Page 327 of Well Played

“We’re not cheating,” Jimmy said.

Grace rolled her eyes. “Of course not, but I had to think of something to say. Now, the plan is…”

Walker awoke surprisingly refreshed. He rarely slept well on the bus, but with a dozen other guys snoring and farting, it wasn’t easy to rest. Someone had draped a lightweight blanket over his shoulders. He smiled as Kay’s face came into view.

“We’re about fifteen minutes away from our stop,” Kay said as she handed him a bottle of water. “Here, you can probably use this after all those growling noises you were making.”

“Growling? Are you implying I snore?” He took a swallow of water, drinking down half the bottle in one gulp. “I don’t snore.”

She grinned. “Of course not.”

“Honestly, do I really snore?”

The team shouted, “Yes!” And laughed.

“Oh great, I really am the old man.”

Kay shook her head. “It was more of a sexy growl than an old man snore.” She winked at him. The bus turned into the parking lot of a familiar restaurant and store. Kay made her way to the front of the bus. “Listen up, folks.” She gave them all orders to stay together. They were all partnered up and required to stay with their buddy. “I want us all to go to the bathrooms and then to the restaurant. We’ll take time after we eat to look around the store.” She got off the bus and waited for the others to get off and line up.

The bus lift allowed the two in wheelchairs to come down more easily. The coach and his partner traveled well together, but the young man with his aide was having difficulties. Walker tried to help, but was unfamiliar with the problem. Thankfully, the young coach, Shane, and his partner knew what to do and could help.

Walker got off the bus shaking his head. “I don’t think I’m much of an asset when it comes to helping.”

Kay linked her arm with his. “It’s okay, those fancy wheelchairs are more complicated than my brain can handle. I’m just glad someone was here who knew what to do.”

Kay took the group of girls to the bathrooms, while Walker took the guys. Most could handle taking care of business on their own, but sometimes they needed reminders to wash their hands or flush the toilets, or to quit playing and let someone else use the bathroom.

Walker was relieved to get the guys all lined up and looking presentable by the time Kay and the ladies emerged. Embarrassed, he asked Kay to watch his guys while he went backin and did his business since he’d been so focused on keeping the guys contained, he’d forgotten to take time for his own needs.

“They were acting like babies,” Jimmy said, nodding to a couple of guys whose shirts were wet.

“It’ll be alright, bubba, they’ll dry,” Kay said and nodded for him to go on.

Lunch was accomplished with only a couple of mishaps. Kay was thankful for Walker’s quick reactions. He caught at least one glass of soda before it was knocked off the table and he rescued a plate of food that was pushed too close to the edge. Eating was sometimes an adventure with the team. They were excited to be out, and many didn’t have good manners. The other’s childish behavior disgusted some, but Kay hesitated to scold any of them. For some, this was their only socialization and for others, one crossword could ruin their entire experience. It wasn’t always easy trying to guide the individual members because they each had unique personalities and situations. Patience was a virtue she did not have. Her father and the other coaches were saints. She just hoped she didn’t do anything wrong or hurt someone’s feelings. If she could just get them all to the hotel on time, then she would consider her job done. They had a multi team dinner tonight. She prayed her parents would arrive in time to be in charge of that event, and after the tournament, there would be an athletic banquet for all the athletes.

They arrived at the hotel and went to check in. Kay had everyone’s information on her tablet, but when she looked in her bag, she couldn’t find it. “Jimmy, do you have my tablet?”

Sheepishly, he handed her the device. “Mine died.”

“Fine, but you’re supposed to ask, remember?”

He looked down at his feet. “I remember,” he muttered.

Putting her arm around his shoulders, she gave him a little squeeze. “It’s okay, bubba, I know you like to play your games, but I have important information on my tablet, too.”

He nodded, but didn’t look up.

Kay led everyone over to the concierge. “Good afternoon, we’re here with the Shining Star Athletic Association. I believe we have a floor reserved.” She pulled up the information on her tablet and began reciting the room reservations.

The man behind the desk nodded along until they reached the single she’d reserved for herself. “I’m sorry ma’am, that room was canceled.”

“What do you mean, my room was canceled? I made the reservation, and I confirmed it last week,” Kay demanded.

“I have it right here on my computer. It says you would be unable to attend and wanted to cancel your room.”

Shaking her head, Kay scrounged in her purse for her cell phone. She held it up and showed him her confirmation. “I have to have a room. I’m the chaperone until my parents arrive.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, there’s nothing I can do. The room has already been given to another guest.”

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