Page 1 of About Time You Noticed

Chapter One

TOMMY HUDDLED THE TEAM together, breathing through his mouth rather than inhaling teen body odor. Nothing on the face of the earth compared to the moldy cheese stench. Perhaps Lazarus’ tomb was less offensive. Tommy loved the stinkers, anyway. Maybe one of them would move on from Clear Creek to a professional soccer career.

"Guys, that was awesome. You rocked your last score. The grand final should be a breeze if you keep playing like this."

Jonas panted, sweat dripping from his brow. "Will we have the same positions?"

Tommy grinned at the red-faced boy. "Yep. But we'll practice new strategies. We need to be flexible."

He extended his hand in the center of the huddle, and the boys piled their palms over his. They roared the team chant, and their hands flew toward the blue sky.

"Go shake hands with the other team. You have twenty minutes to shower before your next period."

One by one, the guys stomped toward the defeated school, except Lanky Legs Jonas. He looked at Tommy with wide innocent eyes. “Thanks for trusting me to play goalie.”

Tommy gripped his shoulder and grinned. “I knew I could.” Was it okay to have favorites? Jonas reminded him so much of himself at that age—awkward, thin, but determined to do whatever it took to win the game.

What would it be like to have a son who looked to him as if he’d hung the stars? At thirty years of age, he should know that feeling by now, but he hadn't met the right woman yet. The joys of life in a small town. Out of his close friends, three pairs had married in the last six months. At least Sarah had maintained her fortitude and not given in to marital bliss either.

Tommy scuffed Jonas’ hair. “All that practice has paid off. Keep at it, and you could win a college scholarship. When the time comes, I’ll give a referral and help you apply.”

“Thornton’s a better player.”

“Stay in your lane. Don’t compare yourself to Thornton. He’s not a goalie. Become indispensable, and you’ll be picked for the state comps every time. You can do it.”

“Thanks, coach.”

“Now go shake hands with the other team and don’t rub their faces in defeat. Show good sportsmanship and say something genuine about how well they played.”

“Yes, sir.” Jonas spun and jogged to the center of the grounds.

Tommy released a sigh. At least he was helping Jonas.

From the bleachers, the science teacher jogged in Tommy’s direction.

"Great game, coach. I caught the last twenty minutes." Edward slapped Tommy's shoulder. "You must be proud of how far they've come in a year."

Tommy shoved a hand in his sweatpants pocket. "Those Termites sure did chew them up and spit them out. But the boys have worked hard this season."

"You have too. Don't be so humble. Kids thrive off your encouragement."

Tommy let go of a smile. "Thanks."

Edward had a gift of encouragement himself. When he’d joined the staff twelve months ago, it hadn’t taken Tommy long to find out he was a believer. He had an ease about him as if they’d known each other for years.

"I met your friend yesterday. Sarah." Edward bit his bottom lip. "Nice girl. I took a special needs kid to one of her equine horse therapy sessions. Amazing how calm Sonya became. Her other teachers tell me she’s improved since she started therapy."

Tommy shielded his face against the warm afternoon sun. "Sarah has the same calming effect on me. Always the peacemaker."

Edward smiled. "I believe you." He rocked on his feet. "She's single, right?"

Tommy's eyes snapped open. "You're interested in Sarah?"

Edward frowned. "Why wouldn't I be? She's sweet and a little shy. I figured she might still be single."

Tommy scratched the nape of his neck and swallowed hard. "Maybe she's content. We’re in a close group of friends."

Edward nodded. "So, no one’s caught her eye? Would she go out with me based on first impressions, or should I make an excuse to revisit the stables?"

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