Page 146 of The Backup Plan
Avery stirred on the couch next to him, and Cam stroked her shoulder. Somewhere in the building, surgeons with saws and drills were re-sculpting Justin’s bones to hold titanium rods in place, and the imagined high-pitched whirr of a blade whistled in his ears and drowned out all the voices but one. A pain shot through the back of his skull, and the man on his screen was suddenly two years younger, pale, sweating, and staring blankly over Cam’s shoulder.
I just felt like I had to throw up for a second. It’s fine. I’m fine. Check that out, Cam. That shock absorption stuff puffed up right where I hit the ground…
I must be getting sick or something. Stomach bug. It’s been a week and I keep randomly feeling like I’m going to throw up…
Doesn’t that feel about ten pounds lighter than your helmet? See how fast you can turn your head now? And they studied all the ways we’re most likely to fall, you know. The other companies do that, but they’re not using this lightweight silicone stuff. We’re light-years ahead…
It’s just a headache. I need to get my contacts updated. I haven’t gone in two years. What? No, that’s not why I overshot those passes to Micah, you little twerp. He’s dragging today…
They did their little checklist, and I don’t meet the criteria to sit out. Seriously, Cam. You’re worse than my mom. This shell is made of the same stuff as a Tesla. I can head-butt a car in this thing. Total game-changer…
“I’m sorry, Jordan.” Cam choked out the words. “I’m so sorry all that happened to you, and I’m sorry I’m giving you shit about it.”
“You’re doing everything I wanted you to do. Unload the rage. I can take it.”
“I’m done. There’s nothing else to say except I’m sorry.”
“It’s not over. December marks two more years left on the NDA, so keep doing what you’re doing. Talk player safety, so we build the reputation we’re going to need when I blow these guys up. I’ll call you when I need you in court.”
Cam cracked a smile for the first time in hours. “I feel so used.”
“Use it for all it’s worth. The stakes are a lot lower when you’re shilling energy drinks and whatever else you’ve picked up this year.”
“Sunglasses. The same company that does my sports glasses also makes apocalypse-proof sunglasses. You’ll see my smug mug in the spring.”
“You’ll be so pretty.”
“Avery thinks so.” He couldn’t hide his smirk.
Jordan whistled. “Justin’s beloved Avery. Is he going to be okay?”
“He is. They’re putting some rods in his leg, and if similar injuries are any indication, he’ll have a tough offseason and be back out there with us next summer.”
“I listened to that man go on about her for two years, then I vanish into the mist, and boom. Not only are you breaking my completion records, you’re wooing the girl the whole team either wanted to adopt or marry.”
“Out of curiosity, which half were you in?”
“Oh, definitely the marriage crowd.”
“Excellent. We’ll send you an invitation to the wedding a year and a half after it happens.”
Jordan poked the lens of the camera. “Now you’re just trying to look mad at me. You’re making that same dumb smile you are in every picture with her on your social media. You love to show her off.”
Cam angled his phone to his sleeping girlfriend snuggled under his UND football hoodie. He brushed a few stray hairs back from her forehead. “I do,” he said. “And for some reason, she lets me. She’s everything. And she’s coming with me when I’m done here.”
“You’re wasting your talent if you don’t play professionally for a little while, at least. That paycheck will dwarf anything you make from NIL. Do it for a few years and bank it.”
“It’s worth the injury risk to play while it’s paying for my degree. After that, no thanks. Did you hear what happened to my friend Jordan?”
“I hear the rumors got pretty creative.”
“Avery heard you’re making quite a name for yourself as an undercover influencer at a couturier in Paris. We’re planning to visit you next year on Rue de la Paix.”
“Well, she sounds perfect for you.”
“She’s no Shelby Wentz, of course.” Cam held back a laugh. “And thank God. What were you thinking? Shelby hates me for not being a good boy like you. I get a sick pleasure out of pissing her off. Can I tell her you said hi?”
“I won’t be responsible if she kills you.”