I prefer anonymity, using the back door to big venues, and generally no one calling me Mr. Ellsworth, but oh well.
Austin steps in with our two small suitcases and commands the attention of David, thank baby Jesus. I just have to follow them into the warm building that’s already fully decked out for Christmas and into the elevator.
It’s eleven, and I purposefully didn’t check with Lex to see at what time he has practice, or to tell him at what time we would land.
I know damn well it’s a ridiculous notion, but the burly giant also known as my best friend is very skittish. Since I know it’s mostly my fault, I don’t blame him. Anything could scare him away—too many update texts for example—so I take my time oohing and ahhing over the suite that’s exactly the same as any other Certon suite across the world, and let out a sigh of relief when David closes the door behind him, happy with the tip I gave him.
“I don’t know if you’re a shit actor or only people who know you would be able to tell you were faking all that, but please never pull out that weird smile in front of me again.” Austin’s shit-eating grin has my shoulders dropping and my smile returning—my real smile.
“Shut up,” I grumble at his back when he picks up his bag and walks into the bedroom closest to the entrance, then I turn and do the same but in the opposite direction.
I sit on the bed, stare at my phone for a long moment, and with a fortifying breath, I finally bite the bullet.
Eli:
We’re here!
Do you have morning skate? Or mandatory team lunch?
I can see the messages are delivered but no quick answer or jumping dots appear, so I busy myself putting away my toiletry bag in the en suite, then take out my Jankowski sweater, the one I bought as soon as they were available for purchase four yearsago, and set it out as well as my warmest jeans and my Empire-branded beanie.
Of course, the second my phone vibrates, I practically throw everything I’m holding up in the air and lunge for it.
Lex:
We’re leaving practice now. Will be there in fifteen.
I bite my bottom lip, wondering if he’s thinking we should go out to have a better Thanksgiving dinner than room service, and of course if that’s what he wants, it’s what we’ll do, but again, I’d really prefer it if we don’t have to interact with anyone.
Also, if we stay in, Austin can have a bit of an off day before the game.
I look down and stare at my pants and simple tee, then decide it’s better if I don’t change until I know what Lex has planned.
I still have no clue why he invited me to come spend the day with him, especially since he’s leaving so early tomorrow, but I didn’t question it on Tuesday when he surprised the hell out of me by inviting me, and I’m not going to question it now.
Thanksgiving at home with Dad and Lyla means a day of takeout in front of the TV. None of us are really good at cooking anything, and Sam has the day off as well as Troy and normally Austin. Dad always throws a huge party for Christmas at home, or we fly to the West Coast, which means they don’t get that day off, so doing nothing on Thanksgiving is just logical.
Of course Lex knows we don’t do much, so maybe that’s why he asked?
I got the sense that he wanted to say more than he did Monday night, but I haven’t been able to figure out what. Maybe he asked me to come here to talk about that?
“Eli!” Austin’s call from the main room pulls me out of my head.
I sprint out and there he is.
“Hi,” I say, sounding breathless even though I shouldn’t be.
He’s just so fucking beautiful. So big, so strong, so cute as he looks at me with a peaceful smile.
“I’m so glad you came,” Lex says, taking one tiny step forward.
“Of course I came,” I answer automatically.
I’m well aware I sound way too eager, but well... playing it cool with Lex was never really an option for me.
“Yeah, uh...” Austin’s awkward tone reminds me he’s right there. “Thanks for the tickets.”
“Of course,” Lex says and smiles easily at him. “I’m sorry about your day off.”
