Page 56 of Lucky 22

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…what if I told you I’m in Boston and on my way tothe hotel?”

“Are you…are you serious? You’re here? Really?” I can hearthe controlled excitement. Like he’s afraid I’m joking.

“I’m really here, and I can’t wait to see you. Are you atthe stadium or…?”

“No, I’m still at the hotel. We’re not leaving for thestadium until two, and I already worked out down in the gym. That’ll give us afew hours before I have to go. How far away are you?”

“We should be there in less than twenty minutes.”

“I’ll meet you in the lobby,” he promises, then pauses. “Howdid I ever get so lucky? I can’t believe you took time off to be here, EllaRose.”

“I wanted to be here,” I tell him. “Now, go do whatever itis you need to do. I’ll see you in the lobby. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

We hang up, and I lean back with a sigh. I’m mentally andphysically exhausted from my schedule and being up so early for the flight, butI take a few steadying breaths. This is the balancing act I’m stilllearning—showing up for work, for my relationship, and for myself—sometimes allat once. Sometimes at the expense of sleep and sanity. I need a few minutes toregroup so I can be everything he needs me to be to help him get through thisgame tonight.

Christian is waiting for me as the cab pulls up, and as soonas I put my feet on the ground, he has me in his arms, spinning me around. Ican feel all the tension in him, and I hate it for him. I know my being here isa comfort to him, but no pep talk will make things better right now.

When he puts me down, he takes my small suitcase in one handand holds my hand with the other. We make small talk on the way up to theroom—how’s filming going, how was my flight, did I eat breakfast? His concernis sincere, but I can’t tell if he’s just making conversation or if he’s tryingto keep me from asking about the game. So, I simply follow his lead.

“How long are you here for?” he asks.

“Just tonight, unfortunately. My flight back to Atlanta istomorrow afternoon, but it’s all I could manage before I need to be back onset.”

In the room, he puts my bag down before gently pulling meback into his embrace. “I still can’t believe you’re here.” He’s fresh from theshower, and I wrap my arms around him and breathe him in.

We gently sway to imaginary music, and I have to admit, Ineeded this, too. I long for a time when we can be in the same place for morethan a day or two and have at least semi-normal schedules. I cherish thesemoments when we’re together. Where I can not only see his face but also canfeel the warmth of his skin. Be comforted by his gentle touch. I can smell thesoap he uses, and I inhale deeply. Every bit of this is like a feast for mysenses but in the most calming of ways.

When we both pull back, I can see that this has helped him,too, but I’m still at a loss for words. I don’t want to say the wrong thing ordo anything to get into his head, breaking his deep concentration abouttonight.

As if reading my mind, he smiles. But it’s a little sad.“You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. We can talk about the game andall that. Right now, I’m just thankful that I have your beautiful face to lookat instead of being here by myself, obsessing about the game tonight.”

Away games have a way of feeling claustrophobic. Hotel roomsare smaller, kitchens are nonexistent, and there’s no slipping into theballpark early to settle into a familiar routine. Instead, you sit and watchthe clock, waiting for time to move. I’m glad I’m here to break that stillnessfor him, even if it’s only for a few hours.

“Did you call SJ and let him know you’ll be here and need aticket?”

“I did, and it’s set. I’ll be right there with all the otherWAGs.”

He chuckles softly as he glances around. “I don’t see anyHello Kitty purses anywhere.”

I know he’s teasing, and it makes me feel better because,even though it’s silly, he’s able to think beyond the game. Even if it’s onlyfor a little while.

“I didn’t have time to grab one. I’ve been taking this big,boring one to the set every day so I can throw everything I need into it. Itjust made sense to bring it today.”

“Well, I personally love it when you have your favorite bagswith you, and I wanted to make sure you didn’t leave them behind on purpose.”

So, yeah, I told him about all the whispers about my purses,and he was completely on my side about not letting anyone change who I am ordictate what I love.

He asks about the show as he gets ready, and I tell himabout some of the funny sketches we’re working on. I notice him wince more thanonce, and I can’t tell if he’s in physical pain or if what I’m saying isbothering him. I can admit that the humor in some of the sketches is a littlemore risqué than we like, but I’m sure that’s not going to be how it is all thetime.

“They’re really playing more on my looks right now, but onceI’m more comfortable with the writers and the cast, I’m sure I’ll get more of asay.”

He just nods.

We have lunch together, talking about everything andnothing, and before we know it, it’s time for him to get ready and head to theteam bus. I wish he were already in his uniform so I can tell him how cute hisbutt looks or something flirty to make him smile, but I already know he’sgetting into the zone. He’s quiet as we head down to the lobbytogether, but all I get to do is give him a quick kiss before he joins histeammates.