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After practice, the first thing I do is message Mia.
Are you free? Heading back to the hotel now. Can we meet today? I text.
At the hotel lobby, I check my phone. I have a new message, but it’s from Ryan.
We need to talk. I read his text and narrow my eyes.
I immediately call him.
“Hey,” he answers.
“Hey,” I reply.
An awkward silence follows.
“You said we needed to talk,” I prompt, rubbing my forehead.
“Oh, right,” Ryan sighs audibly. “Since when have you had your eyes on Mia?”
I bite my lip, and answer, “Let’s be adults about this, okay? I never had eyes for your girlfriend when you two were together. Did I think she was pretty? Yes, I’m not blind, but I was also very, very married, and very, very loyal to my wife.”
“Whoa,” Ryan immediately interjects. “I believe you, man. That’s what she said too. It’s only about a little over a month, right?”
“Right,” I say, starting to lose patience. “What did you say when she told you?”
“Not much, Ethan,” Ryan admits. “I wish I handled it better than just saying ‘I’ll pick up the bill’…”
“Well, if that’s all you said, it’s probably fine,” I reply. “I’ve got to go now, okay?”
“Sure,” he mumbles goodbye as I hang up.
I check my phone and see Mia is typing.
I’m in a call with my Miami office, she texts. I can drop by your room in a few minutes.
Nice! I text back. See you soon.
I head up to my room, stash my stuff in the closet, and settle in front of the TV, flipping through channels to catch the latest sports news about the upcoming game.
Feeling hungry, I call room service and order fried shrimp with tartar sauce, a beer for me, and a Shirley Temple for Mia. She’s been into those lately, claiming she wants to cut back on drinking after losing control the first night we met up. I told her it’s not a big deal, but she insists.
Soon after, Mia knocks at the door. She looks tired and I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her.
“Looks like you need some attention,” I say, feeling a bit smug as I bring her inside.
“And what makes you say that?” she teases, resting her head on my shoulder.
“I heard you were upset yesterday,” I admit. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Mia sighs deeply then sits on the couch, staring at her toes. After a few moments, she explains, “I’m just overwhelmed, I think. There’s so much stuff happening at the same time.”
I smile sympathetically but press on, “Did Ryan take it badly?”
I go sit by her side as she shakes her head. “He was shocked,” she confesses. “I could tell he was uncomfortable. He left as soon as I told him.”
“So, I don’t need to punch him?” I say, easing her down to lie with her back against my chest.
“No,” she replies with a small smile. “And knowing him, you don’t have to worry about punches coming from his side either. I think he’ll just need some time to adjust to the news.”
