I lead him into the living room, and with a few taps, I pull up our private YouTube channel. We spend the next hour watching highlights from last year’s games, when he was the backup quarterback.
We watch him throw the winning pass against the Pirates, thirty yards straight into Noah’s waiting arms. A few clicks, and I show him looking around, not seeing an opening and running right up the middle for a twenty-yard first down.
After a little while of watching him being a real star, I see his confidence returning.
“What do you think?” I ask.
He nods. “Is it okay if I watch a little more?”
“Sure.” I start for the kitchen, but he stops me.
“Oh, one more thing, Coach?”
“Yeah?”
He sits straighter. “Would it be okay… I mean, would you help me do something for my mom?”
My brow furrows, and I take a step closer. “What do you need?”
“You know Christmas gets here real quick once the season starts, and when I’m playing, I can’t really make any money.” I nod, and he continues. “I was thinking maybe I could make her something, but I’d need a place to do it where she won’t see. I was thinking maybe I could do it here?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“Well, she likes to read, and she has her books kind of stacked all over her bedroom. I was thinking maybe a bookcase?”
I picture Allie’s bedroom with books all over the place.Sexy librarian.
“I think that’s a great idea. I’ve even got some tools you can use. I can show you how.”
His face relaxes with a smile, and I’m glad he’s lighter than when he arrived. “Thanks, Coach.”
I continue to the kitchen, where I prepare Kimmie’s and my lunches for tomorrow and put them in the refrigerator. When I return to the living room, Austin’s eyes are closed, and he’s sound asleep.
My lips press into a smile, and affection warms my chest. Austin’s been a good kid as long as I’ve known him, since he rolled into town a scrawny thirteen-year-old lurking behind his mother.
They were the same height in those days. His bangs were long over his eyes, and he kept his chin down. He didn’t say much, and awkward, early-teen insecurity clung to him like a coat.
I’d seen it so many times, but I also watched him grow out of it. As the years passed, as we worked together, he got stronger. He made friends and his confidence grew.
Then he made the team, and he stopped hanging his head, barely speaking above a mutter. He laughed and joked around, and like his mom, he fit right into our clan.
Hesitating, I glance up the hall in the direction of my bedroom. He can sleep on the couch no problem, but I wonder if Allie knows he’s here.
I walk to the back door, but I don’t see their car outside in the driveway. He must’ve walked over here.
Allie’s house is less than half a mile away, and I don’t like to think of her being there alone, especially with her ex-husband MIA.
As far as I know, Austin still doesn’t know his dad’s out of prison or I’m sure he wouldn’t have walked over here.
Casting a glance back at the living room, I head out into the darkness.
7
Allie
Dylan
Where are you? I’ve been waiting for you to come to the restaurant all afternoon!
