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“Dad, don’t quit,” I say before he reaches the door. “You should stay and coach the Bearhawks.”
He pauses. “Why?” he asks with curiosity in his brow.
A lump tightens my throat, but I push it down. “Because I need it.” It’s not enough to just be a Morgan. Or a Pierce. “I want to be the best player on that field. I’m not right now, but I know I can be with your help.”
Dad takes a step toward me, looking at me with subtle pride in his eyes. “You’re sure?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say. “I’m sure.”
“It’s gonna be difficult.”
“I know.”
“I will train the shit out of you.”
I crack a smile. It’s what he wants. “I can take it.”
Dad smiles back as a knock taps the door. “Come in,” he says.
The door opens and Mom steps inside. “Kirby’s are downstairs. Carpool’s a-waitin.’ Oh! We having a secret meeting?” She looks at the two of us, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “What are we talking about?”
“Dad was just helping me with my tie,” I say.
Mom rolls her eyes. “Morgan men.”
“Yeah, we’re the worst,” Dad says, stepping over to join her by the door. He gives her a kiss on the cheek as he passes, making her smile.
As soon as he’s through the door, she angles back to make sure he’s gone before closing the door behind him.
“So, what’d you guys really talk about?” she asks me.
I shrug. “Just guy stuff.”
“Guy stuff? Really?”
“Yeah,” I say as I walk around her to reach the door. “Guy stuff.”
She steps into my path, her black skirt shifting with the movement. “You’re really not gonna tell me?” she asks with a pouting smile. “Your grieving mother?”
“Mom,” I say. Only she would crack that joke today.
“Seriously, though,” she says, straightening up. “Is this guy stuff something I need to worry about?”
“No. You don’t have to worry, Mom.”
“It’s all good?”
“Yeah, it’s all good.”
“Good.” She smiles as she palms the doorknob. “Dana looks very pretty today.”
I walk forward. “Oh, yeah?”
“You should tell her that.”
“I will.”
Mom opens the door halfway, but not far enough to let me through, then her tone turns serious. “Don’t marry her until after graduation,” she says.
