Page 23 of Signs and Signals

Leaving Zander to his thoughts, I decide to go in search of a vending machine, kitchen, or something that has some snacks. I need to put something in my stomach before the game, or I will be starving before the third inning. I call Indya as soon as I step out of the room, into the hallway.

It only rings once before her breathy voice answers with a sexy, “Hello.”

“Hey, Indy. Just thought I’d call before the game, see how everyone’s doing. And I missed your voice, so I wanted that fresh in my mind before I took to the field,” I say as soon as she answers.

“You’re still calling me Indy instead of Indya. Are you ever going to tell me why you decided to drop the ‘uh’ off the end of my name?” she laughs, a light, teasing sound. She’s determined to find out why I shortened her name, and I think it’s hilarious.

“You’re never going to get that reason out of me. I’m taking it to the grave. Besides, it’s not as romantic as you might think. When I think about it, it’s probably unattractive why I started doing it in the first place, so no, I’ll never tell you,” I laugh, and she joins in, calling me an ass.

“I miss you, Indy. So much. Is it weird that I miss Haven too? I even miss Amara, and I’ve only met them once. I hope this next week flies by and we get home as scheduled,” I tell her, my voice softening.

“What do you mean you hope you get home as scheduled? I thought you’d only be gone for eleven days?” Indya questions, her voice tinged with panic and a hint of melancholy.

“Sometimes the coaches make us stay an extra night in the last city we play in, so the drivers are well rested the next morning. Our last game of this leg is in Spokane, Washington, which is a little over six hours from home, so we shouldn’t have to stay. He usually does it if it’s more than a ten-hour drive. Idid want to ask you something, though.” I feel a knot of nerves tightening in my stomach.

“Ask away,” Indya responds, curiosity in her voice.

“We’ll have a little downtime between the next few games because they’re so close together. I was wondering if I could fly you out to Chicago, and you could come on the bus with me, or I could rent a car for the games in Chicago and Minneapolis. We get a free day in between, and I thought we could spend the day together. I’d get you on a plane in Minnesota to go back home.” Silence greets me on the other end. “Indy, you there?”

The long silence is killing me. Did I go too far by asking her to join me? I’m willing to pay for Haven and Amara to come too. I just wanted to see if she’d be willing to come first before inviting them along.

“Yeah, um, I’m here. When will you be in Chicago? Do I have time to think it over and get back to you?”

“We’re leaving here in the morning around four because our game starts at one. But yeah, if you can let me know at least after the game tonight. I’m going to go ahead and get the tickets all squared away, so I know I can get them booked, okay?” I know she can hear the disappointment in my voice, but I didn’t want to tell her that three airline tickets and three game tickets have been reserved for the next three games since the day I left. I just didn’t want her to feel obligated to come. I want her towantto see me and spend time with me. I want to see her and Haven more than anything.

“Okay. I’ll let you know later tonight, and I promise to give it some serious thought. I’ve never been away from Haven, so I apologize if I sound hesitant. Don’t think that I don’t want to see you. I do. I miss you more than you realize. But I have to go; Haven is waiting for me for another knitting session. Have a great game, Atlas. Bye.” The phone clicks off. The only thoughtin my head right now is she’s going to say no, and what four-year-old wants to learn to knit?

Chapter Twelve

Indya

A few moments after I hang up the phone with Atlas, I make my way back to the living room to begin our knitting session. I really do miss him, I thought not seeing him all the time during the season would be easy, but it is anything but. We have been out together on dates or just drives, just not as much as either of us would like. In the past four days, Haven has asked about him several times. She wants to call him and let him know what she has been up to too, just like she does with her Uncle Silas.

I am getting the yarn situated on my lap and handing Haven her own yarn, the television is paused on a YouTube video about Knitting for Beginners, for us to follow along with. Just as I am about to push play, my phone makes a sound, letting me know I have a text message.

Atlas: i also wanted 2 let u no the invite 2 come c me is 4 u, Haven, and Amara. i didn’t want u to think that i only invite them so u would come, that is y i only asked if u would join me. hope to c u soon.

Oh my god! Atlas is seriously too good to be true. He is also right, if he would have invited all three of us while we were on the phone I would have gone out of obligation. I am so giddy I almost forget to respond to him.

Indya: That is awfully generous of you, Atlas. I will talk to Amara tonight when she gets home, and I will let you know after. Are you sure you want to cover all the expenses? We can help with the costs of the flight and car and rooms we will stay in.

Atlas doesn’t respond back, which means he is getting ready for the game or already playing the game, but he will see it when he gets back to the locker room.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Haven getting a little impatient for me to push play. I decide I will give her news that will make her forget all about this knitting crap.

That was Atlas that messaged me something he forgot to say when he called a moment ago.

Haven’s face lights up at the mention of his name.Coming home, soon? I miss him, mama. He’s my best friend.

She sets her yarn and knitting needles next to her, moving mine out of the way as well, climbing into my lap for a cuddle. I turn her toward me, so she can see my signs.

No, he isn’t coming home early. He did say he missed you though. What he asked is if we want to fly in a plane to see him for a couple of days. Is that something you would want to do?

Haven’s smile is so broad now. She is so excited, she forgoes signing as her curls are bouncing this way and that, as she nods her head vigorously. I just laugh, thankful she’s letting me off the hook on the knitting session this evening. Pun intended. I explained to her that we will talk more about it when Amara gets home from work tonight.

Haven runs to her room, bringing out her bracelet making kit, to start making some bracelets for some of his teammates. The last time we all had dinner together and Haven had seen that Atlas was still wearing the bracelet she made him,he told her all the guys were jealous. She told him to tell the guys not to worry, because she has plenty of charms and thread.

We are on the twelfth bracelet by the time Amara gets home, completely forgetting to start on dinner. She does her usual greeting then goes to her room to change out of her work clothes, then settles in next to us on the living room floor.