“Oh, how are Franco and Liliana?”
“They are great. They loved Rachel, and they said to send you their love.”
“Sonia and I are going next week. So, no doubt I will hear all about your date from them! So, Rachel, huh? Tell me about her?”
“Well, I guess the most important thing to know is that she has a son named Sam.”
“Oh, wow, a young mom at college…that’s impressive. She must have a good support network around her.”
“Yes, she lives with her parents not too far from campus. She is the same age as me, and studying to be a nurse. She is smart, beautiful, and I really think you would like her, Mom.” I watch my mom’s face and try to read her reaction because I can feel the lovesick look on my face.
“I look forward to meeting her and her son. Have you met him?”
“No, I haven’t. She is protective of who she lets into his life. And what we have is still pretty new.”
“That’s smart.” She gestures and takes a sip of her water. “No mom should have random guys coming and going in their child’s life; well, at least that’s what I think, or the values I tried to live by after your dad died.”
“I loved the way you raised me after Dad died.”
“So how are you feeling about the next game?” she says changing the subject.
“A bit nervous,” I reply because she gets the truth. To everyone else I lie and boast how confident I am. “It’s going to be a hard game and tougher now without Christian.”
“I have faith in you, son, and win or lose I will be waiting for you outside the players door. No pressure, baby, because I’ll be proud of you regardless, and I know your dad is too!”
I nod slowly to her response, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Thanks, Mom.”
A few hours later I have the steaks cooking on the barbeque and Mom is preparing the fries and salad. We have our movie picked and will settle in for a quiet night. I could picture Rachel and her son here with us, hanging out together. I think they would get along great. My mom loves kids, and I know she is secretly anticipating the time she becomes a grandma andspending endless hours playing and baking with them. I reach for my phone to check in on Rachel but see I already have some messages.
Christian: *Added Seth to the group*
Christian: Yo, can someone take out the trashcans?
Seth: With what weapon?
Christian: Idiot.
Walsh: Already have. Randy, u gunna wax?
Christian: Still can’t believe Coach is onboard with this.
Walsh: Can’t believe I just asked about Randy’s private area…
Me: *Finger emoji*
Gypsy: Was thinking maybe I could come over 2night?
Me: Soz, at my mom’s place.
Devon: Think u can practice some catches with me before the next game. Kinda nervous, man.
Me: Yeah, man. Call ya tmw, don’t worry u got this.
Mitch: Alex is the one with the rack, right?
Me: Yeah, but she likes Reilly.
Kelly: U got a date for NYs?
