Page 16 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
“Rebecca,” I catch her arm, stopping her from getting into the car. “I know. I just thought…”
“Thought what?”
“My knowledge and experience in this area might be helpful.”
Her brow furrows. “I’ve worked in the sports world for as long as you have.”
The last thing I intend to do is make her doubt herself. Quite the contrary, actually. I only want to help. “That’s true. However, I’ve given recommendations and helped several coaches and teams by analyzing stats and data.”
I’m practically holding my breath as I wait for her next reply. She’s right. I’m pushing too hard.
A soft sigh escapes her lips. “You’ve analyzed my team, haven’t you?”
I hold my hands out. “It’s what I do.”
She glances toward my back seat. “Do you have a notebook in that briefcase of yours?”
“And a pen or two.”
She studies me for a moment. “Good. Let’s brainstorm over some burgers.”
Our empty plates sit on the table, pushed out of the way as we finish discussing not only Gabe’s interview but potential strategies for her team, which include replacing the team’s captain.
Becks finishes writing the last item on the list we created and then closes the notebook. “I’ve spent some time studying the players, but I’m not seeing a clear candidate.”
“Let Gabe worry about that.”
She slumps in her chair. “Wouldn’t it help the team to have that settled as soon as possible?”
“You know how this works, Rebecca. The team needs to have a say in who their captain will be.”
“So they take ownership.” She sits back with a sigh. “Exactly what I’m hoping they’ll do.”
I can easily see Rebecca getting the vote for best owner in the ECHL. She has her team’s well-being at heart. “If you hire Gabe, let him and Jack work with the team to pick the right guy.”
She fiddles with the corner of her discarded napkin. “I’m not sure Jack will be on board with any of this.”
I make a gamble by covering her hand with mine. “Follow your gut, Becks. You know what you’redoing.”
Doubt still lingers in her eyes, but she smiles. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
I reaffirm my resolve to do whatever I can to help her succeed. Guess I’m team Rebecca, and it feels good. Like I have a greater purpose than just analyzing stats and reporting on my findings.
“Anytime. You got this.” My phone buzzes next to me on the table—Laney. “I should take this.”
Rebecca drags her eyes from my phone and nods.
I answer my niece’s call as I step outside the restaurant. “What’s up, peanut?”
“I sent you an email from the college. Something they want signed by my guardian.” Sarcasm coats her voice, and I’m sure she’s thinking she’s a grown woman who doesn’t need to be told what to do.
Laney has always been the most independent female I’ve ever met, even from a young age. When she hit fourteen, she made me promise to only call her ‘peanut’ in private, and I reluctantly agreed. By sixteen, she had her entire college plan mapped out with a list of colleges she planned to apply to, including her first choice, Yale University. By eighteen, she had her acceptance letter in hand for their bioethics and law program.
I bet she and Rebecca would hit it off big time.
“How soon do you need it?” I glance through the window to where Rebecca sits, scrolling on her phone. “I’m kind of in the middle of something.”
“Ooooh, a hot date? Please tell me you’re on a date, Uncle Zach.”
