Rex and I are living together in Dublin while we spend the summer with the local professional team here. It was a surprise to see him here, across the world, but nice too to have someone who reminds me of home. It’s been an incredible opportunity, and I love Ireland, but I cannot wait to see Lacey.
“We’re going to walk around, grab lunch, that kind of stuff,” I say to deter him from coming. I should probably justtell him I want to be alone with my girl, but he’s walking out the door already.
“Totally fine. I won’t get in the way.”
We head out and make our way to the airport. I’ve been checking my phone nonstop for alerts on her flight, but it looks like everything is on time. Which is good because I don’t think I can wait a second longer.
Rex snickers as I pace back and forth with my phone clutched in one hand and the other constantly running through my hair. I’m excited and nervous. It feels like it’s been forever. We video chat and text, but it isn’t the same.
“Excuse me.” A woman approaches with her cell phone in hand. She holds it up for me to see. An image of me from the documentary fills the screen. “Is this you?”
I nod politely and then she asks me to sign her backpack. Rex shakes his head and laughs. It’s happened a few times since the documentary came out this month. I ended up doing a short interview. I decided in the end that I wanted people to know dad’s story from my perspective. He was the greatest and he worked hard to achieve it. I’m proud to be his son and to learn from him every day. Which is what I said.
What I didn’t say is that we don’t always agree. In fact, we butt heads more often than not. I’m not him. I want more in my life but soccer, but I still feel fortunate to be his son.
When Lacey finally comes into view, my heart lurches in my chest. I take off at a jog and so does she. When she’s two feet away, she drops her bag and jumps into my arms.
She squeals as I clutch her to me. People in the airport have to walk around us, but I don’t care. It’s been four weeks since I left Frost Lake. Almost thirty days since I’ve seen her, hugged her, kissed her.
My math is significantly better when it comes to anything Lacey-related.
“I missed you!” She says the words into the crook of my neck.
I set her down, so her feet are back on the ground, but don’t let go. “I missed you too. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Finally!” She grabs a fistful of my T-shirt and yanks me down, then presses her lips to mine.
The movement catches me off guard and I laugh into her mouth. Not for long though. I’ve been thinking about kissing her since the minute I left Michigan. She tastes exactly like I remember. Sweet and addictive.
I don’t know how long we’re attached at the lips before someone clears their throat behind us. Lacey pulls back, and I blink away the haze before remembering Rex.
My bad.
I step to the side and wave a hand toward my current roommate and teammate.
“Lacey, this is Thomas Rex.”
He’s smirking as he lifts a hand. “Nice to meet you. Vaughn hasn’t shut up about you all summer.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Lacey’s mouth pulls into a big smile.
“Do you have everything?” I ask her.
“Yep. I carried on.”
“Let’s get out of here. I’m starving,” Rex says.
He turns and walks ahead of us.
“Sorry. He sort of invited himself.”
“It’s fine,” she says. “As long as he doesn’t mind me kissing you every five seconds.” As if to prove her point, she lifts onto her toes and does just that.
We drop off her stuff at the apartment, and I give Laceythe grand tour. Our apartment isn’t big. Five big steps from the front door to the far wall. The kitchen and living area are all smashed up together, with a bedroom on either side of the apartment (also small), and one shared bathroom.
I assume Rex is going to hang at the apartment now that Lacey’s here, but he follows us back out.
“Where should we eat?” he asks.
