“You haven’t lost me, Mum.”
“You were a boy when you left. I want to get to know the man you’ve become. Learn of your dreams and more of your life here. You’re famous. The fans love you. And while I’m proud, I’m jealous they get to have you.”
“It’s not forever,” my dad interjects. “Let him live his dream while he can still play.” He holds out his hand to shake mine. “We do miss you, son. Every day. But we are proud of what you’ve achieved.” He pats my shoulder, then looks at my mother. “Before you know it, he’ll be home and teaching the neighborhood kids how to shoot.”
This isn’t the time to mention I won’t be coming home at the end of the season if Charlotte and I have a future together. I always intended to return home, but I can’t see Charlotte calling Australia home.
“You might be back here in a matter of months,” I remind them. “If we make the finals, I want you both here. It’s a milestone I want to share with my family.”
“We wouldn’t miss it.” Mom throws her arms around my neck. “I love you.” They both wave goodbye as the elevator doors open, and Mom rushes in, not before I notice her bloodshot eyes.
I look down at my feet and momentarily ponder my future options. Without a doubt, I miss my family, my home, my friends and Australia. But living in the US also works.My body feels fit, and I know I have another season in me. Maybe two.
After living apart from Charlotte for three years, I never want to do that again. So, I have to find a way to divide my time between LA and Australia.
“Sutra je suncano,” I whisper.Tomorrow is sunny.
I’m happy.
From here, it’s one day at a time.
I head back to the car and slide into the front seat alongside Ewan.
“Home, I assume?”
I nod. “Would you consider a sea change?”
“I love the beach here. Don’t tell me we’re leaving again.”
“Nope. But if I were to visit Australia… for an extended period, would you come with me?”
“I’m not your girlfriend,mate.”
I smirk at my friend.Mate.I remember the first time I said it to him. He was offended. “Absolutely not. But if there were a chance, and Charlotte accompanied me, I’d want someone with us who I trust.”
He stares straight ahead at the road. “Gotta say, life isn’t dull with you.”
“Is that a yes?”
“I take it this trip will not be in the near future.”
“No. A short visit at the end of the season, but in a year or so, it might be for extended stays.”
He taps his fingers on the steering wheel and remains silent for a moment. “Usually, I’m up for the adventure. While I can protect you from people, you better protect me from everything Down Under that tries to eat me.”
“Nothing will try to eat you.” I laugh under my breath. “Sting you, bite you, yes, but there are no lions or jaguars in Australia.”
“You got those big-ass crocodiles that will eat you. Greatwhite sharks. And don’t say sting me like it’s a mosquito bite. Those box jellyfish you have swimming around… everyone is too afraid to go in the ocean because they will kill you with one sting. Then you have those redback spiders and…” he shudders, “… the funnel-web spider. So pardon me if I don’t look eager to join you.”
“Then you’ll have no worries since I live in South Australia. No crocodiles and no stingers in the water.”
He glances at me, then back at the road, then back at me as though I’m lying. He looks back at the road and adds, “So I only have the sharks and spiders to worry about.”
“Funnel-web spiders aren’t in South Australia. The eastern brown snake is more of a problem, though.”
“No. No. I’d rather fuck a hedgehog.”
I laugh. “We have the best wineries in the world.”
