Page 38 of Shot to the Hart

“Welcome to Charlotte,” I tell Kodi as our car pulls up, opening the door and getting Bella’s car seat settled in. After running to throw our bags, the stroller, and the playpen in the back, Kodi slides in and I follow behind, directing our driver for the weekend, Trent, to drop us at Barb’s.

“Oh, Mr. Hot Shot decided we are worthy of his presence,” Kenny jokes as we step into the small sandwich shop. “I’m kidding, bring it in, kid.” I hug the older man, noting how his wrinkles have become more prominent since I’ve seen him last and he walks with a sort of hobble.

“Kenny, this is Kodi, Bella’s nanny.” Kodi smiles shyly towards him as she pushes Bella’s stroller further into the shop.

“Welcome to Barb’s. I think I have the perfect sandwich for you. You like turkey?”

“I do. I heard that you have a fun getting-started story that I need to hear Kenny.” Kodi beams at him.

“That I do.” He smiles fondly before continuing, “My Barb, may she rest in peace, birthed me three wonderful children; however, with her first pregnancy she had the oddest pregnancy craving. All she wanted was a turkey sandwich but to use the pickles as bread, but obviously pregnant women are told to stay away from deli meat. Rather than turkey, we used egg salad, and I was making two to three of those bad boys a day for weeks. Eventually, we were giving them to our friends and family who always said they would buy those in a store. So, I saved from my corporate America job and dreamed up Barb’s Sandwich Co. Thestar of the show, of course, being Barb’s pickle bread sandwich, and the people ate it up.”

“Oh, I love that. Let me guess, I’m about to have a Barb’s pickle bread sandwich?” Kodi asks.

“Both of you are and a PB&J for the little one,” Kenny says, still working on our sandwiches, “To go?”

“Yep, going to have a little picnic in Freedom Park before I head to the arena,” I state, taking in how the shop has changed. It really hasn't, aside from a few new photos on the walls and some small round tables that look fairly new compared to the red plastic ones that used to be in here.

“Here ya go, these are on the house. It’s always good to see you, and good luck tonight Maverick. Enjoy your sandwiches.” Kenny smiles at us, sliding the sandwiches and three water bottles over the glass casing. I leave a fifty dollar bill in the tip jar after Kenny turns his back rather than arguing over paying the bill. We exit the shop, a small bell dinging above our heads as the door closes behind us and begin our short walk over to Freedom Park.

“He was nice,” Kodi speaks as she takes in our surroundings, the occasional small boutique or local eatery. We aren’t deep in the downtown area so this environment is quiet and calming compared to the hustle and bustle of the city that we will experience later today when we head to the arena for the game.

“Yeah Barb’s has been around since I was a teen. I always like to stop in when I’m in town. Let’s go in through that entrance.” I gesture towards an archway across the street from us.

Entering the park, we are greeted by a large lake surrounded by trees that have switched from vibrant greens to muted oranges, yellows, and browns. A brick bridge goes over the expanse of the lake. There's a playground to the right that I’m sure Bella will want to run around on. People are spread outover the area, eating lunch, throwing tennis balls for their dogs, reading books, chasing their kids, and taking walks.

“Wow, this is beautiful,” Kodi says, “Let's sit under that tree!” She gestures to a tree that overlooks the lake, has a park bench under it but isn’t too close to the water and far enough from the playground that we can feed Bella before we lose her to the playground.

I park Bella where she can see the ducks swimming in the lake, but I can still see her face and put her sandwich and water bottle on her stroller tray. “Eat up little lady, then we can go play.”

Kodi passes me my sandwich and I send a quick picture of it to Grace and my Dad before we eat in silence for a few moments, watching the water ripple and the people go by.

Grace

Lucky bastard. I miss Barbs.

Dad

Grace Lynn, watch your language. How’s Kenny?

Me

Yeah Grace, watch your language. Kenny is doing great. Brought Bella to Freedom Park too.

I attach a picture of Bella with the scenery in the background.

Grace

She's so big. I miss her.

Me

You guys can come visit her anytime. I hope, if anything, you make it down when I’m in the cup.

Grace

We wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Dad

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