I mean, not the whole time. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks, thinking of the hours we had to ourselves. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by my friends, who both shot me knowing looks, though stayed mum. Most of the day Saturday was spent together and they all flew out around noon yesterday, but because of Derrick’s game, I had to ride things out without him for a few hours.
And how was that ?
Honestly… it was okay, I admitted. I obviously hadn’t expected it, and had kind of pumped myself up to be cheering in the stands alone, but it wasn’t as awkward as I thought it’d be. His parents were super sweet, especially his mom, since his dad was definitely more on the quiet side, but my parents also helped fill the silence. And then at the game, we ended up being led to the box with other families of the players.
Harper’s eyes widened. No way.
Way. I took a long gulp of my coffee. There were wives and girlfriends, and other player’s kids. And to be honest, it was a little intimidating at first. Once the game started though, most people turned their attention to what was happening down on the ice.
Well, just be glad this all happened out in LA, Harper said, because if you were getting that VIP treatment when he’d been playing for the Knights, I might’ve grown insanely jealous. Or bugged you to take me along to all the games as your plus one.
Ditto, Esme added, and I laughed.
Since when does a plus one get a plus one ? Or two ?
We would’ve figured it out, Harper mused before her features softened. But since we don’t have to worry about that… we just need to know that flying out there was worth it.
It was worth it. Flashes from the weekend replayed in my head. Definitely.
The only downside ?
That after a weekend where Derrick had managed to wiggle his way even closer to my heart, we were almost three thousand miles apart, and I had no idea when we’d be able to see each other again.
That first week back in Boston had been a big one for me, with my interview for the Harvard lecturer position barreling toward me all too fast. I’d been buzzing with nerves, but keeping to his word, Derrick called me on Tuesday night after an afternoon game-the first of three on the team’s south east road trip. His voice alone had managed to settle my mind, and in the hours that followed, he acted as a sounding board, listening while I went over details of the job, my qualifications, and sample interview questions. It was extremely helpful, and come the following day, it’d paid off.
Sitting in front of two members of the department whom I’d met sporadically over the course of my studies, I’d appeared confident and knowledgeable. Like someone who was ready to step into this role and knock it out of the park.
And clearly they’d thought so too, because I’d been told a few days later that I was moving on the final phase of the hiring process. It included various faculty members sitting in on the last few lessons of my undergraduate class, watching and making notes as I wrapped up the material, which was stressful. Any time a student raised their hand, I had a small panic before they spoke, wondering if I’d be able to properly answer their questions or clarify the material, but I’d gotten through it.
Which left me in a holding pattern, waiting for the department to evaluate the other candidates before they came to a decision. So, I reverted my focus back to my defense, because even though it wasn’t an official part of the hiring process, I had a feeling they’d wait until they saw my presentation before I received an answer.
Making it all more important for me to nail it.
Though I did make sure I didn’t let it take over my life. I still saw my friends, talked to my family, and, despite the time difference, managed to keep my relationship with Derrick alive and well.
We never went a day without catching up, whether that be over text or FaceTime, and when I got the news I’d made it further in the interview process, he’d sent me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. So, when the end of March rolled around and the Royals managed to snag a guaranteed spot in the playoffs, I figured I needed to repay the favor.
And what was the equivalent of flowers for men in a long-distance relationship ?
Phone sex.
It’d been completely new to me, but once the idea of it popped into my head, I’d gotten a thrill at the notion of trying it.
Derrick hadn’t known what I had planned, and when he answered the FaceTime call, only to see me in a new lingerie set, his jaw had damn near fallen to the ground. Though his surprise didn’t last long. Wide eyes quickly filled with lust, and through the entire experience, he’d been patient with me. Using his deep, compelling voice to instruct me to move like he wanted-slowly and laid out for his viewing pleasure-getting us both off after a tortuous build up.
And after finally hanging up, there was a redness to my cheeks as I bit my lip, coming to the realization that I’d actually gone through with it as the aftershocks of pleasure coursed through my veins.
Evidently my body had thoroughly enjoyed the experience, because when the next day came, I still felt like I had an extra spring in my step as I walked into the office I shared with Miles.
Morning.
He sat at his desk, riffling through a freshly printed stack of papers, only turning at the sound of my voice. Morning, he replied with a tentative smile.
I quirked a brow. I take it you’re nervous ?
Wearing a pair of navy slacks, a white dress shirt, and a blue patterned tie, he exhaled slowly, relaxing back into his chair. A little, he admitted. Today was the big day for him. In less than twenty minutes he’d start presenting his defense to a few selected members of the department, and I was planning to sit in the back of the room as a silent cheerleader. After all, we’d worked together and leaned on one another in a work sense for the last five years, and it only made sense to be there for him now that it was all coming to an end. I’ve been over this presentation so many times, I have it memorized, but while I’ve tried to come up with an answer to any possible question I could get asked, I’m still expecting a curveball or two.
You’re going to do great, I said encouragingly.
Rubbing his hands together, he said, Let’s hope so. Collecting his papers, he slipped them into his messenger bag, along with his laptop, before slinging the strap over his shoulder. You coming ?
You go ahead, I replied, I’ll follow in a few minutes. Room 1025, right ?
He nodded. Just don’t be late.
I won’t be.
As he left to go set up, I opened up my email and typed out a few quick responses to students who’d reached out for help on the problem set I’d assigned the day before, but before long, I was logging off and making my way downstairs.
The sign asking for total silence was already taped to the door, though it was still ajar as I slipped inside, giving Miles one last reassuring glance before the last professor entered the room. With everyone accounted for, I took a seat in the back corner of the room and watched the presentation commence.