Page 171 of Made Better Together

I can’t help but add that last word. It’s hard fighting with him.

His reply is more earnest. He’s heard me, I think. “I understand. You’re right. It’s a shift, thinking of you as an adult. The whole situation was…unfortunate. I’m not used to you keeping something this big from me either.”

That’s true. “I’m sorry for that.”

“I’ll do a better job at not getting involved, unless you ask. Although I’m going to keep my ‘dad card’ in my back pocket in case of emergencies.” He gives a half-laugh.

I feel the tension fade out of my chest. “Thank you.”

He changes the topic, which seems best for the moment. “Now tell me about how…”

When we get off ten minutes later, I jump to my kickoff meeting with Aiden over Zoom.

God, I’m finally here. Ready to transition to pro soccer. After such a long build-up, I’m buzzing with excitement when the line connects.

“Good morning,” he says, his salt-and-pepper haircut perfectly trimmed.

“Hi Aiden, how are you?”

“Great. Thank you for signing the engagement letter so quickly.”

“Of course.” He wasn’t permitted under NCAA rules to send it until after the College Cup, but Dad’s lawyer had been able to confirm all the terms swiftly.

He jumps right into the purpose of the meeting. “I’ve made a list of teams with weak spots at striker.”

As expected. “Sounds good.”

“I will say…it’s not a long list.” Sounds not so good. “Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Boston.”

Only three teams out of sixteen? Yikes. “Okay, so what does that mean?”

“I wanted to gut-check some options with you. I can work on only those places where I think you have a potential to start…or try to get you on a good roster, even as a backup.”

Crap, I want to play. Not sit on the bench. “Huh.”

“They’re not mutually exclusive, either. I can pursue both.”

I check myself. I didn’t indefinitely postpone medical school not to play. I want to start.

“Let’s begin with the shorter list. I really don’t want to be stuck on a bench.”

He dips his head. “Understood.”

“Thanks, Aiden.”

He taps a piece of paper in front of him. “There’s a wild card option in the mix too, but let me do some digging first.”

Not much I can say to that. “Alright.”

“I’ll try to get back to you before Christmas on those three teams, depending on their interest.”

“Great.”

We hang up after saying goodbye. I give myself a minute to absorb everything that he said, trying to push away the anxiety of so many unknowns.

You’re in good hands. Something will come together.

I shake off the conversation and turn to my Genetics notes instead.