Mastermind /// J. Olson

5 🎭

March 12, 2023

Dallas' POV

Cody and Christian came back to my place with me after today's game and I finished packing for Texas.

"When do you leave again," Cody asks.

"I leave Wednesday morning. Jackson's gonna pick me up at the airport," I say, folding a shirt.

"When do you get back," Christian asks.

"I come back Monday night. They have an off day on Sunday so Jackson and I are gonna spend the day together."

"Are you excited to meet the guys," Cody asks.

"Yeah, I am. And they're excited to meet me."

"That's good."

I zip up my suitcase and grab my carry-on.

"Cody, can you hand me my boots," I ask him.

He hands me my cowboy boots and I put them in my bag.

"Why are you packing so much? You're only gonna be there for the weekend," he chuckles.

"How much does Chase pack when you guys go on trips," I retort.

He shuts his mouth and Christian laughs.

"Look, I need to take some options if Jackson takes me out after one of the games or if he possibly proposes, which is why I'm going to get my nails done tomorrow since we have the day off."

"How are you gonna play with nails," Christian asks.

"I'm getting short nails. I just need them to look good for the weekend."

I finish packing my carry-on and put it with my suitcase.

"What time is your flight on Wednesday," Cody asks.

"Ten. The guys don't get in until closer to noon, so I'm taking a later flight," I reply.

He nods and gathers his things.

"I'm gonna head out. I gotta meet my girls for dinner," he says.

"Later, Cody."

He leaves and I flop on my bed with a huff.

"You alright," Christian asks.

"Yeah. I'm just tired."

"You sure that's all?"

"Jackson and I knew that doing long distance wouldn't be easy and I think it's taking a bigger toll on me than I thought."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not as happy when we're apart and everybody can tell."

"I hadn't noticed."

"Well, I did and so did Cody, Nico, Dansby, and Tucker."

"What does Jackson say about it?"

"I haven't told him."

"Dal."

"He's got enough to worry about and he got upset that I didn't tell him that I twisted my ankle while playing with Cooper last month."

"Promise me you will tell him this weekend."

"I will. I promise."

"Good and if I find out you didn't."

"I'm gonna tell him. Relax."

"Good."

I rub my hands over my face and sit up.

"Is anything else bothering you," he asks.

"Ask me again tomorrow," I mutter.

"I'll take that as a yes. Do you need to vent?"

"Maybe."

"What's going on?"

"It's probably just my usual pre-season anxiety and my anxiety about meeting Jackson's teammates this week."

"You'll be fine."

"The last time we did meet the teammates was when Jackson met Aaron."

"It's gonna be fine."

"I hope so."

"Dallas, look at me."

I look at Christian and he leans forward to rub my leg.

"You're gonna go to Texas and you're gonna have the time of your life. You know I'm right," he says.

"Yeah, I do."

"Good."

I smile and he squeezes my knee.

"Just relax and everything will be fine."

I nod and sigh. Christian pulls me in for a hug and rubs my back.

"I'm gonna head out. Let me know when you land in Texas," he says.

"I will."

He grabs his stuff and leaves. I finish getting everything ready for Texas and get some dinner, going to bed around nine.