Page 23 of Recipe for Rivals
The school had strict rules about driving kids around, and I didn’t blame them. I just hoped Brody would come to the practice and not choose to blow it off.
I pulled into the park and hopped out of the truck, moving to get the bag of flags, cones, and footballs from the bed. We still used the Pee-Wee sized balls, but Jake wanted to start working with the regular balls toward the end of our season. Our boys were right on the cusp, so I could see why he wanted to introduce the larger balls before next year, when they’d be forced to move up.
It took a few minutes to set up for practice. Kids started arriving and playing on the field, racing each other to the treesand back. I liked them getting their wiggles out first thing, and it also counted as a sneaky warmup.
I checked the time on my phone and slid it back in my pocket, raising my gaze to see Nova Walker coming toward me, holding Ben’s hand. My immediate reaction was more excited than it should have been, that eagerness when you see someone you want to talk to coming your way.
It didn’t seem like Nova shared my excitement, given the way her steps slowed when she noticed me. Her ponytail swung as she walked, and she wore a thick sweatshirt over yoga pants and sneakers. There was something very cozy about everything she wore, whether it was in the diner or running around town.
She leaned down to say something to Ben, but he shrugged.
“Howdy,” I called, giving them a wave. Immediately I regretted it. I should have tried something a city girl wouldn’t find weird.
“There’s Pete!” Ben said, trying to run away.
“Wait.” Nova tugged on his hand. “We don’t know if this—that is, where’s his dad?”
“Jake couldn’t make it tonight.” Everything clicked into place. When Jake had mentioned a new kid was joining the team who would need direction and probably a lot of teaching, it didn’t occur to me it would be Ben. “He told me about a newcomer. Have you signed all the waivers online?”
“Yes,” she said, releasing her hold on her son. He took off like a rocket toward Pete and a few other kids who were trying to climb a tree on the far side of the field. The waivers here were important.
“Anything I need to do?” she asked.
“Be back to pick him up in an hour.”
She looked past me, watching Ben nervously, then leveled an intense look at me with her dark brown eyes. “He doesn’t know the first thing about football, Dusty. I tried to explain some of it,but I’m just as ignorant, so I don’t know if I was helpful or made things worse.”
Brody rolled in on his bike then, his wary eyes scanning the field. I let out a breath, relieved he’d chosen to show up. He started toward us, and I closed the distance with purposeful steps. “Don’t worry, Ms. Walker. Brody here will be Ben’s personal coach.” I clapped him on the shoulder. He gave her a fleeting smile.
“Which one’s he?” Brody asked.
“Red shirt climbing trees,” I said, pointing.
Brody nodded. Nova looked uncertain.
I hoped to put her worries to rest. “It’s just until Ben’s comfortable in the game. Brody, round everyone up and start a stretch routine.”
Brody looked equally uncertain, and I had to swallow the impulse to do it alongside him. I’d seen him lead the high school team. Judging by the bend in his shoulders, though, he needed the reminder that he was good at it. I lifted my eyebrows.
“Yes, coach.” Brody jogged off.
“Am I allowed to stay and watch?” Nova asked.
“Of course. Most parents drop the kids and run, but a few will bring chairs and hang out, though it’s a little cold for that right now. You’re welcome at any of our practices.”
She nodded, but that groove between her eyebrows remained.
I took a small step toward her, lowering my voice. “He won’t get hurt in flag football, you know. The waiver is just to cover everyone’s butts.”
“I’m not worried about that.” She chewed on her lip, her eyes scanning the group of boys now circled around Brody and doing their warmup stretch routine. “We’ve had a lot of changes lately, and I just think this is a lot for Ben. He’d be embarrassedif he knew I was telling you this, but he’s never been interested in sports. He’s a LEGO andStar Warskid.”
“He can be both,” I said gently. LEGOs were never my thing, but I understood his appreciation forStar Wars. “Flag is fun. It’s a good way to get kids outside playing a game and interacting with their peers, but it’s also a solid introduction to teamwork and developing obedience and listening skills. It’s not just football, Nova. I think he’s going to like it.”
She peered at me, the worry on her brow shifting to interest. “Okay. I’ll let you do your job. Sorry for bringing all the anxiety to your doorstep. I’ve never really been a worrier, but it’s all I seem to do these days.”
“It’s all good,” I said, and I meant it. I flashed her a smile. “We’ll see you after practice.”
She walked back to her car, a very practical Toyota Highlander, and settled in the front seat. I noticed Alice sitting beside her with a tablet, the screen lighting up her face. I shot them a reassuring smile and crossed the field toward my team.