Page 144 of Finding Us

He nods. “I know this is hard. I’ve been in your shoes. I had an injury my junior year. Unfortunately it never recovered enough for me to compete again.”

“That’s not me. I promise you. I’m fine.”

“I know you think you are, but I can see that you’re not. Your form is off and I can tell it’s from your shoulder.”

“You just said I had good form.”

“You do, but then it changes when your shoulder starts bothering you.”

“I’m just tired from the move. Let me try again next week when I’m more rested.”

He sighs. “I talked to your father. He told me about your injury last year.”

I feel myself tensing up. “Why did you call my father?”

“I always call the parents when I’m considering someone for the team.”

“And he told you I had an injury?”

“He didn’t offer it up. I asked him and that’s when he told me.”

I wonder what exactly my dad told him. He couldn’t tell him I got shot. He must’ve made up some story.

“What did he say?” I ask him.

“He didn’t have much time to talk so he didn’t go into details about your injury, but he said you healed quickly and didn’t finish your physical therapy appointments.”

“I didn’t need to. Like I said, I feel fine.”

“You don’t need to lie to me. I understand what you’re going through. When I injured my shoulder, I did just what you’re doing now. I tried to ignore the pain and hoped it would go away. But it didn’t. It just got worse.”

I get up from the bleachers. “So I didn’t make the team. I got it. Thanks.”

“Garret, I didn’t say that. I’d like to have you on the team, but I’d like you to see a specialist first and see what’s going on with your shoulder. If the doctor gives you the okay, then I’ll have you join us for practice and we’ll go from there.”

“Just forget it. I want to compete. If you don’t think I’m good enough, then I guess we’re done here.” I walk off toward the locker room.

“Wait.” I hear him trailing behind me. “Just hear me out.”

I turn around. “What?”

“I’m not one of those coaches who puts their guys out there when they’re in pain. And I don’t shoot them up with painkillers or anti-inflammatories just so they can compete. I care about the guys on my team. I have two sons in high school who are also swimmers and I treat my guys here at Camsburg like I treat my own sons. Their health is more important than winning. I know a lot of coaches would disagree with me on that, but that’s how I feel. I want you to see a specialist. I have someone I can recommend. His office is in the next town over, about a half hour from here. Maybe he’ll say you just need to go back to physical therapy. If so, then let’s get that started and we’ll get you on the team.”

“So if I do physical therapy I’m on the team?”

“Let’s see what the doctor says first. Sound good?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

“I’ll send you his information. Try to get in to see him next week, then call me and let me know what he says. And if I don’t hear from you, I’ll be calling you myself. I really want you on the team, Garret, so I hope it works out.”

I go in the locker room, not sure how I feel. Keith is a good guy and I didn’t mean to yell at him, but I’m annoyed that he called my dad. I’m an adult and I’m married, so having him call my dad makes me feel like I’m 13 again. But at least my dad didn’t make a big deal out of my shoulder. Then again, he has no idea how much it’s been bothering me because I’ve hidden it from everyone.

I’m actually kind of relieved Keith is forcing me to see a specialist. I sure as hell wouldn’t do it on my own, but now I have an excuse. Maybe this doctor can fix my shoulder and I won’t have to think about it anymore.

I call Jade. “Hey, I’m done.”

“How’d everything go?” She sounds excited for me and now I have to disappoint her. Again. I’ll tell her later.

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