Page 130 of Stealing for Keeps
“I wasn’t sure I could get here in time, and I didn’t want to disappoint you again if I couldn’t.”
There’s a tiredness in his voice that makes me realize that maybe this has been as hard for him as it has been for me. I hadn’t considered that before. All I can manage to say is, “Oh.”
“What’s the plan for this morning?” he asks. “Are you heading to the field early to get out the game-day nerves.”
I smile as I grab a bowl out of the cabinet. I set both that and the cereal on the table and get the milk out before taking a seat across from him.
“No. Coach doesn’t like for us to show up too early. I usually kick the ball around out back until it’s time to head to the field.”
“It’s going to be cold out there.” He laughs softly. “Not like playing in the cold in Arizona either. I saw that the high today is thirty-eight degrees.”
“No kidding. I’ll be freezing out there for sure, and the ground is hard when it’s this cold. The ball feels different. I’m wearing so many layers, it’s not even funny.” I chuckle softly as I think about playing in shorts and a T-shirt this time of year in Arizona. “It’s taken some getting used to for sure.”
“I can throw on my tennis shoes and a jacket after breakfast and kick it around with you if you want.”
My stomach drops. That sounds perfect. I’ve missed doing that with him. “A couple of the guys are coming over in twenty. Our backyard has become the unofficial game-day practice spot.”
“Ah.” He nods. “That’s why your mother went to the store to stock up on groceries before dawn.”
It hits me then. My mom has gone to great lengths to make my friends feel welcome at our house. The same way she used to do that for Claire. I’ve taken that for granted. I’ve taken a lot of things for granted.
“You know what?” I say. “Come out anyway. The guys won’t mind.”
One corner of his mouth lifts. “Sounds good, as longas you take it easy on your old man.” He pats his stomach. “All this travel and eating in airports and hotels is catching up with me.”
“No promises,” I tell him.
An hour later, a handful of the guys have made it over, and we’re outside in the backyard. Vaughn and I are passing the ball back and forth, and Rowan is playing one-on-one with Dad. Dad looks like he is feeling the burn, but he’s smiling too. Everyone else is standing around doing more stretching and talking than playing. We all have our own routines to work out the pregame nerves. Barrett’s version of that is running his mouth. Hey, whatever works. Come game time, he’s quiet and focused.
When it’s time to head to the school, Dad pats me on the shoulder and wheezes. “Good luck today.”
“Are you going to make it over to watch the game?” I ask, fighting a laugh.
“Oh, yeah. Quick shower and I’ll be good as new.” He winces as he takes another step. I did warn him we weren’t going to take it easy on him.
“I’m glad you’re here. We’ve missed you.” I bob my head to the side. “I’ve missed you. Game days don’t feel the same without you.”
“Yeah, me too. I’m sorry things have been hard since the move. I’m proud of you.”
My throat works around a lump as I swallow. “Thank you.”
“Your friends seem great,” he says.
“They are.” I scan the yard filled with my teammates. “Most of the time.”
With one final squeeze of my shoulder and a smile, he hobbles off. I can’t explain the peace it gives me,knowing he’ll be there today, but it ignites a new hunger in me.
Rowan walks up behind me as Dad disappears into the house. “Your dad is cool.”
“He is,” I agree, then turn to him. “Are your parents coming today?”
He hesitates, then shrugs. “I’m not sure. I think it depends on their work schedules.”
I nod my understanding. Families are complicated, and he never seems that upset that they don’t come to his games. Maybe I’ve just been projecting my own disappointment onto him.
“Are you ready to do this thing today?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I say, a steely resolve spreading through my body. I am definitely ready.
