Fake Dating My Ex's Hockey Star Brother (Maya Scott) novel Chapter 242

Chapter 0102

JUSTIN’S POV

Cooper tends to go overboard with things, maybe because he has the money and doesn’t care, or maybe it’s just that I grew up valuing every dollar.

I told him plainly that any physical therapist would do. Of course, I want the best for myself, and a professional will help me get back on track faster but I’m not going to make demands when he’s the one paying. I already feel guilty enough for how much he’s poured into me…and into Katy.

But then he goes to do the opposite. This dude skipped everybody in the book and went straight for a sports rehab specialist and somehow convinced him to take me on. I can’t tell if it is a God-level blessing that the man normally works in Boston and just happens to be here for a break or if stuff like this happens all the time.

“A lot of athletes come to me,” the man, Gerald, boasts. He looks early forties, fit, and you can probably say he exercises in his sleep. “But recovery isn’t entirely about my little qualifications, you know that, right?

By little qualifications, he means all the board certifications, research achievements, and awards cluttering his walls to the extent I’m not even sure what color the walls are anymore. Honestly, I wouldn’t blame anyone for thinking he could have them walking in twenty-four hours. The guy’s stacked.

“I know that,” I say, realizing he’s waiting for a response. “I just want to get back to hockey, and I have a bit of faith in myself. Walking isn’t the problem, but…”

“But getting your body back to handling impact like an athlete’s” Gerald finishes, setting his clipboard down on his desk. “That’s the real work. Walking is one thing, hockey is another thing entirely.”

I nod, because yeah. That’s exactly it.

“You play a violent sport, Justin.” He adds. “Even if you feel ready mentally, emotionally, and all of that, your skeletal structure and the surrounding musculature need to be conditioned to take impact again. Hockey is different from, say, running track. You’re colliding with other bodies, with boards, with the ice itself. If we rush this and you’re not genuinely ready, the next injury won’t just set you back. It could end things permanently.”

The word permanently sinks fast in my chest like a puck to the ribs.

Katy shifts beside me, even though she’s been quiet this entire time.

“So what are we actually looking at?” she asks. “In terms of timeline.”

Gerald pivots toward her. “Depends on how well he responds to the program. Bone remodeling, soft tissue work, strength rebuilding…none of it moves on anyone’s schedule but the body’s.” He pauses, tapping his pen against his palm. “Realistically? A structured return-to-sport protocol for someone at Justin’s level, with injuries of this severity, is anywhere between four to six months. Possibly longer if we discover

“Maybe Katy’s got something on him, I don’t know.”

“Maybe” she says. “But did your Coach vet this Gerald guy?”

I open my mouth, then close it. Because that’s…a very reasonable question and I’m impressed she thought about it.

“Yes. Cooper sent over his credentials before the appointment and Coach knows the guy.”

“Okay.” I can hear the relief in her voice. “Good. That’s good.”

A smile spreads across my face. “You were worried.”

“I’m always worried about you. You know that.”

I do know that. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t mean everything.

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