Page 52 of After Hours Lectures

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Not a problem. Don’t worry about anything except your family.” I was already opening my laptop to look for flights.

“Great, thank you. She’s not due for two more weeks, so we weren’t prepared for this. I can call the hotel and have the room switched to your name.”

“Only if you have time.”

“I’ll have Manda do it.”

“Do what?” she groaned in the background.

I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not.

“I’ll text you the info,” Jack said without answering his wife.

“All right. Thanks. And congrats again.”

“Thank you.”

My computer booted up, and I went straight to the site I used to book my flights. One left for Santa Ana, California, at seven in the morning with a short layover in Charlotte, North Carolina. Checking the Bruins’ schedule, I saw that the game was at 7:30 p.m. and that would give me enough time to rent a car and find a hotel in case the one Jack had booked didn’t pan out.

I contemplated surprising Tyler, but after looking up how far away Anaheim was from San Diego, I thought better of it. I sent a text to him:

I’m coming to California to cover the Ducks game tomorrow. Could you meet up with me?

I left my office and went to my bedroom to pack. A few minutes later, my phone chimed with a reply.

Maybe. I’d have to see if I can use my dad’s car

Me: I’m renting a car and can pick you up. You could stay with me in my hotel and I can drive you back before my flight home? I’ll book a late one out

It was a lot of driving, but if that was the only way I could see him, I didn’t care.

After a few minutes, he replied:

Yeah. I’ll just tell my parents I’m going to hang with my friends

It stung a little seeing him say I was a friend, but I understood. It sucked, but I got it, and was counting down the days until we could tell everyone we were together.

Me: Ok. I’ll fly in and out of San Diego and we can drive to Anaheim for the game. You can come as press and shoot the game too. It will be good practice, so bring your camera

TS: Sweet. I’d love that!

Me: A little after hours lecture ??

TS: The best kind of lecture ??

I chuckled and replied:

I’ll send you my flight details soon

TS: Ok cool. Can’t wait. I miss you

His last three words put a smile on my face.

Me: I miss you too baby

TS: You’re making me want to video call you again