Page 47 of The Way We Win

“You’ve been really cool about Levi. I heard his dad kind-of made a scene during camp.”

My son’s eyes are fixed on the french fries in his box, but he nods. “He does that a lot. Levi said they’ve had to move three times because of it.”

“That sucks.” I take another bite of my dinner. “He must be really embarrassed.”

“More like pissed off.” Austin takes his final bite of burger. “He’s a good player, though.”

“That’s what I’ve heard. Although, I can’t imagine anyone being as good as you.”

That makes my son laugh, falling back in his chair and rolling his eyes. “I’m hardly the best player.”

“Top ten.”

He shakes his head, shoving a handful of fries into his mouth. I take a few more bites of salad, and we’re quiet a moment. I have two big things to talk to him about, and I have no idea how on Earth to ease us into either one.

“I heard Levi’s dad said something about me.” My voice is quiet, and I stab at my salad some more.

He frowns now, glancing up at me briefly. “He said a lot of stuff. I don’t think anybody pays attention to him.”

Putting my fork down, I’m not sure I can eat as I say this. “How did you feel about what he said about me?”

“He was just talking out his… behind.” Austin stands, collecting his trash. “Everybody knows how it is with us.”

A knot is in my throat, and I stir my plate, trying to think. He dumps his trash into the can and wipes his hands on another napkin.

He seems like he’s about to bolt, and I clench my lips then just say it. “Would you care if I dated someone?”

He walks quickly past my chair, not seeming to pay attention. “Nah, that’s cool.”

“Austin, stop.” I go to where he’s already in the living room, waiting impatiently. “I’m serious.”

His shoulders drop, and he shoves his hands in his pockets, looking off to the side. His brown hair hangs over his eyes, and he’s so tall now. In my bare feet my head barely reaches the center of his chest. “Mom, I’ve got to go.”

“Tell me the truth.”

“It is the truth.” He holds out a hand. “I don’t want you to be alone, and I’m leaving in a year for college.”

“Yeah, about that. Coach Jack said you want to go to UT? You didn’t tell me you wanted to go there.”

His shoulders relax, and he steps back, giving me a minute. “I was just saying maybe.”

“I think that’s a great idea. You’d be close to Aunt Myrtle Dale and her family.”

His lips poke out, and he nods. “If I make the team, I won’t have time to visit much. I’ll be practicing and stuff. Traveling.”

“I know.” Turning to the side, my fingers clench, and I inhale deeply. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this for a while. It’s just been so crazy with camp and all the things going on. I didn’t want you to be distracted.”

“About college?” He frowns at me, and I reconsider.

Maybe telling him about his dad before the first big game would also be too distracting?

Forcing a smile, I reach out and squeeze his arm. “It can wait. Let’s make a date to chat this weekend—after you win the game.”

The corner of his mouth lifts with a half smile, and I notice a framed picture on the shelf behind him. It was taken his freshman year, when Dylan had just started teaching ballet at the high school, and it’s of him holding Mia Pine in a ballet pose.

“Remember this?” I point at it, and he huffs a laugh.

“How could I forget? Tyreek’s always teasing Josh and me for taking Aunt Dylan’s ballet class.”

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