Clare sticks a finger in her mouth chewing on the nail in decision. “No, it’s okay. We lost the soccer volunteer so we haven’t used them in months. They take up less space flat."
Clare fidgets in place obviously troubled by the answer. Scott shrugs and carries the balls back to the large wooden cabinet in the opposite corner of the room as an idea brews in my head. I happen to know a guy who has soccer knowledge, and he’s always complaining about being bored. It sounds like a win-win situation to me. I rub my hands together with my evil idea to get Ryland out of the house and plot how I’ll ask as Clare offers to pick us both up a slice of sub.
When she returns I’m armed and ready with a subtle argument to help Ryland Bates become the center’s newest volunteer. A position he may not know he wants, but one he desperately needs.
“I have a friend who could get your soccer program off the ground again, if you’re interested?” I ask as casually as possible, which isn't much.
Clare hands me a plate with a turkey sub centered and plain potato chips creating a moat around it. Her eyes tighten and become doubtful. “Who?”
“Well…” Now it gets tricky. I probably shouldn’t promise Ryland’s services until I talk to him. There’s a small chance he’ll say no, but at the same time Clare might have concerns about his past. “He used to play soccer in England, but he's in San Francisco for a while. Ryland Bates. He’s a forward.” I rush to get it out in as few sentences as possible.
I ignore the fact he might leave any day. Maybe the chance to help out inner city kids will get him to stick around longer… not that I’m doing this for myself or anything. Definitely not.
Clare’s nail goes back in her mouth. “Hmm. I’ve never heard of him, but the most I know about soccer revolves around the one married to Posh Spice. The center needs all the support we can get. If he’s willing, I’d be glad for the help.” She brushes off her hand on a leg of her pant. “I’ll get you a business card. Have him call me if he decides he’d like to volunteer. There’s background checks and other paperwork he'd need to fill out.”
I finish my mini sub as quickly as possible and grab my phone to text Ryland the good news. Hopefully he’ll see it the same way.
Me:Hey what are you doing?
Ryland:Playing DR with Finn and Trey at the office.
Me:Oh, well then I won’t bother you, but we need to talk tonight.
It’s impossible to sit still in my chair and I wiggle around, tired from doing nothing all morning.
Ryland:It’s just a game, Kitten. I can stop playing. Do you want me to call you?
“Good news?” Clare asks next to me.
“What? Um… nothing.” I work to wipe the stupid grin off my face, but it won’t leave. I’m finding way too much pleasure from Ryland’s offer to stop playing a game and call me.
Me:No keep playing. I’ll tell you after work.
Me:And don’t call me kitten.
I shake my head at my last text and hit send as I do, still annoyed at the smile I can’t force away. The stupid kitten nickname might be growing on me.
