Right Place, Wrong Time

53. Facing Fears

Joey wasn't sure how he made it through the next few weeks after Lauren went home, full of anticipation at seeing her over spring break, and now that it was right around the corner he could think of little else. Unfortunately, in the interest of student budget, he was catching a late night flight, so he was napping in the middle of the day when he was awoken by his phone ringing. Bleary eyed, he picked it up, and answered Lauren's FaceTime call.

"Shit, did I wake you up?" she said immediately.

"Not at all," he said, pushing himself up in bed.

She smiled. "Your hair looks good."

He smoothed the bad case of bed hair down, grabbing his glasses from his nightstand and sliding them on his face so he could focus better.

"How are you?" she asked.

"Regretting booking a red eye just because it's cheaper."

Her smile turned sympathetic. "What time do you need me to pick you up?"

"No," he said.

"Come on, Joey."

"I don't mind getting a cab, Lo, it's gonna be really late. Or early. Whichever."

"Tell me," she said, that typical stubborn edge creeping into her voice. "Or I'll just wait at the airport all night."

They stared at each other, stalemate. Joey broke first. "I'm supposed to get in at 3am, but you really don't have to-"

"Done," she said. "Maybe I should have a nap too."

"Probably," he grinned. "But you only have to drive there. I'll drive back."

"Joey-"

"Otherwise no deal. I'll get Julia to hide your car keys."

"Fine," she sighed.

"Thank you." He was worried enough about her driving to him that late, but he knew he wouldn't be able to talk her out of it, and he had to admit he was eager to see her as soon as possible when he landed.

"I'm really excited to see you," she said softly.

"Me too, Lolo."

"You'll be here..."

"Tomorrow," he smiled, understanding her disbelief.

"Tomorrow," she repeated, smiling even wider.

"You think you'll be able to nap?"

"Maybe," she said, though she didn't sound particularly convinced or eager to try, so he stayed on the phone with her a little longer, until her video paused.

"Shit, sorry, Julia called me," she said. "I have to go help her bring in groceries."

"No problem. Promise me you'll try to nap after that."

"Not all of us are skilled nappers, Joey," she said.

"Okay, okay," he conceded.

"I'll be fine," she promised. "Have a good flight. I'll see you soon."

"See you, Lo."

Unable to get back to sleep now, he checked his bags again. Everything in order, he went downstairs to make himself food, though he already hoped to get some of Lauren's cooking again while he was with her.

As luck would have it, Brian was flying home on the same day he was, several hours earlier, but Joey took a ride with him to the airport anyway. He said goodbye to Brian at his gate before heading to his own, settling in for the wait and hoping to finally finish the book Lauren recommended.