Breakthrough

Heartfelt

I decided to just ignore the notification for now and call her back later. I needed to focus. I was here for work and I needed to focus on work.

I went downstairs to meet Julie and some of the other staff before heading to the arena. And just my luck Jordan and some of the other players were standing in the lobby just outside the elevator.
"Hey, there she is!" Jordan said excitedly as I rolled my eyes.
"Woah man. She gave you the eyes," Kobe said slapping Jordan on the chest as I walked past the group of guys and to where Julie was standing.
"Are you ok?" Julie asked.
"To be honest, no," I admitted to her.
"What's going on?" She asked "is there anything I can do?"
"No, it's just. It's honestly just a shit show," I said to her.
"Yeah, I've had my fair share of those. C'mon lets go sit over here," Julie said walking toward two large chairs over in the corner of the lobby.
"Don't we have to leave?" I asked her sitting down and looking around.
"No, not for thirty more minutes. We have time," she added quickly. "You seem to have a lot on your mind and look like you need a stiff one."
"Yes and yes. Both are very true. But it's stupid. So don't worry about it," I said brushing it off.
"No, spit it out. I've seen this weird thing happening between you and Jordan. Gimme the scoop," she said leaning in closer toward me.
"Oh god you've noticed it?" I said sighing.
"Yeah, yeah I have. What's going on?" She asked.
"Ok, well Jordan invited me to this team get together thing at Blue Ribbon and he said that some of the team and staff get together all the time. So I was like yeah, I'll go."
"Uh huh," Julie said nodding.
"So, I get there and it's just me and Jordan and then he tells me that no one could make it. Everyone was too busy...so then we eat and talk and to be honest I had a good time."
"Right, he's a nice guy," Julie added.
"Yeah, exactly. But then we get outside and he keeps touching me and then he tries to kiss me. And I of course freak the hell out because I'm already with someone," I went on.
"Wow, didn't know he was so...bold?" Julie said surprised.
"Neither did I. So of course I pushed him away and told him to back off but of course there was someone there taking a picture of us and just my fucking luck, Blake saw it. And I went to his house all dressed up and ready to apologize but of course I was dumped on his door step. And now he keeps calling me and leaving voicemails telling me he wants to talk but I just can't bring myself to answer the phone or return his calls and his mom called me earlier but I can't even begin to think about that," I said nearly out of breath.
"That's a lot," Julie said.
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry I don't want to just rant to you. It isn't professional."
"Don't be sorry. I'm asking you as a friend. We're just having a conversation and there in nothing unprofessional about that," Julie said to me.
"Thanks Julie. I really appreciate that," I said to her.
"Of course. You know we have to stick together, especially when we're out here on the road. But, you should call him. Eventually. And his mom. Maybe she'll side with you."
"You think?" I ask her.
"Absolutely. Now, let's go. We have a game to win," she said patting my leg.

Surprisingly, we ended up with the win and I ended up with a text from Blake. He asked if I could talk and at the moment, I could not. Not to him at least. As I made it back to my hotel room I decided to give Gail a call back. As the first ring passed I just hoped nothing was wrong. I doubt Blake would tell her about us. It's just two soon and--
"Sophie. I'm glad you called me back sweetie," she said sounding relieved as she interrupted my thoughts.
"Hey Gail, is everything ok?" I ask her.
"I should be asking you that question. Now what on God's green earth has my son done to you?"
"Um, what do you mean?" I say nervously.
"He told me what happened. How he left you standing on his doorstep and shut the door in your face. You better know that I let him have it. He knows I raised him better than that. And believing all that nonsense. Something about you and some guy in a picture. Not even giving you the time of day to hear what you have to say about all of it. I just couldn't believe it," she said.
"I couldn't either. Really," I admitted to her.
"Has he tried to call you? He told me you're out of town."
"Yes, a couple of times. I've just been busy and just not really up to talking to him after what he did," I said to her.
"I don't blame you. But please Sophie, talk to him soon. He really cares about you, loves you in fact," she said as I blushed. I missed him. I really did.
"I will. I don't like thinking that I'm not ever going to see him again," I admit to her.
"Trust me, you'll see him again. And if I have to make sure of it I will. But, please call him honey. He may be stupid sometimes but his heart is in the right place."
"I know. Sometimes I feel like he's just put it in my hands for me to hold onto."