Page 87 of A Whole New Trick

“What a rookie mistake,” Morgan tags on. “Notice how Miles and I never offer to help Mom or Dad cook?” She motions between herself and her mentioned brother.

“You’re right,” Diana joins in. “That means you two can do the dishes.”

Miles and Morgan share a look.

“What do you say, sis? Fifteen minutes worth of cleaning instead of hours spent checking on smoked brisket or ribs?”

“Cleaning, please.”

“Bingo.” Miles leans forward and holds out his hand for a high-five.

“Y’all are idiots,” Mason grumbles.

His siblings laugh.

“No name-calling!” Diana scowls.

“Sorry, Mom.”

“Dane,” Diana changes her tone and tries to change the subject. “Do you have siblings?”

“One brother. He’s about ten years younger.”

“Oh, that’s right. He’s trying out for the team next season, isn’t that right?”

“It is.”

“What position does he play?” Mr. Caldwell joins the conversation

I straighten and turn towards Morgan’s dad. “He’s a winger. A left-handed one.”

“So he plays right wing?”

“Yes, sir.”

“His chances of making the team must be a little better because of that,” Diana comments. “Right?”

“Possibly,” I allow. “But we have a right-handed right winger now, so it all really comes down to a player’s skill to determine if they earn a spot.”

“Of course.” Diana nods.

“By the way,” Miles interjects. “Congrats on making it to the Conference Finals. Things didn’t look good after those first two games in the second round.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Morgan stiffen.

I keep my expression easygoing and reply, “Thanks. Yeah, it was a close call, but the team pulled out a win.”

“From what I hear, you’re the one who made the winning shot in the last game,” Mr. Caldwell, once again, addresses me. “Way to keep your cool under pressure.”

I try not to come off as some sports fanboy, but I know that’s exactly what I do when I say, “Thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you.”

Thankfully, none of the Caldwell siblings call me out on the over-the-top response. But Morgan does send me a quick grin that looks like she thinks I’m adorable.

I should be embarrassed, but I’m not.

I mean, I’m talking to Warren Caldwell. How can Inotact like this is a big deal.

“What if your brother doesn’t make the team?” Miles asks around a bite of potatoes. “Will he try for another team?”

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