Looking back, I recall instances when she didn’t seem eager to go back, but then she would put on her brightest smile and talk about jet skiing and tanning, which made me think she was looking forward to it.
“She was scared you might want to go back to your routine without her,” Jessica says, making me feel like an even bigger asshole.
Hell, how could I make her feel that way?
After my chat with the boys, I’ve made a plan.
I found a gap in our calendar where I could take the trip, if the coach gives me one-and-a-half-days off.
The biggest problem is that we have a game.
He might not agree to that, but I have to at least try.
I’ve never missed a game and will probably be lectured about having my priorities straight.
Right now, though, the only priority in my mind is Lily and making sure she knows how I feel about her.
I’m grateful for Jessica telling me, even if I wished I had figured it out on my own.
Sometimes, you need a little push from your friends.
“Thanks, guys. I’ll talk to my coach tomorrow and hopefully go get my girl,” I tell them, a beaming smile taking over their faces.
“Sounds like a plan.”
~
“This is very unusual for you, Bennet.”
Coach is looking at me strangely—probably wondering where his dedicated player has gone.
I’m sitting in his office, and I’ve just requested time off to go see family.
I can tell he wants to dig more.
If he does, I’m planning on being honest.
I have to go see her.
“I know, coach. I don’t plan on making this a habit. My plan is to actually bring this specific family back with me to London.”
Saying it aloud feels good.
Ever since Jessica told me that Lily wanted to stay in London, even if I don’t know how long she’s envisioning, I’ve felt lighter.
Knowing I’ll have her here with me.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve reflected a lot on the loneliness I’ve felt at times in London.
I’ve never really thought too much about it until Lily came along and brightened my world—quite literally.
Before her, my days were just full of routine. I’ve done that routine every day, without question or dwelling about how it made me feel.
Then she came along, and everything changed.
Suddenly, I was experiencing the city through her eyes, and my perspective changed.
Doing life alone, when you’ve had the opportunity to do it with someone else, just isn’t the same.
