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Dad turns red, but opens the door for her gallantly, like he always does for her.
I get Alissa strapped into her car seat and then go around to sit by her. Dad checks the dashboard and all mirrors, and when he asks, “Everyone ready?” Alissa’s voice is the loudest in the car.
The engine turns on. We leave the city and get onto the highway, and Ali starts with the questions.
“How long will you be gone, mommy?” She seems casual. I almost can’t read her.
“Two months, more or less,” I say, trying to sound casual too, but already choking. “But Andrew and I will be back at least once every week to see you, okay?”
“That’s what he promised you?” Mom asks with disdain.
“Yes, mom,” I say, getting fed up.
“Well, that boy is not good with promises,” she says, a finger in the air.
“Not in front of your grandchild, Ellie,” dad murmurs, defending me and Andrew.
“Will you have fun, mom?” Ali asks, now in a fleeting voice.
I can’t keep it together anymore. Tears roll down my face, alarming Alissa, but I lean down to touch her hair and let her know everything is okay.
“Not as much without you, sweet pea,” I say, wiping my eyes.
We do the usual routine at the airport. I’m taking just one bag and a carry-on so check in is pretty quick.
Approaching security, it’s time for me to say my goodbyes. With tears in my eyes, I hug my parents and my daughter.
Here we go. For the next two months, I’m living a hockey wife’s life.
I hate flying, so I pop a nausea pill at the beginning of the flight. Before I know it, a sympathetic flight attendant wakes me up, letting me know we are in Florida.
I grab my luggage, then head for the airport lobby to try and find Andrew in the middle of the crowd. It’s a big weekend with the Jaguars’ game, and everybody is there to see it.
“Ack!” I’m surprised by an attack from behind, my feet lifting off the ground and a kiss lands on my cheek.
“You came!” Andrew exclaims, finally turning me around to let me see him.
He takes the luggage off my hands and rolls it on its wheels toward the exit. “How was your flight?” he asks, placing his arm around me.
“Couldn’t tell, I was asleep the whole time,” I laugh.
“What did you take?” Andrew asks.
“Just some motion sickness medicine.”
We walk outside. A driver grabs my bags and places them in the trunk of a brand-new black sedan.
“It’s hot here,” I complain, taking off my jacket.
“What else did you expect from Florida?” Andrew jokes and opens the car door for me.
“Last time I was here I was Alissa’s age, so I don’t know!” I fan myself, but thankfully, the A/C is on full blast in the car.
Andrew enters after me and closes the door. “How did Alissa react to you leaving?”
“She was stronger than me,” I mutter, leaning into Andrew’s strong arms. “Will you be busy getting ready for the game on Sunday?”
“Yeah.” He squeezes me extra tight. “But we can have some fun today.”
