“Can I leave?” Warren asked.
“Not just yet,” the doctor said. “I think we are going to keep you overnight for precaution.”
He looked down. “Can I get some clothes at least?”
He was still in his gear.
“Someone from the team will bring your clothes over,” Emma said. “Mike told me that.”
“Did we win?” he asked.
“Sorry,” she said. “Your backup didn’t do so well even after your touchdown. And that isn’t your concern.”
“How long am I going to be out?” he asked the doctor.
“Don’t even think about football,” she said. “You need to get better.”
“We’ve got time yet for that,” the doctor said. “Why don’t you get some rest? He shouldn’t have too many visitors.”
“My mother is on the way,” he said. “And I want Emma here. She’ll be quiet. I’m sure she’ll just sit over there and type.”
He heard her sniffling some. “I don’t have my computer with me. I ran out the door with my phone and purse and nothing else.” She turned to look at the doctor. “He’s definitely staying the night?”
“Yes,” the doctor said.
“Can I stay here with him?”
“Yes,” Warren said before anyone else could answer. “I don’t want her to leave.”
“We’ll bring in another bed for you once you’re in a different room.”
“What’s wrong with this one?” he asked.
“The team has requested a private suite. There will be space for a few people if they behave.”
“We will,” she said.
When the doctor left, he said, “I can’t believe you left the house without your laptop. You never do.”
“I wasn’t even thinking of it,” she said. “I’m lucky I got a shower in before I was out the door. I don’t think I match either.”
“It’s a shirt and jeans,” he said. “They match.”
“My socks don’t,” she said, lifting her leg and pulling the denim up to her calf. “Not to my shirt or each other. But I’ve got matching sneakers on my feet at least.”
“No one cares,” he said. “I see the concern in your eyes. Tell me what is going on.”
“You need to rest,” she said quietly.
“Emma. Tell me.”
“You’re talking slow. Like you need to concentrate on your words. It’s scary.”
“I’m sorry. Iamscared because I am concentrating on my words.”
She sniffled. “Shhhh, no more talking. Please. Close your eyes. I’ll go wait for your mom and Stephanie to get here.”
He nodded his head and even that motion hurt, but he was still nauseous and too tired to fight her on it.
