The doctor smiled. “I didn’t realize you were that Rocky. I saw your game last weekend. You guys are looking good going into the playoffs.”
“As long as Rocky’s cleared to play.”
The doc added, “And you. They couldn’t do it without your blocking.”
“What are the chances she’ll be able to play?”
After a nod from Rocky he said, “Everything looks good, no sign of concussion, she just needs an x-ray to rule out a cheek fracture. As do you on that hand.”
“I guess I better get this paperwork filled out then.” He winced when the doctor took his injured hand and pressed on it.
“Yep, definitely need an x-ray.” He checked the computer. “Alice did get you in the system so I’ll put in the order. You can stay here with Rocky until they’re ready for her.”
The doctor left and Butch slouched in the chair, looking up when the nurse brought Trey into the room.
“How is the patient?”
“I’m good, just waiting on an x-ray. Butch is getting one too.”
Trey looked from Rocky to Butch. “I called Coach. He’s not happy.”
Butch grimaced. If either one or both of them were sidelines there’d be hell to pay.
“Don’t worry, Butch, I’ll tell him how you saved me from that creep,” Rocky said as an orderly came into the room.
“I’m here to take you to x-ray.” He frowned when he saw Butch’s hand.
Butch sighed, this was getting old. “Wasn’t me.”
Rocky chimed in, “He’s the one that saved me.”
“Okay then. Let’s get you down to x-ray.”
He wheeled Rocky out of the room.
The nurse returned and Rocky gave her his completed paperwork. “You’ll need to go down the imaging waiting area.” She handed him the order and gave him directions.
Trey took the chair. “I’ll wait for Rocky and let her know where you are.”
Butch nodded and trudged out of the room. Now that he knew Rocky should be okay, the adrenaline that had surged through him was wearing off and he was exhausted. His hand ached and he felt the beginning of a headache at the back of his head. God, he needed some pain reliever and beer.
A few minutes later, he was slouched in a waiting room chair. At least this chair was padded. His injured hand in his lap, he leaned his head back to rest against the wall.
Jolting awake at someone calling his name, he pushed himself up. “Call me Butch.”
The nurse smiled at him. “Oh, I know who you are,” she said as she batted her eyelashes at him. Seriously, he was in pain and she was flirting? He just wanted to get the x-ray over with and to get back to Rocky.
After they took multiple x-rays of his hand, he headed back to the Emergency Department.
Rocky was sitting up in the bed, her cheek red and puffy.
“There you are,” she said when she saw him in the doorway. “This is my dad, James Masterson. Dad, this is Butch Sutton.”
“I want to thank you, Butch. If you hadn’t been there, I don’t want to think what would have happened.”
Butch shook his hand. “Thank you, sir. I remember watching you play when I was in just starting with the Legends.”
“Call me Jim. That was a long time ago, Rocky was five when I quit.”
