29
MAXFORD
Ipull my Land Cruiser into my old parking spot at Garnet Charter and kill the engine. It’s only been five months but part of my story feels like a lifetime ago.
“Think you’re ready to see the kids?” Nola asks.
A month ago, I would’ve said I’d rather listen to nothing but Emma’s music for the rest of my life over seeing those rug rats ever again, but I’m actually kind of excited about today.
I look at my watch and say, “Yeah, let’s do this before I have to get to the airport.”
We make our way around the school to the field where the fifth graders have gathered around the dirt track.
“Max! Mom! You guys made it!” Emma runs toward us, alongside classmates who notice me and cheer excitedly. I hold up the foam finger the girls kept from the spring training games, waving it wildly. On it, I’ve taped a sign that says, ‘Emma’s biggest fan.’
Ian, Blake, and Jonah sprint up to us and have a million questions for me about the Seafarers.
“My mom makes sure we watch all your games, and shebought us jerseys with your number on them,” Blake tells me and Nola cracks up.
“Uh, tell Jen thanks,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.
Blake perks up. “You can tell her yourself. She’s here today, manning the water station.” He points across the field where Jen is watching us like hawks.
Jonah pipes in. “Hey, remember that one game where you ran into the mascot and?—”
“Off to class,” I say, herding the group back toward the new P.E. teacher and Principal Bennett, who regain the class’ attention and set them up to start.
“Three miles, here you come!” I look at Emma.
“I may have overestimated how far I can run,” she says in defeat.
Nola gives her a hug and says, “Guess we’ll find out.”
“We’re going out to dinner before you leave, right?” she asks me.
I shake my head. “Sorry, kiddo. I changed my flight for after your run.”
“Ug.” She kicks a rock. “I really wanted pizza.”
“We can still do pizza without him,” Nola promises.
This satisfies her and she looks at me again. “Why do you have to leave early?”
“I gotta go talk to my agent and my GM about a few things.” I adjust my baseball hat and look to Nola.
“Like what?” she asks.
“Emma,” her mom says sternly.
“It’s okay,” I say to her and then go eye-level with Emma. “I signed on for five years with the Seafarers, but after a long talk with your mom last night, I’m going to see what it’ll cost for me to bow out after this season.”
Emma perks up at this. “Really?”
“I miss my family when I’m not home.”
She nods for a second and then her eyes light up. “Wait, are you talking about home with me and Mom?”
“Yeah,” I say with a smile.
