When Fools Rush In

Chapter 30 - Her Jack

The home game against Norwich was a resounding success. Unsurprising, Lucy thought to herself, given they were struggling at the bottom of the league table, but she was impressed with the gusto shown by the Man City team, particularly Stones after the stress of the day before. By the time the game finished, City had trounced Norwich 7-0, with Stones scoring the final goal. Lucy felt tears prick the corner of her eyes as she saw him celebrate his goal with a swift removal of his shirt, to reveal a white vest top underneath which had, written in bright red pen: Get well soon Jack! 

Rhys had been roaming around the stadium filming stories for Instagram and returned to the press area where Lucy was perched, tapping away on her laptop. Her stamina was wearing out rapidly and the bitter cold wind had now seeped through the many layers she was wearing and to her bones. 

"Lucy you look knackered," observed Rhys, plonking himself next to her, eyes on his phone. "Did you have a heavy one last night or something?"

"No, just couldn't sleep for some reason...that and this wind isn't helping," mumbled Lucy, her eyes now dry and straining. Just this press release to go...

"Well I think that 7-0 thrashing has warmed us up," grinned Rhys, "and wasn't that cool of Stones to write that message for Grealish? Do you think he's watching from his hospital bed?"

"I'd hope so," Lucy didn't move her eyes from the screen. She knew Jack would be watching, with the tablet Pep had brought in that morning. Although that seemed like hours ago now.

"Sounded bad from that statement you guys put out - do you think he'll be out for long?"

Lucy grimaced, getting annoyed that Rhys kept talking about Jack rather than some of the amazing goals that they had seen go in just minutes before.

"In the words of Pep - I'm not a doctor," smiled Lucy, "but yeah, can imagine if you have abdominal surgery you'd be out of action for a while."

"Not great with the run of games we've got coming up," muttered Rhys. "Anyway, when you finishing up? Some of us were thinking of heading to the pub for a swift celebratory half...or several."

Lucy shook her head. "I can't - I'm knackered but next time maybe."

"Awww we've got tomorrow off, unless there's some other stuff you have to do?" pressed Rhys.

"Have a hot bath to thaw out, and an early night," Lucy replied. She could barely focus now as she clicked send on the press release. She wanted to head back to her car as quickly as possible so she could message Jack in peace.

Half an hour later Lucy was safely ensconced in the warmth of her new car, rapidly trying to warm up her hands so she could text Jack. She'd last heard from him about fifteen minutes before kick-off, having slept for most of the hours since she'd left him mid-morning.

Lucy - How are you feeling baby? Did you watch the game? xxx

Jack - Hi beautiful :-) I'm so tired. I fell asleep 10 mins in! I only woke up 5 mins ago! xx

Lucy - Oh no! You missed Stonesy's goal! You have to see his celebration xxx

Jack - Gonna have a look, so many txts on my phone to read! Nurse wants me to get up and walk grrr. And mom and dad have just turned up. Stomach still hurts :-( xx

Lucy - You do what the nurse tells you, and also what your parents tell you. I'm on my way home now. Speak later? xxx

Jack - Yes boss ;-) spk later babes xxx

Lucy's relaxing evening didn't quite go as planned - she smashed a wine glass while grappling with the corkscrew opening the bottle next to it, cursing herself for not buying a screw top, and ended up on the phone to Tara for longer than planned filling her in on the drama with Jack in the last twenty four hours. To top it off, she burnt a batch of oven chips she had thrown in the oven and had to start over again. Eventually she sat down with a hearty, old-school plate of chips, sausage and beans and a glass of red watching the tail end of the Antiques Roadshow, feeling relieved that she didn't have to go to work the next day. Instead she would stay with Jack as long as the hospital would allow her.