Page 9 of Sideline Sweetheart
Both Mom and Dad are a few years away from retirement, and while I help them out as much as they’ll allow, they are still proud and want to reach their golden years the old-fashioned way, on their own.
“Oh, he’s fine. I was calling to make sure you were still coming home this weekend for his birthday.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be there. Do you need me to bring anything.”
“I can’t think of anything, but if I do, I’ll give you a call.”
We talk a few more minutes, before ending the conversation. I open my laptop and finish making notes on the players and then head home for the day.
Spendingthe weekend with my parents was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate me. When I rolled into town Friday night, Mom had prepared all of my favorites for dinner. A fact Dad was quick to point out being it was his birthday weekend.
Saturday, we gathered with the family to celebrate Dad at my aunt and uncle’s. When the whole family turns up there are easily twenty of us, and this was one of those times. Dad relished all the attention even if he pretended otherwise.
When everyone starts to head home, I begin cleaning up. I carry discarded paper plates to the trash and leftovers to the kitchen. As I set a now empty bowl of potato salad in the sink, myphone chirped with a text message. I reach into my pocket, pull out my phone, and open my messaging app.
Is it crazy to say I miss going to practice on the weekend?
I smile as I read the message and type out my response.
Not exactly crazy, but you may need a hobby.
Three dots appear as he types a response.
You may have a point.
How’s your day been?
It’s been nice. I’m home visiting my parents for my dad’s birthday. Heading back to Greenville tomorrow.
I won’t keep you then. Tell your dad happy birthday and safe travels home.
Thanks, see you Monday.
I’m still smiling when Mom and Aunt Rosie enter the kitchen with another load of dishes. “What has you smiling?” Mom asks as she sets the leftover barbecue on the counter.
I smile again as I shake my head. “A text from one of the players.”
Aunt Rosie winks at me. “Must be one hot player to have you smilingandblushing.”
I start to argue as I feel my cheeks heat. “Bryce is easy on the eyes, for sure.” I decide to go all in and tell them he’s asked me out. “He asked me out a few weeks ago, but I declined.”
“Wait, Bryce?” Aunt Rosie says. “Are you talking about Bryce Coban?”
My brow furrows as I turn toward my aunt. “Yes, why?”
“Good lord, Mackenzie, why in the world would you turn down a hunk like Bryce Coban?”
I throw my hands up, dishwater flying. “Because it’s unethical for a doctor to date a patient.”
“But are they truly patients?” Mom asks.
“You sound like Luna,” I say as I turn back to the sink.
“Luna sounds like a smart woman, you should listen to her,” Aunt Rosie says. “I’ll tell you something else, if I was thirty years younger and someone like Bryce Coban asked me out, I’d say yes before he finished the question.”
Mom laughs. “You think she’s kidding, but she absolutely would.”
Monday morning,I head to the practice facility. It’s funny, because suddenly I realize what Bryce was talking about. As much as I enjoyed being home with my family, I missed interacting with the people I now consider friends.
