Page 35
Story: Ball For Me
Chapter 34
Shawn
T he lump in my throat is permanent at this point. I have texted. I have called. I sent flowers.
For the third time this week, I pull into the cottage driveway. I slam my hand down on the wheel. I would show up more if I didn’t have to still report to practice, which is bullshit. All week long, I’ve been constantly calling Millie, Liam, Bouch, and Soph for updates.
They all just keep saying to give her time, but what if she never wants to see me again? From what I’ve heard and the small glimpses I’ve seen, she is a shell, walking around aimlessly, drifting from one day to the next. She needs to find her way to get back to neutral before she can take on anything else, and I understand that. She needs this time, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
I pull my shoulders back as if I need to physically expose my heart that has been shredded this week. I literally spoke with Mimi days ago about marrying Lee. Mimi would have told her what was going on and she would've supported her, supported us. I felt somewhat okay when Liam told me that Millie was taking Lee to Mimi’s for a few days, and he was going to check on the dogs. Stopping myself from diminishing my NBA career right then and there to go back and talk to Lee, I felt at peace that at least she would be with Mimi.
I scheduled a flight out of Atlanta for the second the game was over. Calling anyone I could on the way to the airport, but nothing. I called Liam again until Millie finally answered.
“Hello, Shawn.”
“Millie? Where is Lee? Can I talk to her? Can I see her? I’ll be back by the morning. I’m catching a flight in the next thirty minutes.”
She lets out a slow breath that makes it feel like minutes before she responds.
“We’re all at Mimi’s.” She finally says.
“I dropped her off here a few hours ago…”
I interrupt from my impatience and persistence in talking to Lee.
“I know, Liam let me know. I will be there soon. Tell her it isn’t what it seems, I just… fuck Mils. I want to marry this girl someday, and I had a connection back in Dallas for the perfect ring.” She gasps.
“Oh, Shawn. That is amazing, and you will have to tell her, but now is not the time.”
“What?” I hold the phone away from my ear and look at it. Like somehow it was the phone’s fault for saying the wrong thing.
“Are you joking? The woman I love more than anything in this world feels like I have left her in the dark and lied to her. When would be a good time to explain I was just trying to spend the rest of my life with her?” I suggest, as if she is crazy.
“Maybe after she can stop throwing up from walking into the cottage and finding Mimi gone.”
I drop my phone. The fuck did she just say? I pick up my phone. Surely, I didn’t hear her right.
“I’m sorry. Like she is away for a festival this week?”
That is the only logical thing, meaning she is gone. Right?
“No, Shawn. She was here. In her chair, but she passed. I had my windows down on my car and was barely down the road when I heard Lee scream.”
Shit. Tears start pouring down my face as I make my way through the middle of the airport. I know there are more camera guys following me after the crap in Dallas went down, so I pull the top of my cap down over my face as I stop and take a seat at the nearest gate.
“No.”
“Yes, Shawn. The Harrises’ are on their way. Liam is here with me and Lee. I have already let them know I will get everything taken care of. I’m about to head to the store to get food for everyone.”
I nod, as I can’t swallow anymore or find my voice. Lee’s world is shattered, and the people she relied on most for support are no longer there.
“Thanks, Mils. Can you keep me updated? I need to see her. Please.”
“Sure, Shawn.” I hang up the call, bury my palms in my eyes, and weep in the middle of Dallas Love Field.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35 (Reading here)
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47