Page 7 of Isolation

“Good.”

So much for a conversation. I waited for the elaboration that never came.

“You mentioned the coach wanted to talk.”

Mateo never made eye contact as he spooned food onto his plate.

“Nothing major. Team stuff.”

I sipped my water, looking at my husband over the rim of the glass. There was always tension when the conversation turned toward his career.

“I got a call from Lanette today with an offer for that senior position,” I said, testing the water.

Mateo paused with the fork halfway to his mouth. “Are you thinking about it?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m considering it.”

His eyes finally met mine. “I thought you were cool with the freelance setup since it gives you flexibility with Mason?”

“I am, but now that Mason is in school full time…”

“Mommy helps fix people who say bad things,” Mason interjected with a mouth full of food.

A smile tugged at Mateo’s mouth—a genuine smile directed at me. “Yeah, she’s good at it.”

The compliment affected me because praise from my husband had become rare these days.

“Coach said I should start in tonight’s game, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Mateo, that’s amazing!”

“Don’t make a big deal yet. It’s only one game.”

“Can I come watch?” Mason asked.

“It’s a school night, but you can come for a weekend game,” Mateo said gently.

“Promise?” Mason held his fist out for Mateo to bump and seal the deal.

“The babysitter will be here soon. Let me clear these dishes,” I commented.

Mason ran off to his room, and Mateo helped clear the table.

“I didn’t want to say much in front of Mason, but DeAndre was injured in practice this morning. It was pretty bad.”

“Oh my goodness.” I gasped.

“Not only that, but Coach said scouts might be at the game.”

“As in NBA scouts?” I questioned.

Mateo nodded. “This could be my shot, Dani.”

His using my nickname caught me off guard. He hadn’t used it in months. “Wow, that could change everything.”

“Right, so hold off on that job… at least for now.”

There it was, the real reason for him using the affectionate nickname. He didn’t want me to change the narrative of what he was trying to build.

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