The Wait Is Over

Which Way To Home?

When he woke up the next morning, Zach found himself to be severely hungover and in need of a slash. He went to the bathroom half-asleep and tried to pee, but only got himself wet. He looked down and saw one of the presents Naomi left him the previous evening. He took the condom off and cleaned himself and the bathroom floor up. He turned on the lights and found Naomi's thong lying next to the bed, with her juices fresh inside them. Zach tried to remember what happened the previous evening, put two and two together, and nearly screamed at what he believes occurred. He showered and changed, then went downstairs for breakfast, where he ran into Carli.

Carli: Morning, Zach. How has your time in Orlando been so far?

Zach (hesitantly): Fine, just fine.

Carli: Things OK with you and Julie?

Zach: Could be better, of course. Being together more of the year is great, but our seasons not really coinciding is a bit of a pain.

Carli: Maybe you can discuss that with her when you're both home next week.

Zach: We'll see.

Adam came down and grabbed a muffin and a cup of coffee. He worked his way around the lounge talking to some of the players and coaches he has had contact with this week. Zach asked Carli about him and was informed that he is a sports psychologist brought in by the league this week to work with the players and staff on dealing with off-field obstacles to their performance. Zach excuses himself and walks over to Adam.

Adam: Good morning. Don't believe we've met.

Zach: My name is Zach Ertz. I understand you're a sports psychologist.

Adam: Yes, I am. Do you need to talk?

Zach: It would be pretty helpful, if you have the time.

Adam: Since most of the teams here aren't doing formal training sessions at the Complex, I am working now out of my room here. Would you care to come upstairs so we could meet?

Zach: Sure.

Zach and Adam take the stairs up to their floor and go to Adam's room. After opening it, Adam shepherds Zach inside and closes the door behind them.

Adam: Take a seat. What brings you to need my help?

Zach: I think I did something really, really bad last night and I don't know if I should tell my wife about it or how to do so.

Adam knows a LOT of the background to where Zach, Julie, and Christen are at at the moment, but keeps the information to himself while seeking to address Zach's dilemma.

Adam: Describe last night to me.

Zach: I'm not sure I even remember parts of it. I came to Orlando on Wednesday hoping to spend some time with Julie down here because the Charge would have a lighter schedule being out of the tournament. I found out after I landed that she went to Chicago for a funeral. I decided to stay here in town instead of trying to re-book a flight back to Philly. Some of the players knew I was around, so one of them called me yesterday to ask if I wanted to join them at the Hard Rock Hotel for dinner and drinks.

Adam: I'm guessing they're players that are friends with Julie or know her from the National Team.

Zach: Yes. Ashlyn Harris was the one who invited me, and Ali Krieger and Alex Morgan were also there with them, along with a local friend of Alex's.

Adam: Continue.

Zach: We were having a lot of fun, and Alex's friend was practically hitting on me. I don't remember how much I drank, but it must have been more than usual, because I was having trouble walking out of the bar. When the five of us got outside, there were a couple of local media guys inquiring about our evening. We walked past them as fast as we could and Ashlyn drove me back to the hotel. I don't remember much beyond that, but I woke up in my own bed naked, with a condom on my penis and someone's panties lying on the floor next to the bed.