End Game

Finding The Source

SPENCER

Olivia and I had spent so much time worrying about the future these days that we forgot to live in the present. We forgot how lucky we were to be together, despite all of our history.

It was finally our summer break and I was planning on spending all my free time with my girl.

"Hey, Babe there's this play that I want to see this weekend. It's called La Vida Loca."

She talked while reading what I assume were the reviews on the play, in true Olivia Baker style.

"Well, I hope it's on Saturday because we have Sunday practice with the guys," I replied, as I finished packing up.

She immediately frowned, looking dejected.

"Weekdays and Sundays showings only. It's okay, I'll find something else to do."

"Baby, don't... I'm sorry I can't make it but don't miss the chance to see something you want just because I'm unavailable. Go with a friend!" I told her.

I felt extremely guilty and was trying hard not to let it show, so I needed to convince her to still go.

"It's fine, don't worry." She replied.

"Liv..."

I looked at her pointedly for a long minute.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

I nodded my head and leaned in to kiss her before heading out. Practices were supposed to be over in a week, so I would finally have time to be present for her.

The past few weeks after our conversation were hard, to say the least. We went to therapy together and tried unpacking our pain regarding the loss of our baby while navigating through Liv's most recent trauma. It was made so clear to me that we were far from being on the same page when it came to this particular matter.

I believed we were going to better deal with our grief by focusing on the positive sides of our lives, but it seemed like it wasn't the case for Olivia. She wanted and needed to talk about it, to express it more to be able to fully move on. It hit me like a wave to see that we were going to have to be patient with one another.

After practice, Jordan and I stayed back for another hour to put in some gym work. We were supposed to stay longer but he had plans with Layla, and I didn't feel like training alone.

"Why don't you surprise Liv at the theater? I'm sure she'll love it."

"I don't want to spoil her fun. She probably went with a friend, so she'd feel like she has to be with me."

"Who did she go with by the way?" Jordan asked me.

We were walking back to the parking lot, our gym bags in hand.

"I didn't ask. Must be Patience since Layla is busy tonight."

"Patience is out of town to visit her folks, so I don't think it's her. And Coop went with her."

"Why did Coop go with her? Isn't she supposed to have a girlfriend?" I asked him.

"Beats me. Anyways, I gotta go. See you later!"

The whole drive home I wondered who Liv went with, because I was out of options in my mind, and the only person I could think of would be a surprising choice. At least to me.

After I took a shower, had dinner, and played through the channels to occupy my wandering mind, Olivia finally came home with her mysterious friend. And it was none other than Noah. Again.

Seeing them walk up to me while laughing at an inside joke was a way too bitter déjà vu that I would have preferred not having this soon.

"Oh, hey babe! You're home early!" She exclaimed.