As he always does, being the best friend that he is.
His timing could use some work, though.
I’m equally frustrated and conflicted as I talk with him, knowing I was mere centimetres away from crossing that line.
A line I’ve vowed not to cross too many times already, and I’m feeling like that promise already is broken, knowing how I feel about her.
When I end the call, I call out to Lily, wanting to say something—anything—to her before I leave.
“I’m sorry about that. I have to leave now, but I’ll see you later?” I say, unsure how to act.
The moment is definitely ruined.
Gone is the sizzling tension, and in its place is an imaginary wall where her brother’s name is painted all over it.
Lily still seems upset by her brother, and my doubts have started creeping back in now that my arms aren’t holding her or smelling her intoxicating perfume.
“Yeah. I’ll see you later.”
~
I don’t get to see her later.
Our game is a total shit show, with crazy fans throwing things onto the field, interrupting the game several times as they must get rid of everything.
We’re playing a match against one of our traditional arch-rivals. These games tend to get ugly, especially in the stands.
I’m worried about Lily, hoping she’s seated in an area where she’s safe. I always insist she stay in the VIP boxes away from the craziness. But she, of course, wants the authentic football experience.
On days like this, I feel nervous, hoping she’ll be fine when I meet her later.
The madness reaches new heights when our team goes up into a two-goal lead, and I’m counting down the minutes until the final whistle blows.
The boos and the sound from the stands are loud in my ears, and I shake my head.
Just a few more minutes.
I need to get to Lily.
Due to increased security measures, we’ve been told we must travel back together as a team to ensure our safety. I’m not boarding that bus until I’ve seen Lily.
I send her a text and exhale when the three small dots start typing right away.
That’s a good sign.
Lily:I’m fine! It was crazy experiencing a game like that! What an adventure!
Of course she would look at this as one of her many adventures. Everything is an adventure to her.
I ask her where she’s located and make my way over to that part of the stands.
Fans are calling my name, and I sign autographs for those reaching out over the barricades.
I finally spot Lily; she’s gone down to the fence, still a few metres above me, but she looks as beautiful as she did before the game.
All snuggled up with her jacket and my jersey peeking out under.
“You alright?” I ask, and people around us start calling my name.