With virtually the last kick of the game, I finally find myself one on one with their keeper, but I shank my shot wide.Much to the delight of the away fans.
Defeat—and I can’t help but feel it’s all my fault.
0–1.I’m the striker, I should be scoring the goals.I’ve failed today.
I head into the changing room.I pull out my phone with the intention of checking the scores and to see how Kyle’s team got on.I see instead that Kyle has texted me, and my heart speeds up with worry.
My??
I’m telling my parents tonight.
AJ
You know where I am, if you need me.
My??
I’m hoping you’ll be in our bed, waiting for me.
AJ
You can count on it
My??
P.S…WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE, SAY WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
AJ
??
My??…and a bit of a tosser
??
I put my phone away, get changed, and drive to his house, where Trish has lovingly made dinner for me.
I move the food around on my plate, my thoughts elsewhere.The food is good, it’s some kind of wild rice and chicken with a zesty rub handmade by Trish.It’s certainly better than the food I cook myself.
“Still thinking about the game or do you have other matters on your mind?”Trish says from across the table.
“A bit of both,” I say truthfully.I’m still a little pissed about the game, but I want to know how Kyle is doing, how his parents are handling the talk, if he’s had it yet, etc., etc.
“Well, you can’t control any of it, if it makes you feel better.The game is over and you lost.And Kyle’s parents will react in a way they see fit.”
“If you’re going for the pep talk kind of thing, I have to say, my pep has left the building.”
“I’m being realistic,” she says, taking a sip of her drink before continuing.“The only thing you can do about the game now is focus on being better next game.Learn from it and carry it forward.With Kyle’s parents, the most important thing is to be there for him no matter what happens.You know what he’s like—you’ve known him most of his life.Be there for him when he’s ready to open up.”
She’s right.Of course, she’s right.
“Until he gets home, try and relax.You can start by cleaning the dishes.”She drops me a wink.
“Hey, I’m a guest here, I shouldn’t have to do that,” I say, getting up and collecting the plates.
“No guest spends more time here than you.And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but besides Mel, you’re the onlyguestthat’s ever been here.I don’t think he will take too kindly to you calling yourself a guest either.”
“Do you think hewantsto be more?”I ask in hope.
