December 10, 2021
Thursday evening, Marc and Sarah talked and he got her Convention clothes packed. After completing that task and locking up her apartment, Marc went downstairs to his and did his requisite packing, telling Sarah what he would be bringing for their date night and the All-America banquet. He also mentioned the couples' gathering suggested by Casey.
Sarah: Did you see any of the other matches today?
Marc: Saw the two from Wisconsin after getting back here from campus. Plan to catch the pair from Austin once we hang up. Ally and I are hoping to make it to the hotel by 7, with Casey and the kids coming in around 10.
Sarah: I'm glad you're coming, because some of the younger players didn't really handle well the noise Purdue's student section was generating during what portion of their match against Minnesota we watched.
Marc: Nothing like William and Mary, I hope.
Sarah: Similar decibel level, but without the vulgarity.
Marc: Thanks for the warning. Think they'll need some prepping prior to Saturday's match?
Sarah: I'm sure that will come up during film review and practice tomorrow.
Marc: You've had a long and tiring day, I bet. Not trying to cut this short, just making sure we BOTH get a decent night's sleep. I love you, Sarah.
Sarah: I love you, too, baby.
Marc stayed up for the last two matches of the day, with wins by Nebraska (over Illinois) and Texas (over BYU) sending the Cornhuskers and Longhorns into the last regional final on Saturday night (10pm), which will be preceded by Purdue vs. James Madison (4pm), Louisville vs. Georgia Tech (6pm), and Wisconsin vs. Creighton (8pm). After turning off the TV, he went into the bedroom, then set the alarm on his clock radio for 6:30am so he could go to Plecker and Godwin prior to Ally's arrival at the latter at 8:45. Following the completion of the daily crossword on his desk calendar, Marc turned out the lights and grabbed the pillow on the other side of his bed, breathing in Sarah's scent and holding it like he would her were she there.
***
Marc and Ally got on their way out of Harrisonburg just after 9am. The first couple of hours were a bit quiet as both thought of how to break the ice beyond just chit-chat or talking about their loves. Around 11:45, Ally pulled off I-64 just past Beckley, WV to fill her Toyota's tank and to allow her and Marc to stretch a bit. Once those tasks were complete, they got back on the interstate and continued heading north and west toward their destination. Checking his phone for messages, Marc saw he had a few, then read and responded to them.
QueenB: Hope you're making good time. Sarah misses you and the sooner you get here, the sooner Savannah and I can be alone.
CoachLauren: Sarah is free to join us "adults" after-hours. Casey or I will message you and her once the kids are settled and asleep.
CoachCasey: Just leaving Harrisonburg. How far out are you at the moment?
SarahSmile: We're practicing at 1, then do press following it. Can't wait to see you, my love. <3
KickFromTheMarc: B, doing the best we can. I miss her, too, and will be more than happy to get her out of your hair once I'm there.
KickFromTheMarc: Casey, we're about 15 minutes east of Charleston, so maybe 3 hours or so ahead. Lauren cleared having Sarah at our late-night get-together.
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