Her eyes connected with her son’s, and she released a breath, then nodded, giving him permission to proceed.
“Mr. St. Patrick, track and field is my first love. It was the first sport I excelled in. Football and basketball came later, and as much as I enjoy them, my love for them never superseded track and field.”
“I understand and respect that. Honestly, your love and commitment to track is probably why you’re so damn good on the field and the court.”
“Thank you, sir,” he repeated.
“Right now, our DBs are a little weaker than our receivers, but nobody’s spot is guaranteed. It will have to be earned.”
“DB?” he asked, exchanging a look with his mother.
“On film, when I compare you at each position, you’re a natural DB, but that’s not to say you don’t shine as a receiver. Numbers don’t lie, and you’re one of the best in the state.”
He sat quietly for a few minutes with his hands clasped together.
“What would it look like if I did both track and football? We start officially training for track as soon as school starts.”
“I’m aware, but your competition season doesn’t begin until December, with only one track meet that month. If the football team goes as far as I believe we can, we’ll be done by mid-January. You’ll only miss two meets at the most. Of course, you wouldn’t be expected to participate in spring ball. Does that sound acceptable and doable?”
He looked at his mother, who didn’t look happy.
“What do you think, Ma?”
“This is solely up to you, Nyeem. I’ll support whatever you decide, as long as you promise me two things.”
“What’s that?”
“Remember, you’re on an academic scholarship, so it’s imperative that you keep your grades up.”
“That’s a non-negotiable, Ma. What else?”
“If this starts to feel like it’s too much, remember you can walk away at any time.”
He nodded. “Can I have a few days to think about it? I also need to talk to Coach Wilkins.”
Coach Wilkins was the track coach, and little did Nyeem know, I’d already spoken to him because I didn’t want to overstep. Thankfully, he was cool with it but made me promise to keep him healthy. Obviously, we both knew I had no control over that, but I promised him anyway.
“Of course. You have my number if you have any questions, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I guess we’d better get out of your way before my brother eats you out of house and home,” I said jokingly.
“Mrs. Kurrie—” Knox began.
“It’s Miss,” she corrected.
“Miss Kurrie, thank you for your hospitality. I didn’t eat lunch today, and I was wondering how I would make it through this meeting. We appreciate you making time for us in your busy day, and for allowing us to meet with you and Nyeem.”
“You’re welcome.”
The four of us stood, and after Knox threw his trash away, Nyomi and Nyeem walked us to the front door.
“Thank you both again for meeting with us. I hope to hear from you soon with good news, Nyeem.”
“Either way, I’ll reach out in a few days. Thanks for coming.”
As Knox and I stepped outside, Nyeem left his mother to bid us farewell. I stopped Nyomi just before she closed the door.
