Me
You know I can call an Uber
Jade
Don’t you dare!
I’m flying separately to the team, so I get to spend an extra night catching up with Tanner and the family and meet up with my teammates the next day for the game. It’s going to be a powerhouse week, but I’m looking forward to it.
Me
I’ll see you when I land
Jade
Goodnight xx
Me
Goodnight, Princess
My flight is uneventful and true to Tanner’s word, he’s waiting at the gate for me with his son perched on his shoulders and Jade standing next to him. They arrived in Vegas yesterday.
I wave over to them as I sidestep the crowd and little Luca comes running towards me after being let off his dad’s shoulders. It’s a wonder the little guy remembers me at all, since I don’t get back here as often as I should. But he always has a big smile and plenty of cuddles waiting for me.
“My favorite little guy!” I pick him up and hug him into my chest as he wraps his small arms around me excitedly.
“My favorite uncle JJ!” he cries, his smile as radiant as a sunbeam.
“Hey!” I scrunch my brow and use a mock silly voice. “I’m your only uncle JJ!”
He giggles and gives me a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek. Tanner pats me on the back and gives me a loose pound hug without crushing his son. I’ve got him cradled on my hip with my arm wrapped around his waist. “Hey man, it’s good to see you,” Tanner says.
“Same, Bro. It’s been way too long.” My eyes flick to Jade over his shoulder, coasting over her pretty features. She gives me a shy smile, then presses her lips together and I see her take a breath.
“Hi, Jay.” The small wave she gives me etches the side of my mouth up in a smile. Fuck, she’s cute.
“Hey, Prin—” I cut myself off while I’m ahead. I’m not so certain Tanner wouldn’t question, or be too fond of, why I’m calling Jade a princess all of a sudden. “How are you?” I try instead, as she steps forwards and surprises me by reaching her arms out and embracing me in a hug. It’s a little awkward to navigate, since I’m jostling Luca in my arms, but we somehow make it work.
“I’m good. How was the flight?”
“Ah, boring.” I wave it off. “I feel much better now I’m back on the ground.” I don’t hate flying, nor am I scared of it, but I just don’t enjoy it all that much. I get a little anxious right before I’m flying to or from anywhere.
“Uncle Jay went on a big plane!” Luca sings out with glee, making engine noises in my ear.
“That’s right, Buddy. And guess what?”
“What?” he cries out, clapping his hands together. He’s smart enough to know there are presents, and probably something involving takeout for his dinner. It’s kind of a ritual when I’m in town.
“I’ve got you a prize in my suitcase. Should we go find it?”
“Yup! I love prizes! Are we having ice cream, too?”
I laugh. There it is. “Yes, as long as your dad says it’s okay, we are, Bud. And I’m buying everyone pizza for dinner!”
“YAY!” He beams his head off and glances at his dad, wanting confirmation about the ice cream.
“If it’s Jay’s shout, then we can all have two scoops,” Tanner laughs.
