Page 72 of Zone Protection

My phone rings, and I see Emma’s name on the screen. I’m sitting alone right now, and the team is still loud, so no one is paying attention to me.

“Hey, baby. I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“Hey, no, not at all. I’ve been waiting for you to call. I did something crazy.”

“Crazier than that time I caught you talkin’ to the toaster and chanting, ‘Come on, toaster. I know you can do it’?”

“How embarrassing. I was late to class and needed to get some food in my belly. I thought you were still asleep.”

“I was hovering in the corner, waiting to see which inanimate object you’d talk to next.”

Her laugh echoes through the phone, and I find I’m smiling like a fool, just listening to her.

“God, I miss you.”

“Well, that’s good to hear because … I’m actually here!” she squeals.

“You’rehere? As inhere in Miamihere?”

“I couldn’t get a room at the hotel you’re in, but I’m, like, one block away. I know you have some stuff to do with the team, but if you can sneak over after, I would love to celebrate with you!”

“Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me? I would have gotten you seats with the families of the team.”

“It was a last-minute decision, and I didn’t want to ruin any game-day rituals you have. You get all caveman when I’m around, and I knew you’d be focused on where I was sitting and if I was okay?—”

“I can’t believe you came to Miami.”

“It was weird. I was sitting in my parents’ house and telling them about your big game when it dawned on me that I should be with you. I’ve never done anything spontaneous like this. Ever.”

“Ever?” I ask her, knowing full well there was a time a few short months ago when she was very spontaneous.

“Okay, well, not hop-on-a-flight-to-Miami spontaneous.”

“Darlin’, you just made my day ten times better than it already was!” I laugh.

She giggles. “Well, I’m glad. I wanted to be here for you. This is a big deal, and I couldn’t miss it or the chance to wear your jersey at an actual game.”

“Fuck me. I can’t wait to see you in it.”

“I sent you a picture. Did you get it?”

“Not the same. Not the same at all.”

“Okay, well, lucky for you, you’ll get to see it in person! Do you know what time you can come over, or do you want me to meet you somewhere? Livi and Mia are here with me, but they have their own room. They’re planning on heading out to the bars soon.”

“Fuck. There’s an event when we get back to the hotel. I wish you could come with me; it’s for the team and our families. I had to give them a list beforehand, but I’m sure I could add you on if you want to come. I would love it if you did. My entire family is here, and my parents got a suite. We plan to head back to their room after the dinner event thing. I would really like for you to meet them.”

“I definitely want to meet your parents. Why don’t you go to the banquet and I can meet you all after? Does that work?”

“Really? You’ll come meet them? My mom is going to lose it. I apologize in advance for any smothering or my crazy brothers.”

“Why don’t you celebrate with your team for a bit? While the girls get ready to go, I’m gonna rest first because the travel and the excitement of the game was a lot. But I can’t wait to meet your family. And, Archie, I’m so excited for you! I’m glad I could get here to see it.”

“Me too, darlin’. I’ll just text you when we’re wrapping up.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll be waiting.” She makes a kiss sound and disconnects.

The next few hours are going to be brutal. I want to see my family and spend time with the team, but I really want to go see my girl too.

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