Page 45 of Made Better Together

EDEN: Yeah, to start the season 5–0 would be major. So hopefully we pull it off.

EDEN: How’s the conference? Did your sister feel good about it?

CONNOR: She crushed it.

CONNOR: The whole thing gave me food for thought, though.

EDEN: How so?

CONNOR: I don’t know, it just feels like I’m playing a part right now? Like going through the motions. I’m learning a lot but…

EDEN: Managing athletes is not your life’s passion?

CONNOR: Exactly. This doesn’t feel like my calling.

CONNOR: But I don’t know what to do. I have the right connections for it, and based on how Grace explained they’re paid, I could make a decent living if some of my network signs up for management. Assuming I get a role after the internship is done.

EDEN: It’s not terrible to take a job to pay the bills for a while if you need time to figure out a long-term path.

CONNOR: Yeah. I’d rather that than be dependent on anyone.

EDEN: I get it.

CONNOR Anyway, I’ll be back late tomorrow after the Waves game, and maybe we can schedule something this week?

EDEN: Don’t jinx it

CONNOR: Yeah, we won’t talk about it. I’ll just randomly show up at your dorm.

CONNOR: JK.

EDEN: You may need to at this rate.

EDEN: I’m at Anderson House, Room 210. But quick, delete that before something interferes.

CONNOR: Shit, for real.

EDEN: Have fun at the Waves game tomorrow.

EDEN: And see you later this week. Hopefully.

Needless to say, I screenshot her dorm address and save it to my favorite photos.

The next day, it’s the life goals of Landon, Johnson, and Rawley we’re focused on.

Rawley’s now been on the Waves for three years as a starting wide receiver, and Landon and Johnson, six. They’ve made it deep into the playoffs every year since Rawley was drafted, but they still haven’t won the whole thing—the Super Bowl.

They reached it two years ago, but lost badly. Last year, they lost in a tight game in the conference championship, a round earlier.

Grace’s phone rings as we’re on the way to the stadium. “Hey, honey,” she says as she answers. It must be Johnson. “Yeah, we’re fine. On our way.”

She laughs at something he says. “If you’re lucky. Anyway, please remember, no heroics today. It’s just a preseason game.”

It’s the last bout before next week’s regular season start, which means the first-string players will get decent minutes, including all three members of our family.

“He’s nervous for the game?” I ask when she hangs up.

“Not really. He’s just determined for the team to start this season on the right foot. Boost up the guys’ confidence.”