Therapy is Good for the Soul

“Tyler, after you finish getting dressed why don’t we get lunch together?”

Tyler knew his linemate wasn’t really asking a question and he didn’t have a choice in the matter. He was just grateful Coach Julien wasn’t calling him into a meeting to tell him he was benched after the way he played last night and during this morning’s practice. “Yeah, sure Bergy. I’ll be ready in a minute.” He said as he pulled his t-shirt over his head and put on his socks and shoes. “Where do you want to go?”

“There’s a quiet little diner a couple of blocks from here that will give us a chance to talk.”

“Yeah, ok.” He nervously ran his hands through his hair a few times before heading out with his teammate.

The walk the diner was filled with silence as both men mulled over what they were going to say. Just as Patrice had said the diner was pretty empty, so they’d have plenty of privacy. The men still chose to sit in a booth in the back corner, just in case it got busier.

After they put in their orders, Patrice finally broke the silence and spoke. “Tyler, what’s going on with you?”

“I don’t know, I guess it’s just nerves or maybe I’m in going in a slump.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it! Cut the crap and tell me what’s going on, so I can try and help.”

“That’s the problem, I don’t fucking know what the problem is. Ever since we got back from Montreal, Bailey’s been different.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s just seems a bit distant and now she’s not even here.”

“I thought you said she was coming today because she had to work or something.”

“She said she changed her flight because she had to go to the hospital first thing in the morning and she’d arrive early this afternoon.”

“Like I said she had to go into work, but she’s still coming. She’ll probably be at the hotel when we get back. So don’t stress out, your lucky charm will be at the game tomorrow.”

“No, you don’t understand, she didn’t even call me; she just sent me a text to tell me she changed her flight. It’s like she didn’t want to talk to me; I don’t get it!”

“Maybe she was worried you’d be angry or just didn’t want to disturb you before the game.”

“Maybe, I just have this feeling something’s wrong.”

“Did you try to talk to her after the game?”

“No, because she sent another text, saying she was sorry about the loss and not to worry, because she knows we’ll play better tomorrow. Then she said she was heading to bed, loved me, and would see me later today. Again, I felt like she was avoiding me for some reason.”

“Ok. You said she’s been distant since Montreal, tell me more about that.”

“She’s been getting kind of quiet lately and she keeps telling me she’s tired.”

“Well she is working and planning a wedding in a very short time period. That’s enough to make anyone exhausted. You throw in our crazy schedule; she’s probably just feeling a bit overwhelmed. Why don’t you hire a wedding planner to take some of the pressure off her?”

“I tried twice, but they were just out to spend my money and make a name for themselves, instead of listening and respecting Bailey’s wishes. We fired both of them and Bailey said she didn’t want to get another, she’d rather do it herself.”

“Well, you can’t blame her there, most girls have been dreaming about the perfect wedding since they were little girls.”

“I know and I want her to have her dream wedding! Maybe she’s mad at me for not really being able to help plan. I know I’m busy with the playoffs, but I’m happy to give her my opinion when she asks me questions and help when I can, but she’s kind of stopped really asking me about things. I just can’t put my finger on it, but there’s definitely something going on with her. Oh my God! What if she’s having second thoughts and doesn’t’ want to marry me any more? Maybe she’s just trying to be nice and waiting until after the playoffs to tell me. What am I going to do? I can’t fucking lose her Bergy!”

“You’ve got to calm down Tyler! If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that Bailey is madly in love with you. The entire team knows how much fun she had shopping for her wedding dress, at her surprise wedding shower, and at her bachelorette party. You two were made for each other, there’s no way she’s trying to get out of marrying you. Is there something you’re not telling me? What’s the real reason you’re so worked up and having these irrational thoughts?”

Tyler sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, before answering the question. “I can’t believe I’m going to tell you this! Swear to God you won’t tell the other guys?”

“You know I won’t. I promise this is between the two of us.”

“Ok. We haven’t had sex since the night we got back from Montreal. Every time I try to get more intimate, she says she’s too tired and just wants to cuddle or falls asleep. I feel like I did something wrong.”

“Tyler, she’s probably exhausted with everything she’s juggling right now. And no offense, you’re not always a peach to be around this time of year, none of us are. It takes time for all the WAGs to adjust. Regular season is one thing, but playoffs are a whole nother beast! I’m sure she’s just trying to take it all in.”

“Maybe.”

“I know Bailey’s family is very religious; it might also be possible that the more she talks to them and the pastor, she’s thinking about the beliefs she grew up with and maybe struggling with her choice to get intimate with you a bit.”

“You think she regrets sleeping with me before our wedding night?”

“No, I don’t think so. I know she didn’t make that decision lightly, but she may just feel a little guilty or awkward the closer she gets to the actual wedding. I know when Stephanie and I went through premarital counseling with the priest, some of the questions we were asked regarding intimacy in our relationship was uncomfortable. I can only imagine it being even more challenging for someone raised like Bailey.”

“I never thought about that and she is very sensitive. She always gets embarrassed and still has a hard time openly talking about sex. Maybe you’re right and I need to stop thinking about myself and be more aware of her needs and the pressure she may be feeling.”

“Tyler, I really think you’ve let your imagination run wild and everything is going to be fine between you and Bailey. When she says she’s tired, she probably is. A wedding is very important to a girl and planning one can be very stressful. Most people take at least a year to do it and she’s trying to accomplish it in just a few months. Her family isn’t here to help her plan either, so she’s really taking a lot on all by herself since you’re not really available to help. You also need to keep in mind she’s working and still dealing with her parents’ health issues. Juggling all that, plus you not being as readily available for support would drain anyone.”

“You’re right. I feel horrible that I can’t be there more for her right now!”

“You can’t beat yourself up; she knows you’d do more if you could. Just let her know you love her, appreciate all she’s doing, be a good listener, and make sure you are being supportive when you are with her. I know this is your first real relationship, but if you want your marriage to work, you’ve got to have these conversations with her, as awkward and uncomfortable as they may be. When you keep things inside, it will just drive you crazy and may ultimately push you apart and impact all the other aspects of your life.”

“Thanks for listening and for the advice. I really appreciate it man. You’ve given me a lot to think about and you’re right, I need to talk to Bailey.”

“Any time. Now finish your lunch, so we can get back to the hotel so you can see Bailey and try to work through things as best you can before the game tomorrow. I promise everything will be fine and work out.”

Notes

I know this one is short, but i promise part 2 is coming soon. I didn't want to keep leaving you hanging for another update and I struggled connecting the next part and making it flow well.