Page 35 of Lucky 22

“What’s your schedule like for the next few weeks? Are youfilming anything you need to be in town for?”

I think about it for a moment. “No. I just finished filmingsomething last week, and my schedule’s clear for a little while. I typicallyspend my downtime looking at what’s being cast and then meeting with my agentso she can get me auditions.”

“You can still do that in Arizona. If there’s something youhave to audition for, you can easily fly back to LA. It’s not like you’restranded out there or even have to stay for the entire time he’s there. For allyou know, you may hate it. Or maybe you and Christian won’t feel as comfortableas you think you might.”

“I doubt that, Mom. He’s…” I sigh. “Do you remember when Iwas little and would just know what I wanted to do? The lessons Iwanted to take, the roles I wanted to play? I know Christian’s not a lesson ora role, but a part of me, something deep in my heart, knows he’s meant to be inmy life.”

For a moment, neither of us says a word. My heart’s racingbecause I’m essentially saying that I’m in love with this man without actuallysaying the words.

“I have always believed in you,” my mother says, her voicegentle and soothing. “You were never a girl who chased after the boys, and youwere always very selective with the ones you dated. If your heart is tellingyou that this man is the one, then why wouldn’t you go to Arizona?”

“Because it sounds crazy to jump on a plane and stay with aguy I just met, especially a famous baseball player,” I say with a laugh. Thistime, it’s humor and not nerves. “I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea.You know, there are women out there who chase after professional athletes, andI certainly don’t want anyone accusing me of that.”

“Anyone who knows you, knows you wouldn’t do that.”

“You and Dad raised me to be responsible, practical, andlevelheaded. And I have been.”

“Going to Arizona won’t change that, Ella. I think this issomething you have to do.”

And it is.

“I know this is crazy,” I say, because I need her to knowthat I realize it. “But he’s a good man, I promise. We’ve talked for hours, andI feel like I’ve known him forever. It’s just…different. There’s a connectionI’ve never felt with anyone else.”

“That’s how it is when you meet your person. The one. Ialways told you that when you met ‘the one,’ you’d just know.” She goes quietfor a moment. “You’re sure about this?”

I hear the concern in her voice, and I wish she were here soI could hug her. “I really am, but it means everything to me that you supportmy decision.” I pause and laugh. “Well, you’re basically the reason I’m doingthis. Without your encouragement, I would have played it safe and hated everyminute of Christian’s time away.”

“I’m glad, sweetheart. It’s my job to encourage you and tobe your biggest cheerleader. That will never change, no matter how old youget.”

Tears sting my eyes, and I realize I’ve had that reactionmore lately than I ever have in my life. I guess this is my emotional era. Iwipe my eyes and smile. “I can’t believe I’m really going to do this.”

“I don’t know why. You’ve always had a fearless streak.”

She’s right. And hearing her say it makes my heart ease evenas a mix of relief and giddy excitement starts to bubble up. “Oh, my gosh. I’mreally doing this. I’m really going to get on a plane and go to Arizona to bewith Christian.” The little squeal of excitement that comes out sounds a bitrestrained for me, but I also don’t want to hurt Mom’s ears. “And you promiseyou’re okay with this? You’re not, you know, just doing that supportive thing,even though you think it might be a mistake?”

Her soft laughter is her first response. “Ella, I’m yourmother. I’m always going to worry. But if you believe in this, then I believein you.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, go and make your plans, and be sureto let me know what they are. It’s important that I know your flight info andwhere you’ll be staying.”

That makes me smile. “I know it is. And I promise that I’lleither call, text, or email as soon as I have all the details figured out.”

“Okay, then. Go. And good luck.”

“Thanks, Mom. I’m gonna need it.”

We hang up after another round of I love yous,and then I’m all alone as the enormity of the situation hits home.

I’ve packed up and moved for things I believed in before,like going to college in Cincinnati and then moving here to LA. So, what makesthis any different? It’s not like I’m moving there. I’m just going for a fewdays, tops.

Glancing at the clock, I know Christian’s already at the stadiumgetting ready for the game, so I can’t call him and let him know I’ve changedmy mind. Now, it’s a matter of seeing when I can get a flight and how fast Ican leave.

Jumping off the bed, I take a quick bite of my muffin beforegrabbing my laptop. Once I’m back on the bed with it and all the cake, I callout to Jen.

A minute later, she’s standing in the doorway. “What’s up?”

“I’m going to Arizona,” I firmly state, right before shestarts asking about a thousand questions.