Rachel: It’s okay.You don’t have to make excuses.I won’t come.
Me: I’m not making excuses.It’s what happened.I want you to come.Did you get your flight yet?
I watch for the dots, but they’re not there.She’s not responding.
Me: Rachel, I’m sorry I didn’t have my phone on.Please don’t think it’s anything personal.You coming out here was my bright idea in the first place.Think of all the things you could cross off your list in one weekend.
There’s still no response as I’ve boarded the team bus, arrived at the hotel, and made it to my room.This trip, I’m rooming with Xavier Henry.He’s not a bad bloke.He’s one of the quieter and more reserved teammates.That’s okay with me.
Rachel: Holy shit, flights are so cheap!Gas and tolls for road trips cost as much as a flight.Why didn’t I know this?
My heart soars.She’s doing this.She’s living for her sister.For herself.Maybe a little bit for me too.
Me: I’m proud of you.Richie would be too.I can’t wait for you to see Vegas.
And me.
She fills me in on her flight information, which arrives early Friday evening, and I let her know where I’m staying.I have no idea what the going rate for this place is.We continue texting about shuttles and Ubers and hotel reservations.
"You okay?"Xavier’s question startles me.We’re each sitting on our beds, propped up against the headboard, legs outstretched.
"Yeah, why?"
"You’re grinning like a love-sodden fool."
I drop my phone in my lap, as if it would give me away."My friend Rachel is flying out for the game.I was just helping her figure out the hotel and transportation.She’s never flown before, so she’s worried about the logistics."
"Right."Xavier nods."Like I said, my wife is coming out for the game too on Friday.Maybe Ophelia can help her?Perhaps they could bunk up.Ophelia can get a bit squirrely if left on her own for too long."
I shake my head."I wouldn’t want to put her out like that."
"I don’t know you all that well, aside from what you post on social media," Xavier says."You actually seem rather private.I don’t see a lot of women in your stories, so I’d think if you have someone coming to the game, then she’s special."
I never thought about that.It does seem pretty obvious.I nod."Yes.She’s a special friend."
"My wife, Ophelia, is the biggest die-hard romantic on the planet.In fact, it’s the reason we got together in the first place."
I remember Ophelia’s viral video heard round the world in which she went to surprise her boyfriend—not Henry, but an ex—only to find him cheating on her.ClikClak had a field day.But she met Henry, and they got married, and they appear to be living happily ever after.
"So, if there’s even a hint of a movie-esque storyline," Henry continues, "she’ll be all in and be happy to assist in whatever way possible.But be warned that your story might end up in one of her romance novels."
"Oh, it’s not like that.Rachel’s …" I don’t know what to say.There is zero chance that Rachel is looking for anything more than friendship.Math isn’t my jam, but a zero chance isn’t good."Rachel’s a friend," I say lamely.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks," Henry mumbles.
"Yeah, well, she’s not in a place for anything more.So even if I wanted to, which I’m not saying I do, it’s not the right time for her."
"If you say so.Give me her number so I can have Ophelia reach out."
I do, and then I send Rachel a text to let her know what Xavier’s offered.I wouldn’t want her upset that I’m giving her information to strangers.
I get that the time is not right to pursue anything with Rachel.It’s not like it’s the right time for me, either.I need to be focused on the Buzzards right now.At best, my career has five years left.That’s the best.The next injury could be the end.Then what?Callaghan Entay is in the process of pulling back and transitioning to more of a coaching position, working alongside the goalkeeper coach.Undoubtedly, when a position becomes open with another team, Entay will retire fully from playing to be on staff.
I’m not coaching material, nor am I suited for the front office.I should probably figure out what exactly I am suited for."Henry," I ask, "what’s your plan after soccer?"
"I’ve no plan other than football."
That’s not helpful."Did you go to college?"
