Page 8 of Play Like a Girl

“Families? Are you trying to tell me something?”

I didn’t miss the underlying threat in his words or the fact that the other three men seemed way too interested in my answer.

“No, just stating facts. It’s tough when one partner is on the road and you’re not together all the time. I just never realized how tough until recently.”

“When Lexi was younger, Jeff used to bring her on the road so we weren’t apart,” Dan said of his cousin, who not only handled his investments, but also served as Lexi’s manny until Sabrina came along. “After she started school, it broke my heart being away from her so much. But at least she had Jeff and the rest of my family around, so I was pretty lucky.” He looked toward his daughter, swimming in the pool and smiled.

That led to a discussion on how it takes a village to raise a child and speculation on whether or not Cal’s first marriage would have survived if it wasn’t for his crazy schedule.

“Enough depressing talk,” Jack said. “I don’t want to lose my buzz.” He placed his cigar butt in the ashtray and stood. “In fact, I’m gonna go jump in the pool with the kids.”

“I’ll join you,” Dan said and tamped his cigar out.

They walked down the steps and as they approached the pool area, Jack ripped off his shirt and jumped right in.

“Uncle Jack,” Lexi screeched and swam over to him. He turned her around and launched her in the air toward the other side of the pool.

Penny walked up the steps and stood at the side of the pool.

“I’m out,” she said with a big smile. “Things are getting too rowdy.”

Karen handed her a towel and I watched as she dried off. When we first got together, she told me she didn’t date much because guys were never interested in her. They must have been dumb and blind because she is a fucking goddess.

Dale cleared his throat, pulling my attention from his sister. I glanced at him, then looked over at Cal who was blowing smoke rings and studying his cigar.

“So, how’s Next Step doing?” I asked Cal, referring to the training facility he and Dan started a couple years ago. From what Penny told me, Jack and Dale are in the process of buying in and they’re expanding their programs.

“It’s been great. A lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun.”

“Did you start teams yet?”

He shook his head. “That’s in the plan for two years from now. Right now, we’re just doing training and lessons. And trust me when I say, it’s not easy holding back from executing all the ideas we have. Some of the kids we train are really good and we end up sending them to other facilities to actually play.”

Dale joined in the conversation and we talked about all the plans they have. Well, mostly they talked and I listened, but it was nice to be included. Or at least not excluded.

Cal finished his cigar and placed the butt in the ashtray.

“Hopefully you’ll still have time to sit in the booth once in a while. You’re definitely a fan favorite,” I said.

Shortly after Cal retired, Hannah had the idea to ask him to fill in as a color commentator one game when the scheduled person had to cancel at the last minute. He graciously agreed and did an amazing job. Fans really do love him and regularly ask when he’ll be back in the booth.

“I enjoy doing it so just let me know when you need me.” He stood and stretched. “I’m always happy to fill in.”

“Will do.”

“I’m gonna go check on Barb,” he said. “She’s over the morning sickness but she still gets really tired and it’s been a long day.”

“We’ll be down as soon as we finish these,” Dale said, holding up his cigar. “Don’t want to waste them.”

Cal chuckled as he walked down the stairs, leaving me alone with Penny’s brother. I puffed on my cigar, listening to the sounds of the surf and the crowd down by the pool. As much as I’m enjoying my smoke, I’ll be happy when I’m finished so I can head down there. Being up here alone with Dale for an extended period of time can’t amount to anything good.

“So what’s your plan for the future?” Dale asked

“With regard to what?”

“My sister.”

Shifting forward, I rested my elbows on my knees.

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