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Logan
The day I drove out of Coree Harbor was the day I thought I’d seen the last of this town. I sure as hell never thought I’d be returning here at thirty-three. Thought I’d still be playing pro ball. Didn’t think I would ever stop playing the sport I played most of my life.
“This is where you grew up?” Campbell asks, looking out the window.
“Yeah, son.”
My life here wasn’t awful. Quite the opposite, actually. Coree Harbor is a waterfront town in North Carolina with fishing, annual carnivals, and shopping. I spent the school year playing football and summers at the beach. I suppose if I have to raise Campbell alone, this is an ideal place to do it. Better than leaving him in Chicago with Jolene since she barely registers his existence.
My parents are here, and he’ll have some semblance of a normal childhood. It hasn’t escaped my notice that he didn’t have much of that while I was playing ball. We were either on the road, or he was left alone while Jo did her own thing. Poor kid’s never even been enrolled in school, which is a shame because my time in school was some of the best years of my life.
“Mom, too, right?”
“Um, yeah. We went to high school together.”
I can guarantee nothing has changed at the high school. The championship photos of the team are still framed in the trophy case beside the two three-foot trophies. I doubt they’ve collected dust. Probably cleaned each week. After all, they’re the school’s prized possessions even after sixteen years. It’s not every day one of your hometown alum goes off to the NFL.
“Is Mom going to come?” Campbell asks.
I sigh. “I doubt it, buddy. She’ll call as soon as she’s able.”
I’m certain we’re the furthest thing from her mind. Jo is a self-absorbed bitch. I regret the day I married her. The only good thing that came out of our marriage is sitting in my passenger seat.
“You’ll like it here. There isn’t a thing not to like about Coree Harbor.”
“You think they still remember you?” he asks as we leave Cardinal Point and pass the city limit sign for my hometown.
I chuckle, noting the Hometown of Logan Decker sign just below it. “Maybe.”
Most everything still seems familiar as we drive into town. Not much has changed. Barr’s Butcher Shop and Farmer’s Market is still up and running. The fishing boats are still down at the docks. I worked summers there for old man Douglas when I wasn’t down at the beach or practicing ball. From what my parents have told me, he retired from fishing a few years ago, and his son, Finn, now runs the boat. One day, his son will probably take over. Fishing is in that family’s blood and I would bet they still supply the Daisy’s B&B with their fresh catch.
Mary’s Café is open,serving the best pie in town. I make a mental note to bring Campbell over for a piece as soon as we get settled in.
I spot Old Oak Stables, a new addition to town, and a brunette riding horseback catches my attention. The horse is galloping at full speed, the rider’s long hair waves in the wind. She’s laughing and carefree and I can’t remember the last time I felt that way. Must be nice.
“Dad!” Campbell shrieks and I slam on the brakes.
The biker I almost creamed throws me a dirty look as I roll my window down. “Sorry, man.”
My apology falls on deaf ears as he throws me a middle finger and speeds off. Campbell looks over at me and bursts out laughing. Guess bikers are new in Coree Harbor, too.
