Week 1: Tuesday

Waking up at my alarm was never normal for me. In fact, since I went professional, I was waking up at 6 in the morning. However, for the past two years I've been waking up even earlier. Nightmares kicking my ass pretty much kept me from sleeping too long. So, most mornings I am up between 4 and 5 am. This morning was no different.

I've been thinking about last night all day. I wasn't expecting to have started a conversation that soon with Indie. Hell I didn't think I was going to give her my number either. Email is never my strong suit and like I told her, I only really check it for weekly updates from coach.

Speaking of coach, he's tearing into our asses. Apparently, we've been slacking during practice and with the first game of the on season on Sunday, we can't let it continue. "It's bad enough we have the media kicking Knight's ass. We don't need them talking about our shit players losing the first game of the season."

I roll my eyes at the mention of my media situation. I take off my shirt that's sticking to my body from the sweat. "I'm adding an extra work out for the rest of the week. You all are meant to be here from 6 to 9 until Sunday. Understand?"

"Yes Coach." We all say but let me tell you, none of us are ecstatic about the schedule change. Especially since I'm not even playing this season. That's the worse thing about this whole situation. I still go to practice, I still go to games, but I can't enjoy the thrill of the field on game day. It makes it feel like all this extra shit is pointless.

"See you'll on the field at 6. If one of you is late, you all run. Full pads boys." When the coaches leave the room, the chatter begins. I don't plan to stick around for small talk.

It's going on 3 now so I figured I'd invite Omar over for lunch. He's been texting me all day asking for an update on this retreat.

Shit I don't even know if you'd call it a retreat. We didn't go to some remote place. I'd still call it an experiment, nonetheless. I pull out my phone and press Omar's name. I make it to the parking garage as my phone rings. I unlock the trunk to put my gear in and close it just as he picks up.

"About damn time! I've been waiting for you all day." I roll my eyes getting in my car and turning it on. My phone automatically connects to my car's Bluetooth.

"You're so high maintenance. You know I had practice."

"Who gives a shit about that! Tell me how last night went. Did you get an email from her?" It's hard not to laugh at his excitement.

"No, I had to email her."

"So, how was the conversation? What's her name? Do you know what she looks like? How old is she? Where does she live? Do you love her yet? Are you going to pro-"

"Slow the fuck down...no one is getting married. Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to come over for lunch?" I can hear him scoff and the familary sound of my alarm.

"I'm already here."

"You know what, I'm done." I press the button on my steering wheel that hangs up the call as he is laughing. I really don't know how the hell he keeps getting in.

~••~

"Stop procrastinating, how did it go?" I've only been home for about 30 minutes. I have barely started making lunch and he's saying I'm procrastinating.

"First, calm down. It's not all that serious. We didn't even talk for that long." I finish seasoning my hamburger meat before going out to the backyard to fire up the grill.

"Her name is Indie."

"Sounds like a nickname." I shrug my shoulders not really caring. I know firsthand about wanting to keep personal information about yourself private. I don't blame her or her family if that is just a nickname.

"She also didn't sign herself up for the retreat. Which by the way isn't really a retreat."

Omar laughs, clapping his hands. "You're kidding! It's like the universe wants you'll together." I roll my eyes, always dramatic. It was pure coincidence. "Who signed her up?"

"Her mom and best friend. Apparently she view relationships similar to me and I doubt that will change for either of us any time soon." This time Omar rolls his eyes.

"You just had to be paired with someone dead set on not finding love too. Plan backfired.." I flip my burgers not really knowing how to respond to that.

"Why did you email her if you knew you weren't going to want a relationship? Chris and I told you that you didn't have to go through with it."

I turn towards him, leaning on the backyard door. "I figured I could make a new friend and this could occupy me while I'm suspended."

"Wow, you are something special."

I wink at him before checking on my burgers. I know that Christina and Omar had good intentions for this. I don't doubt that this experiment is the real deal. It worked for them and probably for other people. I just don't know if it's going to work for me.

"Well, if she's going to be your friend, tell me more about her."

~••~

Every bone in my body is fighting me. Coach was not playing when he said we were shit. I'm hurting and aching in places I didn't know I could.

I fortunately could make it up the stairs to my apartment. As much as I want to get in the bed, I need to wash this sweat off me.

So, I drop my bag wherever it lands and head straight for the shower. I have thunderstorm white noise playing through my speaker. Letting my body calm down and relax under the hot water.

My phone chimes just as I get out. The bathroom is fogged from the heat of the shower.

Indie:
Hey Ares, how was your day?

I have to admit it. It's nice having someone to talk too like this. Even if it's only been a day since we knew of each other's existence. I could get used to this routine. The only person I talked to everyday was my brother, Urijah.

Ares:
Tiring as hell, what about yours?

Indie:
It wasn't too bad. I did an arm workout today.

Ares:
Don't tell me you're becoming a mini me already lol

Indie:
Hardly, I told you that I do arm days...occasionally.

Ares:
Lmao, yea ight.

I continue to dry myself off, laughing a little at her previous text. She is comical. I'll give her that. I wrap my towel around my waste and walked into my room.

Indie:
What are you up too?

Ares:
Umm without being weird, I just got out the shower.

Indie:
Why would that be weird?

Ares:
You seriously don't know?

Indie:
Nope

Ares:
Then never mind lmao

I laugh because her response made me realize that she really isn't privy to the dating scene.

Guys like to take a girl saying she was getting in or out the shower as an invitation to ask for pictures these days. Or they say some shit like "Without me?"

It's not cool coming from some random guy. I figured the opposite would be just as weird but if she doesn't get it, there's nothing too worry about.

Ares:
Can I ask you something?

Indie:
Yeah, what's up?

Ares:
I was wondering why you responded to my email if you don't have the intention of being in a relationship?

Indie:
Woah, let's dive right in lol

Indie:
But umm I think because even though I'm not looking for a romantic relationship, I could still make a friendship out of this. My views on relationships put a damper on the amount of friends I have too, that and my profession.

Ares:
I was thinking the same, that's why I initially emailed you, I've been going through a bit of a rough patch in my life. I made a lot of mistakes that I'm paying for now so, I thought maybe talking and getting to know a stranger could help.

It's actually strange how much Indie and I think alike when it comes to relationships. We both figured we could get friendships out of this while everyone else expected us the become romantic. We are making it work for us.

I get in the bed, turning off every light but one lamp beside my bed. When I'm settled in, I read Indies response.

Indie:
Lol, well I'm glad you did. Now, off the hard topics. Where do you live?

Ares:
LA and I'm going to assume you live here too because you have the same area code.

Indie:
Yep, I moved here when I was 13.

Ares:
I've lived here the majority of my life. I've lived in other places, but not for as long. Where are you originally from?

Indie:
San Francisco

Ares:
fr? That's where I used to live a few years back. I hated it though lol, came back too LA after 6 months.

Indie:
Damn, why didn't you like it?

Ares:
I don't know really, it just didn't give me a homey vibe.

Indie:
I feel that.

Ares:
Okay, what does a typical day look like for you. Lay it out for me? I have to see if we are...compatible

Indie:
LMAO!!!

Indie:
Apparently, we are if we got matched together, but alright.

Indie:
I wake up at 5 am most days. I'm at work from 7am to 7pm unless I choose to stay later, and I come home. Generally, I light some candles and relax with a book and wine, or I might finish up some work. Occasionally, I'll have dinner with my best friend.

Ares:
What do you do for work? If you don't mind me asking.

Indie:
I don't mind you asking but I don't think I'm ready to share that just yet. Remember I told you that my profession plays a role in my lack of friends. Don't want to scare you off just yet.

Ares:
No problem, I don't know why I asked, I probably would've said the same thing. My situation is similar in I don't have a lot of friends because of my job.

Indie:
Yeah?

Ares:
Yea.

Indie:
Well, I'm happy to be your friend Ares.

Ares:
You too Indie