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“My assistant coach quit. He’s moving to another district and taking a head coaching job at the high school. I need somebody to help me.” He tucks his hands into his pants pockets.
“And you think I can?”
“Either that or you could hook me up with Nat. I mean, she did try out for the Olympic team and was an alternate. I was hoping she’d be the one to pick up Trinity today.”
I just bet he was. “What would your wife have to say about that?”
“Divorced.” He holds up his left hand. “Official two months ago.”
For the first time, I look at Coach Stevenson, not with the eyes of a dad whose daughter he’ll be coaching. I look at him eye-to-eye as another man. Nat would definitely think this dude is someone to look at twice and judging by the way he said her name, he’s hoping she’ll take a look. “That’s rough.” I wince.
“Nah, for the best, honestly. We weren’t working out.”
“How much time would I need to commit?” I run a hand through my hair.
“Depends on the week, but I can get you the schedule. I know Trinity is excited to play.”
“I’ll make it work. Either drop the schedule by the station or you can text me.”
He and I have done a few things together, so I know he has my number.
“Sure, I’ll hit you up in a couple of days. Here comes Trinity.”
“Hey Dad.” She pants as she hops up in the truck. “Sorry, I forgot my book.” She holds up her reading book.
“Can’t forget that, huh? See ya later, Coach Stevenson.”
“See ya.” He waves.
As we pull from the curb, Trinity questions. “Did he talk to you about coaching? I told him you or Nat would be good. Maybe Nat would be better? I mean, she does throw harder than you.”
“Ouch Trin, what the fu..freak? Be a little nicer to your old man.”
“You’re not an old man,” she argues.
“Well, thank God for that. How about we go meet grandma and gramps for dinner?”
It’s hard for my parents to get time to see us. They both have demanding jobs, but we get together when we can.
“What are we getting?” She asks, eyes bright.
“Pretty sure gramps said something about pizza.”
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
* * *
“How’s Gauge doing?”My dad, Kasey asks as we divide up the two pizzas we bought for the table. Plain cheese with light sauce for Trinity, supreme for the rest of us.
“As expected. He’s having a hard time with understanding his limitations. I get reports from PT every week, and he’s pushing. I’m afraid he’s going to hurt himself worse, but I can’t seem to caution either. It feels like I would discourage him, and I’m proud of what he’s done. It’s a touchy subject.”
My mom, Trish, smiles across the table. “If there’s anyone I know who can help pull him out of whatever he’s going through, it’s you. You’re great at your job.”
She would think I’m great if all I did was run a cash register and bag groceries, but it’s nice to hear. “Thanks.”
“Dad and Nat are going to coach softball.” She announces out of nowhere.
“You’re gonna coach?” Dad looks at me, his eyebrow raised. “You think you got the patience for that.”
