But they were steps. Can’t go from shit communication to expert levels without practice.
Lots and lots of practice.
Mia
Chicago, July 31, 2015
As soon as Bridgette and the boys left to go to the park, Mia raced upstairs to change into her running gear. Bridgette had returned late yesterday from her vacation and Mia was so damn happy. She needed a run—a serious long distance one, the kind she couldn’t take her sons on. She got changed and before she attached her phone to her armband, Mia checked her messages and smiled upon seeing one from Ethan.
They’d been talking a lot more these last few days, usually late at night, right before he went to bed. Training camp had been brutal this past week—insanely hot temperatures, well into the hundreds, plus high humidity. She heard his exhaustion but it didn’t stop them from talking—either via text, phone, or Skype. He asked her all about stuff from her past. He asked about Tom, her creepy old boss, and the early days with the band. She knew what he was doing. They were practicing on the easier admissions before they discussed their relationship.
She was thankful for it.
Though … she wanted to continue having these talks in person, laying by his side. When she went for her appointment next week, Mia planned on staying at their house—not Luke’s.
Sliding her finger over his message, she opened and then read it.
Ethan
July 31, 2015, 9:36 AM
Skype date. Tonight. 1000 pm. Clothing optional.
A laugh bubbled out of her mouth at that text as she set about responding.
Clothing optional?
I’ll take you whatever way I can, suga. With clothes or without.
How about you talk me outta them?
I CANNOT wait until 10!
She left it like that and attached her phone in the armband. The thought of this upcoming Skype call had her hoping this day went fast.
The moment Mia turned the doorknob, the doorbell rang. Mia didn’t have enough time to register it before opening the door.
Before her stood a tall, beautiful blonde. Mia took a step back, a death grip on the door, as she realized who was standing in front of her.
Kristen.
The women were silent as they stared at each other. Kristen was dressed to impress while Mia had on her baggiest running clothes. Another reason that woman made her feel inferior.
“May I come in?” Kristen asked. Mia didn’t want that. She didn’t want that woman in her house but her curiosity as to what Kristen wanted had her stepping back and letting her in. Mia walked down the hallway to the dining room and stood in front of the wall with all their family pictures so Kristen had to look at that when she spoke to her.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I’m a reporter. It’s my job.”
“Why are you here?”
“I was at the Flash Headquarters yesterday and overheard a conversation between Ethan and his friend, Luke. I, uh, knew what they were talking about.”
“You fucking my husband.”
Kristen visibly winced at Mia’s words, but she took a deep breath and continued on. “Yeah … that’s why I’m here. Ethan wasn’t taking my calls and I didn’t want to force the issue. If he wanted to forget then fine. If he told you, that was up to him. That wasn’t my decision. But when I realized he had said something to you and you were apart, I knew I had to talk to you to tell you what I knew.”
“And what do you know?” Mia asked hesitantly, not sure if she wanted to hear whatever Kristen had to say.
“I’m sorry. I truly am and I hate—”
“Please. Just answer my question,” Mia shouted.
“Ethan and I didn’t have sex that night,” Kristen said, the words spilling out of her mouth.
“What?” Mia dumbly said. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Ethan didn’t have sex with Kristen. Shaking her head, she didn’t know what to say or think.
“I realize it’s a shock to you. I’ll try my best to explain.”
Yes, please do, Mia thought.
“From the moment, Ethan walked into the conference room for the interview, I could tell something was eating at him. So after it was over, I asked him to join me for a drink. He drank so much—more than I’d ever seen—and I joined him. I hate admitting this, but I kissed him first. He responded and then we were … umm …”
“Don’t spare me. Just tell it!” Mia said, not liking what she was hearing.
Kristen nodded her head and continued. “We were kissing and things were getting heated.