I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - A Tayvis Story

It Only Feels This Raw Right Now

Taylor entered her office to find it filled with people. Many were sitting in the available chairs, some were standing but her attention was immediately drawn to Travis Kelce, Seated in a wheelchair, he seemed to occupy a space apart from the rest of the group, both physically and emotionally. Despite the bustling activity in the room, Travis remained eerily still. She assumed the older man and woman beside him were his parents and the other person, who looked older and also athletic, was likely his brother. There were also two unfamiliar faces: an older man, probably in his 50s or 60s, and a young woman around Taylor's age.

As she walked in, everyone stood up. Taylor moved to her desk and greeted them with a warm but professional tone. "Hello, everyone. I'm Dr. Taylor Swift, CEO and CMO of Swift Zenith Hospital. Please, everyone, take a seat."

Noticing that they were two chairs short, she quickly called Tree's office. "Hey Tree, can you send two more chairs to my office? Thanks."

A minute later, the chairs arrived, and everyone took their seats. Taylor glanced around the room, her eyebrows slightly raised. "So, my assistant mentioned that you all wanted to meet with me. I don't want to be rude, but my schedule is quite tight. Let's get started."

A man introduced himself with a firm handshake,"I'm Jason Kelce. This is my brother, Travis. Our parents, Ed and Donna Kelce, my wife Kylie Kelce and this is Chief's coach Andy Reid."

Taylor nodded to each of them in turn. "Nice to meet you all."

Jason began to speak, recounting the details of Travis's game and his NFL history. "Travis has had a stellar career, but this injury is one of the worst he's faced. He's had a few injuries in the past, but nothing like this. We've heard great things about your hospital, especially with your work on high-profile cases."

Taylor's eyes were drawn to Travis immediately. His posture was slumped, his broad shoulders caved inward like he was trying to make himself smaller. Every few seconds, his fingers twitched on the armrest of his wheelchair, as if he wanted to clench them into fists but lacked the energy. His gaze was fixed on the floor, not with focus but with a kind of numb resignation, like he was staring through the tiles into some dark place only he could see. Every now and then, a muscle in his jaw tightened, a subtle sign of the anger or frustration he kept bottled inside.

Taylor, accustomed to reading body language and emotional states, could sense the profound despair and emotional turmoil Travis was experiencing. It was as if he was in a state of suspended animation, waiting for something to change but feeling powerless to influence it himself.

She was pulled back into the conversation by Jason clearing his throat. Taylor met his gaze. "Sorry, Jason, I got distracted. What were you saying?"

Jason glanced at Travis with a worried expression. "We've heard that your hospital works wonders with celebrities. We were hoping you could personally oversee Travis's treatment. I know it's a big ask, but he really needs you."

Taylor tried to show empathy. "Mr. Kelce, I understand your concern for your brother, but I assure you, we have a team of highly qualified professionals here. As the chief, I don't handle individual cases personally."

Jason, almost pleading, said, "I know you have the best team, but they're not you. Please, I'm asking you to make an exception."

Taylor hesitated, a tight knot forming in her chest. "I'm really sorry, Mr. Kelce," she began, her voice softer than before. "I... I can't take on this case personally." She glanced at Travis, his lifeless eyes, and felt a pang of guilt twist in her gut. "I have so many responsibilities here, and..." She trailed off, knowing the excuse felt hollow even as she said it. She looked back at Jason, forcing herself to meet his desperate gaze. "But I promise you, I'll be watching his progress closely, making sure he gets the best care." The words felt inadequate, and Taylor hated herself a little for not being able to do more. But the fear of letting someone down again—of failing—kept her from saying what she really wanted to.

Before Jason could respond, Travis interrupted, his eyes burning and voice strained but loud enough for everyone to hear. "Jase, that's fuckin' enough. She's made it clear she doesn't take patients personally. Stop begging for me."

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Taylor's chest tightened as she looked at Travis, who still refused to meet her gaze. There was a moment of hesitation before she spoke, her voice more tender, almost personal. "Mr. Kelce, Travis, I understand how difficult this is. I know what it feels like to be on the edge, to think there's no way back." Her words hung in the air, charged with an unspoken history. "But I'm here to help, whether you believe that or not."

Travis didn't respond. His hand tightened briefly on the armrest, but that was the only sign he had heard her. Before the tension could escalate further, Tree entered, her presence a welcome distraction. "Dr. Swift, your 10 o'clock is here. The board members are waiting."

Taylor nodded, tearing her eyes away from Travis. "Thank you, Tree." She turned back to the family, her expression resolute. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to attend this meeting. Travis is in good hands here, I promise you that."

Jason gave a reluctant nod, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Thank you, Dr. Swift."

As Taylor left the office, she couldn't shake the image of Travis's hollow gaze from her mind. The familiar sting of helplessness threatened to surface, but she pushed it down.

As she exited the office, she could hear Travis's voice faintly, still angry. "This is exactly what I didn't want, Jase. Why did you have to push it?"

Taylor sighed, feeling sympathy for the troubled athlete. She made her way to the conference room, mentally preparing for the next challenge of her day.