Page 13 of Breakaway

“Your mother decided she wanted a raised vegetable garden so I’m putting one in with old railroad ties.”

“That’s a lot of work. You’re retired. Why didn’t you pay someone to do it?”

“I’m not paying someone when I’ve got the time.”

“Dad, you hate yard work. Always have. What the hell are you really doing?”

“I’m bored out of my mind. I’ve read all the books I had on my ‘to be read’ list. I’m sick of fishing. You can only do so many crossword puzzles a day.”

“You haven’t even been retired for six months.”

“I’m driving your mother crazy. She locked me out of the house yesterday when she caught me rearranging the kitchen cabinets. That’s when she decided she wanted the garden.”

“Maybe you could help me with something,” I ask.

“Did your mother call you to get me out of her hair?”

I can’t stop the chuckle. I wonder if that’s the reason for the text she sent me inviting me for dinner. “I have not talked to Mother. She wanted me to come for dinner tonight, but I can’t make it.”

“You said you needed something, son.”

“The team Clark bought has a player that may be in trouble. She seems like a sweet girl. But she’s nervous, edgy. We’re worried.”

“You do the work up on her? You’d know if it was drugs.”

“It’s not drugs. She can be a little spitfire on the ice, but off she seems wary and scared. Looks over her shoulder a lot. Cory Baylor initially signed her to the team.”

“That little shit still around? Figured he’d get himself locked up or taken out by now. So you need to know if she’s a threat to the team, and Clark. Or if she’s being threatened.”

“Something like that.”

There’s a long pause. “I see. Send me what you got. I still have friends who will help me check.”

“Thanks, Dad. How about meeting early for breakfast Friday morning? Say seven. I have patients starting at nine.”

“Tell me where and I’ll be there.”

“Nonno’s Diner, it’s….”

“Been there. Damn good food. I’ll get us a table.”

CHAPTER 8

Caitlyn (Cat)

Pounding my excuse for a pillow, I switch positions for the umpteenth time. What would I do without Mel. He lets me live here for nothing, lets me work minimal hours and calls it even, feeds me, deals with my game schedule and now he’s loaned me seven hundred dollars.

How am I ever going to get ahead? This is so hopeless. I’d cry but I spent all my tears last night. Sitting, I rest my elbows on my knees and hang my head.I will not let Slack win. I can do this.

After a fast shower I dress, pull on a clean apron and head downstairs with my bag of dirty clothes before the other staff arrive for opening shift. Mel lets me use the washer and dryer in return for me doing the diner towels and napkins. I always do my clothes before the other staff show up, so they don’t know the breaks he’s giving me.

Mel walks in an hour and a half later. “Told you to sleep in and you’re here even earlier.”

I shrug. “Couldn’t sleep. I got my laundry done and I’m folding the last of the napkins and towels now. The coffee is all prepped and the tea is ready to be iced. Cheese is shredded andI’m halfway done with chopping the mushrooms, tomatoes and onions for the big casseroles.”

“You’re a real help, Cat. But I don’t want you wearing yourself out. You need to save your energy for your career. You’re gonna be big someday.”

The damn tears fill my eyes again. “I wouldn’t have any of this if it weren’t for you, Mel. Somehow, someday, I’ll pay you back.”

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