Page 61 of A Match Made In Fall

For a moment, neither of us says anything. The silence is familiar and comfortable like it always is. I really like knowing that we don’t feel the need to fill up every second of our conversations.

"In other news," she says, breaking the quiet, "my sister-in-law just decided to throw a Halloween party, and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me."

"Of course. I'd love to be your plus-one, " I answer without hesitation. “Hopefully we don’t have a game that day.” I'll take any excuse I can to spend time with her, but a game is the one thing I can’t get out of. "What's the date? Let me check our schedule."

"Um…it’s Friday the twelfth."

I pull up the date and grin when I see we're off that day.

"Good news. No game."

"Oh, awesome." She pauses for a second. "And just so you know, it's a costume party. But you don't have to dress up if you don't want to."

I laugh. "Are you kidding? I'll totally dress up. Can I go as a hockey player?"

She bursts out laughing. "Oh, I love that idea. Maybe I can borrow an extra jersey and be a hockey player too."

I stretch out across the bed and throw my arm over my forehead. "Wait. Do you really want to dress up as a hockey player? I’m sure you had something else in mind."

"Sure. It’ll be fun," she says enthusiastically. "And it'll probably irritate my mom, which makes it even better."

I laugh. "I don't think I want to irritate your mom. I'm supposed to be impressing her."

"Oh, don't worry about that. You already accomplished that when you went along with her little white lie to Dex."

"Well then that’s a relief," I say, smiling. "Mission accomplished."

"Yes, it is,” she exclaims. "Anyway, how’s the road trip? Is the team ready for the next few days?"

"I certainly hope so. None of us want a repeat of the other night." I shake my head, thinking back to the loss. "Today was rough, but we had a good practice, and it felt like we were all on the same page. Hopefully it’s a sign that we’re turning things around."

"I'm sure you are,” she assures me. “It was just a bad night.”

"Maybe." I hesitate before adding, "But I wish you were here. I've gotten used to seeing you after games.”

She’s quiet for a few seconds.

"I wish I were there too," she says softly. "At least it's only a few days, and then you’ll be back."

A few days. For some reason, it feels more like an eternity. I’d like to tell her this, but I keep the thought to myself.

I’m not afraid of being honest about how I’m feeling. I just don't want her to feel pressured. Whatever is happening between us, it's worth taking the time to get it right. The only problem is we don’t have much time because at some point she’s going home.

“Yes, a few days,” I say. “And wasn’t there something you were saying about challenging me to a round of mini golf?”

“Not exactly,” she says. “I told you I would be winning that round of mini golf. Plus I don’t have a boot to get in the way anymore. I hope you’re prepared for some tough competition.”

“I accept the challenge, Ms. Martin.”

As soon as I start yawning, I know it’s time for me to get ready to turn in. If it wasn’t for my game, I’d never want our call to end.

“I wish we could talk all night, but I have an early morning,” I tell her.

“Yes, you do,” she says. “You need to be one hundred percent rested and ready to win these next few games.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Sweet dreams. I’ll be sending the Bears all the good vibes.”