“It’s good for you to be home – good to have you back where you belong. You may have a life in the big city now, but Hardin is always gonna be your home, son. I think it’s where your heart is.”
“I’m… Damn, you always did get right to the point, didn’t you?” I laughed heartily. “I have missed the shit out of you, too. I should have visited more. I know that. I’m sorry.”
“Son, you are here now, and that’s all that matters to me. You know you’ve always been like my own.”
“I do.”
“So, this injury? You’ve been awful quiet about it, and we’ve been catching up for almost an hour. Does that mean anything?” He leaned forward.
“You know me too well, old man.” I chuckled sadly.
He frowned, and the look on his face – it caused me to tear up. “I’m sorry, Jax. That’s a hard break. What’re you gonna do?”
“I’m waiting on what the club’s gonna offer. They may want to sit my ass on the bench, but I don’t think so. They have to bring in another starter. What they pulled from the bench last year isn’t gonna cut it again. We all know that. I’m sure they’ll pay out my contract, and part of me is kind of happy to get out of the spotlight.”
“You never did like that, did you? I remember watching you squirm whenever anyone wanted to congratulate you on a win.”
I leaned forward too. It was nice to have someone to be honest with again. “Hated it. I was nineteen when they signed me, and way too young to all of a sudden be on magazine covers and have to get an assistant to go to the grocery for me. I wasn’t ready for that bullshit, and it made me insane. Of course, just like you said – how could I ever enjoy it when I wasn’t actually being myself. I did like some things about it, though. Getting on that field and playing ball with some of my childhood idols – that was… something, Coach.”
“Then let me ask you again? What’s next?”
“I have no idea. My agent wants me to keep modeling and taking the endorsements for as long as I can. But honestly, I don’t need it, and I really don’t want to keep doing it. Hell, I have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life, and if they pay me out of my contract… Well, I won’t have to worry about money. I’d have to leave LA, though. If I’m not playing ball, there’s no reason to stay there. I think that would drive me crazier than I already am.”
“Looks like you got some stuff to figure out, then.” Coach glanced up and smiled broadly. “Look who it is! Hi, son.”
“Hey, Dad. I’m skipping out on my free period.”
“I thought we could go get a milkshake and a burger for old-time's sake. I’ve traveled all over, and The Drive-In still has the best burgers and shakes I’ve ever tasted.”
“Jesus… Seeing you two together sure does bring back some memories.”
I glanced over at Kenny and grinned. “Sure does.”
“I remember the first time I ever caught you boys kissing. It wasn’t really the surprise you both thought it was.” Coach roared.
“God, I thought I was gonna die.” Kenny palmed his face.
“The three of us, that’s your mom too, Jax – had a few conversations about how we should address it. Because, of course, we knew. We weren’t deaf. We decided to wait for you to tell us, and to both of your credit – you did. I couldn’t have chosen a better choice for either one of you.”
“That’s… Thank you, Coach.” I felt the emotions welling up within me.
Coach leaned forward. “Son, after everything we’ve been through – I think, maybe, you should call me Harry, by now. But I’ll always be proud to be your surrogate father. So, if you ever call me dad, I’ll happily answer to that too.” His grin pushed my emotions to the brim. I could feel my eyes start to well. “Now, why don’t you two go get your milkshake. I need to start thinking of packing this place up.”
“You want some help, Dad?” Kenny leaned onto the desk.
“No, Son. This is the mess I’ve made over thirty-five years of being in this office. I think I want to deal with it all myself. You understand?”
“I do, Coa… Harry? Dad? I’ll figure that out.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Ready?” Kenny grinned.
“More than ever.”
8
KENNY
The waitress set the milkshakes on the table, and I snorted back a laugh when I saw Jax’s eyes go all googly looking at it.
