“I know you think we were being cruel making you move here, but you’re our son, Callan, and sometimes that means making decisions that are hard. I know how talented you are. I know you have a great chance at making it as a pro, and I firmly believe that will happen no matter where you are. Yes, the path might have been easier if you’d stayed at Pat’s, but we were not leaving you behind. We can’t erase the last two years, Callan, and you know you were struggling. What kind of parents would we be if we swanned off to America and left you at your nan’s? Your mother would have worried herself sick all the time, and she deserves this new lease on life. Look how happy she is here. How happy Erin is.” There’s a pregnant pause. “Look at how happy you are now.”
“It’s still hard to accept, Dad, but I know you did it for the right reasons and…you’re right. I am in a better place. I amhappy here, and I just hope I can still make it as a footballer. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“I know, son, and I have every faith in you.” He clears his throat. “Coach had a call from Bennington Turo. They’re interested in you.”
“He did?” I hear the surprise in Callan’s voice. “He never said anything to me.”
“We asked him to let us talk to you first. You’re already making waves here. Think about the kind of waves you’d make in a bigger university environment. I know you’re not keen on going the college route, but it’s a viable option, and I think you should at least meet with them and hear what they have to say. They are offering you a full scholarship and the opportunity to play in the UK in a series of inter-country competitions. Scouts from all over the world will be there. It will be the perfect chance for you to showcase your talent.”
Silence descends, and I really hope Callan will at least listen to the offer. It sounds like an amazing opportunity, and I agree with everything his dad said. It would also be incredible to go to college together. I love the thought of us both being on the same campus.
“I guess it couldn’t hurt to talk with them.”
I emit an excited squeal before I can trap the sound.Fan! I close my eyes briefly before pulling on my big-girl panties. Time to face the music. I step out onto the hallway, meeting two pairs of curious eyes. Callan and his dad are sitting on the floor, their backs against the wall with their knees raised.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I came up to see Callan and didn’t want to interrupt what appeared to be a serious conversation.”
“It’s no bother, Astrid.” Tony smiles as he rises to his feet. “We’re calling it a night anyway. He’s all yours.”
Callan gets to his feet.
“Let Coach know we’ve spoken about it, and he’ll take it from there.”
Callan nods, and I move aside as Tony walks past me and descends the stairs.
“I’m sorry,” I repeat, cringing a little. “I was stuck on the stairs and didn’t know what to do.”
“It’s okay.” He runs a hand along the back of his neck. “How much did you hear?”
“From the part where you apologized for being a jerk.”
“Skit.” He claws his hands through his hair while I try to smother my smile. Hearing Callan curse in Swedish is awesome. He steps forward, weaving his fingers through mine. “I know it’s cold, but would you want to sit outside with me while I explain? I’ll make us hot chocolate, and we’ve got cake.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Callan shows me how to make hot chocolate from the box of Butler’s Irish hot chocolate his mom has in the house. You warm up milk and then melt one of the chocolate pots into it. It’s creamy and chocolatey and utterly delicious.
“This is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted,” I admit as we sit on the top step of the deck in the Hunts’ backyard. They haven’t tackled this space yet, leaving it until spring when the weather is warmer. Roni is determined to renovate the garden before summer, and that will give her plenty of time. I have already promised to help.
We’re bundled up in puffer jackets, hats, and gloves, and Callan has draped a blanket over us. Overhead, it’s a clear night, and stars are twinkling and dancing across the black canvas.
“It’s good stuff.” Callan warms his hands around his mug. I’m surprised he’s drinking it, but he seems to have relaxed his rules a little lately.
“I really want to visit Ireland someday,” I add, sipping my drink. “Hearing all about it and getting to taste all the deliciousthings your mom has baked only makes me more determined to see it.”
“I’ll take you there,” he says, curling his arm around me when an involuntary shiver whips its way through me.
“I’d like that.” I look at him, urging him to continue that train of thought. To admit what we have is the farthest thing from fake. I don’t know if Callan realizes it, but he’s a naturally dedicated boyfriend, and it seems to come to him so easily. He also talks sometimes like he’s making plans for the future, and I desperately want it to happen. I want him to take me to Ireland and show me where he grew up and all the amazing places to see and things to do.
When he dips his head and kisses me, I want to melt into his arms and never come up for air. “Are you warm enough?” he asks after we end the kiss, tightening his arm around me.
“I’m peachy.”
His lips twitch before his expression morphs into a more solemn one. He finishes his drink and puts his mug aside. His Adam’s apple jumps in his throat, and he tips his head back, staring up at the stars for a few beats while I sip my hot chocolate and wait him out. It’s clear he has something he wants to get off his chest.
“I was in a real bad place after I came home from the Liverpool trials,” he says, lowering his gaze and fixing it on me. “I felt like such a failure. I was in awe while I was there, and I don’t think I took it seriously enough. I didn’t properly show them what I could do, and I couldn’t stop beating myself up for wasting the opportunity.”
“You were only fifteen,” I softly say, clutching his arm.
