Page 61 of Lowering His Guard

Tanner beams. “I’m mentoring the next generation.”

“Why do I let you around my kid?”

“Because deep down you know I'm enriching his life.”

“Way, way deep down,” Gage mutters.

Tanner flicks a hand at Gage to dismiss him. “Seriously though, Jace. Be kind. Girls remember that way longer than six-pack abs.”

My eyes widen with surprise at his honest, genuine advice.

He shrugs. “What? I can be wise for ... thirty seconds a day.”

Coach Knox blows his whistle. “Five-minute warning.” He starts to leave but notices Jace and his brow wrinkles.

I squeeze Jace’s shoulder. “Be right back.”

“Coach,” I call to Knox. “Got a sec?”

He nods.

“Do you mind if Jace hangs around today? His surfing class was cancelled.”

“Family is always welcome. And Jace has never been a problem. He can come around more often.”

“More often?”

“He hardly attends any of our games.”

“He’s in high school. He can’t travel around the country to watch the Seals play.”

He shrugs. “I’m just saying he’s welcome to be around more often. He fits right in. The players all like him.”

“And Tanner is corrupting him.”

“Tanner’s harmless.”

I cock an eyebrow.

“To a teenage boy.” He checks the time. “You should be on the field.”

He doesn’t need to tell me twice. I hurry away but his words stick in my mind. Jace does seem to enjoy being around the team. He’s not suffering because I play football.

Maybe I could continue to play after this year. Maybe Jace could attend more games, travel with the team more often.

Maybe I don’t have to give up the game I love.

I enter the locker room. Jace is standing in the middle of my teammates, laughing and joking with them. He fits in. And he appears happy. All I want is for my kid to be happy.

Chapter 20

False Start – Sometimes the wave feels perfect... until you realize it was never yours to catch.

May

I’m driving on sunshine. Whoah-oh

I’m driving on sunshine. Whoah-oh