“If the alternative is staying here with you, maybe it’s not such a bad idea.” Miller ducks when I throw the cheese wrapper at his head.
“Whatever, dude. I know you can’t live without me, hence why you’re currently using my grill when you have a nicer one than mine at your house. Ya know, basically next fucking door.”
After we finish chowing down, I’ve thought about the getaway idea long enough, or had one too many beers, that I’m actually entertaining it. I could really use some time to myself. I went from the season to the stress of my dad’s health scare and helping my parents then right back into training for this season. My body is tired but my head could also use some clearing. Still, leaving the country with the current unknowns is crazy even for me. Rolling my head, I look at Miller on the patio couch where we’re watching the sun dip below the horizon.
“Say that I am actually considering this vacation idea of yours, where would I go and for how long? Who knows what’s going to happen with the season. You heard Coach, we need to keep our phones close and be ready when we’re called.”
Miller breaks out into what can only be described as a Cheshire grin.
“It’s cute you're still pretending like you're not more than considering this idea. Realistically, nothing is happening anytime soon. At least not for two weeks. Go for like five days. That’s plenty of time for you to chill the fuck out and get your head on straight. And it’s not long enough that you will miss any training or any updates from the team. I’ll come up with a training plan while you’re gone and we can alternate between my yard and your garage.” I converted the garage into a gym with weights, a treadmill, and some benches.
Picking up a pillow, I whack him over the head. “Okay, fine. But where?”
“Just see what flights are leaving the airport for a tropical location and buy the ticket.” Miller says it like it’s obvious and I’m an idiot.
“I don’t know anyone that books a trip that way, dumbass.”
“Pshhh. You’re just not spontaneous enough like I am.” He pulls his phone out. I roll my eyes at him. I am spontaneous and he knows it.
“Okay, genius. Where am I going then?” I ask, since he’s probably already on the airport website looking at the departures.
“Cabo?”
I give him the side eye.
“Cancun?”
“What is this, spring break?”
“Right. Okay, Dominican?”
“I’ve been there. Pick somewhere new.”
“Right, the adventure bone.”
I roll my eyes at him again. “What else is there?”
“Bahamas? Caribbean? Belize?” He eyes me hopefully like he’s the one going on this vacation.
“Belize could be nice. Beaches and the rainforest. I could do some hiking and snorkeling too.”
“Now I want to go,” he whines. “Alright, let’s see.”
He plays around on the phone for another minute and says, “Shit, these flights are cheap. Oh look, there’s one tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Isn’t that a little soon?”
“You’ve got shit else to do. I’m booking it. What’s your card number?”
Apparently I’m just drunk enough from dinner and the possibility of adventure because suddenly, I’m booked on the 10am flight to Belize.
“Wait, I don’t even have a place to stay!”
“Oh, right. Better get on that,” Miller says and stands to go get another beer.
After looking for a few minutes, I find a diamond rated all-inclusive resort on a small island overlooking the Barrier Reef.
“Here, what about this place?” I say, tossing my phone to Miller when he comes back.
