Page 30 of Silent Deception
CHAPTER NINE
Ryan stayed a few yardsback, debating about whether or not he should interfere with Kristin’s pep talk.
“Cody, you know your dad gets impatient about things.” Sitting back on her heels, Kristin gave him a conspiratorial smile. “He was never good at sports and he really doesn’t understand them. Believe me, you’re doing a fine job out on that field, and I’m proud of you.”
Cody pulled off his team shirt and dropped it on the ground. “I’m slow and stupid, and I didn’t even catch the ball. Not once.”
“You’re just as good as every other boy out there. Fourth graders aren’tsupposedto be perfect, and none of those other kids are, either. They’re just learning the basics and practicing so they can get better.”
Cody’s attention veered to the playing field, where Hayden caught the football on the run and ran the length of the field. The despair in Cody’s eyes spurred Ryan forward and he rested a hand on Kristin’s shoulder. “How much are you doing with him at home?”
She pulled away and gave Ryan a cold glare as she stood up. “He’s just been to two practices so far. We’ll start playing catch with the football, I suppose. And...whatever the coach tells us to do.”
“Not enough.” Ryan eyed Cody thoughtfully. “Some of these town kids get to play all the time. All those neighborhood pickup games with their friends give them an advantage.”
Cody shuffled his feet in the grass and studied his shoelaces, but he was clearly listening to every word.
“What do you say to throwing the ball with Hayden and me after school? Maybe a couple times a week? You could come home on the school bus with him. He needs the extra work, too.”
Cody’s head bobbed up in disbelief. “Haydendoes?”
“Well, he’s got the same problem you do—no neighbor guys around. If it’s okay with your mom, you two could practice together. Throwing and catching are important skills in this game.” Ryan cocked his head, taking the boy’s measure. “You’re both strong kids with a lot of talent. What do you say?”
Cody jammed his hand in his jeans pockets, trying to look nonchalant, but the hope in his eyes gave him away as he turned to his mom. “Can I?”
“I don’t know.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m sure the Gallaghers are busy people.”
“Let me clear it with Hayden’s mom and dad, and then we’ll get back to you. I’ll bet we can work something out a couple times a week.” Ryan glanced over at the coach, who was lining up the two “teams” for another play. “Right now, though, you’d better get over there, so those guys don’t get to learn more than you.”
Cody flashed a grateful grin at Ryan, jerked on his shirt, and sped across the field. His mother shielded her eyes against the late-afternoon sun, her shoulders sagging.
“I try. Honestly, I try,” she murmured. She smiled wearily at Ryan. “I appreciate what you said to Cody. I just hope it works out to play with Hayden—he’ll be so crushed if this falls through.”
“I can’t imagine why we can’t get them together one way or another. If Valentina has other commitments for Hayden right after school, then you could bring Cody over later. I can certainly make time to work with the boys.”
A faint blush colored her cheeks. “I imagine everyone here heard Ted being his charming self again.”
