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“Whoa, that’s pretty cool.” I sat down beside him on the bench.
“Right?”
“You know, I know Jase.”
“No freakin’ way.” He gawked up at me. “You mean, you’ve met him?”
“He’s a friend.”
“Holy crap, I mean… wow. That’s…”
“Relax, kid.” I ruffled his hair. Lynton was one of the regulars at the youth club for young boys dealing with an array of emotional issues. Parental loss, separation, kids in care, the center provided a safe place for them to access activities. He’d taken an instant liking to me.
“What’s he like?”
“He’s a good guy. I grew up with him. He’s my brother’s best friend.”
“So cool.” He grinned. “Wait until the others find out.”
Julian caught my eye across the room and smiled. Lynton was a good kid, but he was a little motormouth, and I had no doubt the rest of the kids would know all about my relationship with Jase by the end of the session.
We flicked through the remainder of the binder, Lynton pointing out his favorite players and ultimate heroes. His energy was infectious, and I envied the way he wore a smile every time he walked through the doors despite his turbulent homelife.
“You two look like you’re having fun,” Julian loomed over us.
“Julian, Julian, guess what?” Lynton wriggled on the bench, barely able to contain himself. “XanderknowsJasonFordhowcoolisthat?”
“Whoa, there, little guy, take a breath.” The volunteer manager smiled. “I actually need to borrow Xander a second, if that would be okay?”
“Sure, I want to show Dexter and Cody the trading cards anyway. Bye, Xander.”
“Bye, buddy.” I lifted my hand in a wave, watching as he scooped up the binder and hurried away toward a small group of boys.
“Can we talk?” Julian asked.
“Sure.” Nervous energy zipped through me as I followed him toward his office.
“Take a seat.” He motioned to the couch.
“Is everything okay?”
Amusement crinkled his eyes. “Don’t look so worried. This is a good talk, hopefully.”
Phew. I relaxed on the couch. “What’s up?”
“I know it’s only been a couple of weeks since you started volunteering here, but an opportunity has arisen. I spoke to Debra and we both agreed that we’d like to give you a shot.”
“I’m sorry. A shot at what?”
“How would you like to be our newest youth counselor in training?”
“Seriously?” I gawked at him. “But I don’t have any formal qualifications.”
“It’s an internship. You would work for us while completing the necessary qualifications. The pay is questionable, and the workload is intense, but at the end of it, we’d take you on as a fully qualified member of staff.”
“I-I don’t know what to say.”
They wanted me.
