Page 48 of Fake Fiancée for the Grump

"No, I cannot, Dylan." Jessie’s eyes continue to cut right through me. "The stadium has been abandoned for years. You might already know that if you’d been back here in the last decade. We don’t have the funds to rebuild it.”

"So, tearing it down and replacing it with vegetables is the best solution?"

"I don’t expect you to understand. There are a lot of people in this area who care about the environment. This garden is much more important to them these days than something as trivial as baseball."

"What is that supposed to mean?" My blood starts to boil again.

Jessie inhales sharply and settles her fork. I’ve got her riled now. Good. She isn't going to ruin the one good thing I’ve done with my life. I gave this town its first ever high school state championship and no one will take away that memory.

"I’ll pay for the rebuild. I have more than enough."

"I don’t need your money."

"Apparently, you do."

"The stadium is going to be a community greenspace. That’s my final decision."

I gasp. "What makes you think that’s the end of it?"

"Because I’m mayor now, Dylan. I run this town. Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Sky. Thank you for the lovely dinner, but I have to go."

***

I step into the kitchen, morning sunlight filtering through the windows in delicate rays. Memories of yesterday's argument with Jessie linger in my mind. Who did she think she was, throwing around her power.

I inhale sharply. I still have to tell my parents the real reason I’m back.

"Mom, Dad, there's something I need to tell you," I say, catching their attention.

They look up from their breakfast immediately, clearly intrigued.

"I got a lifetime ban from the league," I confess, watching their expressions shift.

Silence hangs in the air as I wait for their reaction. I expect a storm of anger, but instead, my dad calmly asks, "What happened?"

I explain how a heated argument with a league official ended with my fists and expulsion. The room remains quiet as they process. Their composed demeanors shock me.

"It's all right, Dylan. Whatever you decide to do next, we'll support you all the way," he reassures me.

Mom chimes in, “At least I'll get to see you every day. I've been looking forward to spending more time together." She’s always been very glass half full.

I feel my stress release. “I thought you'd be so disappointed in me.”

My dad smiles, a reassuring glint in his eyes. "Life is full of unexpected turns, son. We may not always agree with your choices, but we're here for you, no matter what."

Their words sink in, easing the weight on my shoulders. I may have lost my place in the league, but I still have my family. Coming home was the right decision.

"Your buddy Theo came over a few days ago. Do you plan on seeing him?" Mom has a way of moving tough conversations in a new direction.

"Yes, today, after breakfast."

"Perfect. He misses you a lot. He comes over to help around here whenever we need something with you gone."

I smile. It's great to have childhood friendships that stand the test of time. Can't wait to see him again.

***

I park my black SUV in the expansive lot. Sprawling before me is a large construction site with the shells of multiple apartment buildings in progress. I search for my best friend Theo.

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