No Place Like Us || e.d.

- 35 -

Ethan's POV

The following morning at practice, coach broke the news that we're gonna be traveling around the country for a while. What player needs an education anyway?

I just got engaged to the woman I had always pictured myself spending the rest of my life with. My kids have a father figure. But now, I'm going to be gone for who knows how long.

"We leave tomorrow morning at 7am. Be at the airport by 6 so that we can all check in at the same time."

"Why don't we get a charter bus?" Grayson asked.

"A plane is quicker." our coach replied.

"How you gonna break it to your little girlfriend?" Anthony smirked.

"Keep my family out of your fucking mouth." I snapped.

Grayson walked over to me and pulled me back. I turned around and shoved my stuff into my locker.

"How are you going to tell her?" Grayson asked.

"I don't know."

"I'm sure she'll be understanding of it. It's your passion, she left for you to pursue it."

"And if she's not?"

"Quit being so pessimistic. It's annoying."

Nikki's POV

"Oh, hey you." I said as Ethan walked into the room.

"Where are the kids?"

"My parents said they wanted to spend time with them, so they're spending the night at their house."

He pulled me in for a hug and dug his face into my neck.

"Is everything okay?" I got out of his embrace.

"No."

"What's wrong? Did something happen at practice?"

He sighed.

"Ethan."

"Our team's gonna be playing around the country. I don't know how long I'm gonna be gone."

I was in a little shock. I didn't think this was what he was upset about. I thought he got into a fight with Grayson or something.

"What?" I asked.

"I'm sorry."

"Ethan, don't apologize. It's okay."

"No it's not. You're probably only saying that because this is something I've always wanted to do."

"It's fine."

Ethan's POV

I don't think it's actually fine.

"Tell me the truth. Are you okay with this?"

"Part of me is upset, but the other part of me is understanding. I'm upset because you're gonna be gone and we don't know how long you're gonna be gone. But that other part of me is understanding. I don't want to be the reason you're passing up on this adventure."

"Come with me then."

"I can't." she rubbed my cheek, "this is where I have to be right now. The kids aren't gonna do so well if they travel. They wouldn't do so well without neither one of their parents around for who knows how long either. Plus they've just adapted to being out of the city and into this new environment. I can't just strip them of that now. And I need to find a job to help pay for everything."

"But I don't wanna go. If it means not being home with you three then I don't wanna go."

"Bup, you'll have Grayson."

"It's not the same. I can't hold him in my arms and all that cheesy couple stuff we do. I mean... I can but it would just be weird. A little incestuous actually."

"The kids and I will be fine back here."

"I don't want to leave you guys behind."

"We'll be fine. We're here before you leave, and we'll be here when you come back."

"Promise me. Promise you're not gonna run off again."

"I have no reason to leave this time."

I sighed, "Will you help me pack?"

"Of course." she smiled. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Nikki's POV

By the time we finished packing, it was almost 9:30pm. We walked into the bathroom and got ready for bed.

"Go to sleep. You have to be up early tomorrow." I said.

"I'm just gonna miss my fiancé so much." he laid down next to me.

I smiled.

"I'm gonna miss my fiancé too." I rubbed his cheek with my thumb.

The following morning, I woke up before he did and brushed my teeth.

"Go back to sleep." he said and got himself ready.

"I had to say goodbye."

"Walk me out then?"

"I'm cold as fuck but sure."

I put one of his hoodies on and he smiled.

"What?"

"You look good in my sweater."

"Yeah well, if I didn't wear one, my nipples would be so cold they could cut diamonds right now."

"That's what I say."

"Your point?"

"I'm gonna miss your sass."

"Omigod. We have FaceTime. Quit being so overdramatic." I rolled my eyes.

I walked him to the door.

"I'll see you soon." he pecked me and held my waist.

"Love you."

"Love you, too. Tell the kids I said bye."

"Call me when you get to wherever you're stopping first, well, call me when you get to each of your destinations. I need to know you got there safely."

"Will do."

"Be safe please."

"Always." he smiled and walked downstairs.

I knew I wasn't gonna go back to sleep anytime soon so I made myself some breakfast.

Carpipatchi 👨🏻‍🏫: I'll miss you

Me: aww gray
I'll miss you too :')

Carpipatchi 👨🏻‍🏫: and don't worry, I'll make sure Ethan isn't cheating on you

Me: 😂😂
wow thanks

Carpipatchi 👨🏻‍🏫: be safe

Me: you too bup

Carpipatchi 👨🏻‍🏫: luvv u ♥️

Me: luvv u 2 ♥️