But all I can think about is Ollie sitting in my office yesterday, his leg bouncing frantically, as he revealed that some days his mother doesn’t even know his face. Revealed the shoulder injury he’s been hiding. Revealed the crushing fear that he’ll be traded and lose everything.
I should have done more.
“Ava?” Coach’s voice interrupts my shame spiral. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry.” I clear my throat and turn to Ollie’s father, extending my hand. “I’m Ava Washington. I’m the team’s mental performance coach. I’m so sorry to meet you under such terrible circumstances.”
His grip is firm despite the circumstances. “Frank Davis. Ollie’s mentioned you a few times. Said you’ve been real helpful with the team.”
The compliment feels undeserved, but I manage a small smile. “Ollie’s a good guy. He cares deeply about his family and his teammates.”
Frank’s eyes glisten. “He does. Sometimes I think he cares too much. Puts too much pressure on himself.”
You have no idea.
“Is there anything you need?” I ask gently. “Can I get you some coffee? Something to eat?”
He shakes his head. “No, thank you. That’s real kind of you, though.”
“Ollie told me about your wife,” I say carefully. “Who’s looking after her while you’re here?”
“We have a nurse who comes in a few days a week. She’s with Molly now.” Frank scrubs a hand over his face, and the exhaustion is written in every line and wrinkle. “I just... I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t even know if Ollie’s going to be okay, and all I can think about is the fact that this could be the end of his career. Hockey is the only thing he’s ever loved, and I can’t bear to see it ripped away from him… Not when he’s already losing his mother.”
The guilt in his voice is palpable.
“I’m worried I’ve put too much on him,” Frank continues, his voice breaking. “And now look what’s happened.”
“Mr. Davis—Frank—Ollie cares about his family very much,” I say firmly. “He’ll get through this, and I know he wouldn’t want you believing this accident is your fault.”
But maybe it’s mine. Maybe if I’d pushed harder, if I’d gone over Banks’s head, if I’d done something, we wouldn’t be standing here now.
“Let me know if there’s anything you need,” I tell him, stuffing the guilt down. “Anything at all.”
“Dr. Banks said the same thing. Real nice of him to be here.”
Wait.What?
“Dr. Banks is here?”
Frank nods, and my blood turns to ice. “He’s got attending privileges at Grady, so he’s been helping with the procedural stuff. Said he’d do Ollie’s psych eval personally when he’s out of surgery and awake, just to make sure everything’s good.”
I’m going to be sick.
“He’s been here almost from the beginning,” Frank continues. “Apparently, the accident was just a few blocks from his office.” He shakes his head. “The Lord works in mysterious ways.”
Mysterious ways, my ass.
My mind races, piecing it all together. Ollie came to see me yesterday. I called Banks immediately after, and he dismissed my concerns.
Now Ollie’s in surgery after running a red light just blocks from Banks’s office.
What if he went there? Tried to see Banks?
It’s hardly a stretch.
The secure door to the treatment area swings open, and everyone in the room looks up, hoping for an update.
But it’s just Banks.