Tackled into Love

3 - Harriet

For the past week I had been trying to persuade Abbie to come with me to Northampton, mentioning that some of the rugby players from the actual Saints team would be there helping coach. 

Yes I was basically trying to blackmail my friend with the idea of good looking men, but she needed it.

"Come on Abs! You need to get out more, you have your job and us but you need more social interaction. And just imagine the nights out we could have! They have a small childcare centre there which means they can look after George at any time!"

It was the night before I was supposed to head up north, and I honestly didn't want to go without her. We are partners in crime no matter what or where we are. I was trying to pack my suitcase whilst Abbie packed Georges, and yes I say trying because my main focus is on persuading that woman to do her job online for a bit and come join me.

"Where would I stay though? You and George have a suite booked which is perfect for you two, but there's no space for me. And I don't have the money or time to go and stay with you."It seemed like every time there was an idea, she had an excuse.

"The is a lie! I already called up Jake, and he said you can take the time off, and he was even willing to cover for you as long as he could get in touch with you to ask questions."

For reference, Jake was Abbies business partner and  total sweetheart. They had met in university and become best friends, and from that started their own business together. I love the man, he helps Abbie and myself when we need it, and doesn't bat an eyelash if Abbie needs to run out to help me. 

"You spoke to Jake?"

"Yep! So whats going to happen now is, you're going to pack your suitcase and make sure your Nissan is okay to drive us all up to Northampton."

She looked exasperated at my explanation and left the room without a word. I knew deep down she appreciated the time off, but she would never admit it. She was too proud for her own good.

By the time I had packed both mine and Georges suitcases it was 10:30, and I knew for a fact I would find the little one passed out on the sofa. What I wasn't expecting was to see Abbie curled up around him, they had been watching one of Georges Disney movies before falling asleep. I didn't have the heart to move them, so I left them on the couch to sleep peacefully. 

Making my way to bed, I let my mind wander. Going up North was a big deal for me, and I had made sure it wouldn't happen unless it was for my career or for George. One big half of my heart had left me and moved there, and I was terrified at the possibility that I would see him again. Let alone the possibility that he would see George. That was something neither of us needed right now. By the time I was under the covers, my mind had fully drifted back to Dubai, and my dreams consisted heavily of that.

--

By the time we had packed the car and were on the road it was 6am, and Abbie was in a pissy mood. She had never been a very good morning person, and for that alone I was driving until lunch. George was sat in his car seat in the back reading a book, and Abbie was passed out against the window. The only thing I hoped for right now was for good weather, driving in the rain is the worst.

Nothing exciting normally happened on the road, you had the occasional i***t who thought he was a race-car driver, but otherwise it was boring, and the only conversation I currently had was with my 4 year old. I loved it, he would talk about his movies and tv shows, and then I would ask about his book and his face would light up. I sometimes think that he prefers reading to anything else, and it honestly makes me so happy. You see some kids nowadays and all they have with them is an iPad and headphones, but George would always ask for at least 4 books, some paper and pencils. 

Honestly the trip wasn't that fun, and we were so happy to make it to the hotel. George had fallen asleep an hour ago and remained so, Abbie picked him up whilst I went for the bags. And by the time we made it up to the suite George had drooled slightly, meaning he was officially out for the count. 

"Are we going out tonight?" It was Abbie from her room.

"I don't think I will be. I've got early start tomorrow to meet the coaching team, and I am so tired from the driving." I had made my way into her room and laid on her bed, disrupting the mountain of pillows on it. "You wanna stay in, drink, and watch a crappy movie or show?"

Abbie immediately threw the rest of her suitcase down and jumped on the bed, an immediate answer. With a light chuckle I moved to the mini-bar and got out the small bottles whilst Abbie searched the TV for something to watch. The night consisted of us laughing and chilling, both falling asleep on her bed, still in our clothes. It was all I needed, relaxing instead of stressing about the all male coaching team I'm about to step into.