December 16th #3
“Thanks for calling,” I tell her.
“Thanks for answering. Do you really think it will work out?”
“If you want it to, you’ll make it work. And you are not just a volleyball player, Haley. You’re a smart businesswoman too. We never would have gotten One Eleven Sports off the ground if it wasn’t for you.”
“Yeah, I miss having the shop here.”
“Well, maybe volleyball isn’t your only calling.”
“Maybe.”
I get off the phone and sit there for a minute. I’m pretty sure Haley already knew about what had happened with me and Chase, yet she still called. Which means Chase isn’t over this yet.
I told Haley that I feel like I’ve said the same things to everyone. That I’ve had to explain our life to other people in detail. When the truth is, even we don’t know how it will go. And maybe that’s why I’m a little defensive with everyone questioning us. Questioning me.
Because I’m scared too. I don’t have all the answers.
While I know it’s the right thing to do, I’m just praying it won’t break us apart.
It’s funny, because other than my mom, no one has really asked how I feel about all this. They just expect me to have a plan for the future.
And I think we all know that, sometimes, the universe has other plans for us. And sometimes, we have to pivot.
Right now, that’s what we’re doing. And just hoping we’re moving in the right direction.
Our plan makes perfect sense on paper. But in reality, it sort of sounds like a disaster.
I go out into our shared space and find Dani and Chase snuggled up on the couch, watching TV.
“I don’t want to interrupt, but can we talk?” I ask.
“Sure,” Dani says, pausing the show.
“Do you remember when we were in the Ozarks, Chase? And you told me that I’d never know how I’d react to a relationship situation and if it would affect my game?”
“Yeah,” he says.
“What if Dani gets her dream reporter job and has to be in Connecticut and you get drafted to Arizona?”
“We actually had that conversation last night,” Chase admits.
“And we have no freaking idea,” Dani says.
“That’s how I feel. Everyone keeps asking how it’s going to work. We have a plan, but … no one knows what the future holds. And that’s a little scary.”
“Again,” Chase says, “I’m sorry for my reaction. I didn’t fully get it until Dani and I had a conversation about our own future. I know how much you love kids, and I’m excited for you, truly, and the fact that you’re starting to build the house already makes me a bit jealous.”
“Why? You guys could do it too,” I offer.
“We plan to,” Chase says.
“We think,” Dani adds.
“Life is kind of tricky sometimes, isn’t it?” I state.
“Yeah, it is,” they say.
“Okay, so let’s agree to stop discussing the future and go back to focusing on the here and now—specifically our playoff game,” Chase says.
“Speaking of that,” I say, “not to interrupt the riveting reality TV show you’re watching, but I brought some film home. I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood for a beer. What do you say? We need to figure out this team’s weaknesses.”
“I’m all for that,” Dani says with a happy clap. “You know I love to break down plays!”
And you gotta love my sister’s love for football.
Doing flips.
Ainsley
I’m lying in bed, reading, when Damon calls.
“It’s my favorite time of the day,” I tell him when I answer.
“And what time is that?”
“When I get to lie in bed and talk to you.”
“My favorite time too. Although I wish we were in the same bed,” he says.
“We probably wouldn’t be talking much if we were,” I tease.
“You’re right,” he says. “So, tell me about your day. Did you get somewhat unpacked?”
I let out a chuckle. “Your mom and Jennifer surprised Sammy and me with professional organizers. We chatted and had brunch, and then my cousins showed up with a bunch of their maternity clothes. They drank and ate snacks while I tried it all on. And when I came back to the cottage after dinner tonight, everything was unpacked and organized.”
“So, you got to rest?”
“I did. It was really nice.”
“It’s been a crazy few days, huh?”
“It has been. You’re done with finals now too, right?”
“I am. And tonight, I had a beer and watched tapes of our next opponent with Chase and Dani. Planning our attack.”
“So you can win. I can’t wait to watch you—oomph,” I blurt out.
“What’s wrong?”
“Summer is always really active when she hears your voice, and she just gave me a swift kick in the ribs. It hurts sometimes. Do you want to see my stomach right now?”
“Yes!” he says, and very quickly, I see his face in a video chat.
I switch mine to video as well, then pull my shirt up over my belly and point my phone at it.
“Can you see? It’s like she’s doing flips.”
“It’s amazing is what it is, but I can’t imagine feeling that.”
“It is a very unusual thing. It’s so wondrous that there’s life inside of me and that it’s moving of its own accord, but at the same time, it feels slightly alien.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.”
“And I can’t wait to see you again. Your mom told me she’s having a holiday party this Sunday night. I assume you won’t be there since you said you couldn’t come home until Christmas Eve.”
“That’s correct,” he says. “Oh, and speaking of that, you know how Treyvon is from Florida?”
“Yeah.”
“Chase and I set it up for his family to come to Kansas City for the holidays since it’s too short of a time to fly there and back. That way, he can just come home with us, spend time with his family. And then they are going to stay through the week and fly down to Dallas with us for the game.”
“I heard about that today and think it’s really nice of you all,” I tell him.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, seeing my tears.
“I haven’t bought a single gift yet.”
“Neither have I,” he says. “Are you excited to start your job tomorrow?”
“So excited. I can’t wait to see my office. My very first office.”
“Be sure to send me some pictures, okay? And have a great day. I love you.”
“I love you too.”