this injury prevented him from playing most of the season and affected his draft position, he might get emotional. “Malik, whatever the docs say, I’ll help you get back on the field as soon as possible.” I cared for him too much to want to take his position.
“Thanks, Grey.” He gave me a sad grin.
Randy strolled into the room, holding a drink in a plastic cup. “Oh, hey, Moore.”
Startled, I dropped Malik’s hand. Did it look weird? He hadn’t seemed to notice it. “Hey.”
“No word from the doctor yet.” Malik glanced at me. “Grey can take me home. We, uh, we’re roommates.”
“Oh, cool. Saves me a trip.” He turned and pushed the curtain aside. “I think the doc is on his way.”
A knot formed in my gut. If his auntie was correct, this could be terrible. But I’d get him through it.
A man with grey hair and black glasses slid the door open and stepped inside the room. “I have the results from the MRI.”
“Okay.” Malik clenched his hands into fists.
“Relax, it’s good news. Nothing is torn, so we’re looking at a sprain and not a major one at that. We’ll put you in a boot for a week and then a brace plus physical therapy for a few more weeks, and you should be back on the field.” He patted Malik’s bed and glanced at Randy. “Questions?”
Malik relaxed his body and chuckled. “Thank God.”
“It’s a lateral sprain, and I’ve seen plenty of those. I know exactly what he needs.” Randy sipped his drink through a straw.
“When can I take him home?” The knot in my gut unwound. My sole desire was to take care of him. At home, I could shower him with the affection I couldn’t here.
“We’ll get him a boot, and I’ll send the discharge papers along. I’ve already spoken with the team doc, so we’re squared away there.” He turned to leave and then stopped, facing Malik. “Don’t worry, you should only miss three games and then you’ll be good as new.”
“Thanks, Doc.” A smile swept his face.
“You’re welcome.” The doctor left.
“If you’re taking him home, I’m going to bounce.” Randy’s gaze darted from me to Malik.
“Sure, man. I’ll see you at the gym. Thanks for everything.” Malik waved at him.
“See you.” With a short wave, Randy strolled through the sliding glass doors.
Finally, I was alone with him. “Malik, I hope you know I intend to spend the next week waiting on you hand and foot.” I squeezed his forearm.
“Oh, the rich boy with the maids and butlers and cooks knows how to do that?” He smirked at me.
“After watching them all those years, you could say I learned from the best.” I leaned over and kissed his forehead.
THIRTEEN
MALIK
Having Grey there to hear the MRI results had comforted me in a way I hadn’t expected. Bad news was more manageable when he was around, because I could count on him to have my back. No matter what, Grey would help me through hell.
As he stopped his car in the garage at the house, I popped my door open.
“Oh no, you don’t. You stay right there and let me help you.” Grey hopped out of the car and jogged to my side.
He acted as if I couldn’t walk. “Grey, it’s a boot. I can walk on it. Doctor said so.” I huffed a laugh.
“I don’t care. I want you to stay off it for the first twenty-four hours.” He stretched a hand out to me.