23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
Andre
I don’t know what it is about the holidays, but they always fly by.
After Maddox’s birthday was Halloween. The kids enjoyed the night and got way too much candy, as they usually do.
Now it’s already Thanksgiving. Work’s been busy between the day to day and coaching, especially now that we have games every week.
Originally, we were all going to go to Amelia’s for dinner today, but I insisted that I host everyone here at the house.
Not only is there more room, but it’s fair to take turns doing things.
Her and Paul took care of Maddox’s birthday, which of course they would, but Amelia and Sean also threw a Halloween party.
It’s only fair that I help too, since they invite us to everything.
Which I absolutely love, not only for myself but for Rylee too.
She’s with Paul at the store picking up a few last-minute things that I forgot to grab. The first store he went to wasn’t open because it’s Thanksgiving morning—I get it—so he had to drive even further away.
I love seeing how comfortable she is with him now, and I keep thinking about how we need to come out and tell both her and Maddox about us.
It’s just a difficult conversation to have with a child, nevermind kids like Rylee and Maddox, who are old enough to know that we aren’t their parents.
Rylee loves Paul, and I don’t want her to resent him once she knows we're together, like he’s taking her mother’s place or something.
I’m not sure if kids her age have feelings like that, but it’s possible, and it’s the last thing I want.
It’s the same for Maddox.
He likes Sean just fine, but he’s a little bit older, and finding out his dad is dating a guy might be a little difficult to come to terms with.
We have a good relationship and I love the kid.
I know he feels the same about me, but once you put a label on things, sometimes it all changes. That’s what I’m afraid of.
I’m basting the turkey when my phone starts to ring from the kitchen counter, cutting into the music that I was listening to. I finish what I’m doing before closing the oven and grabbing my phone. It’s an unknown number from out of state but something in my gut tells me to answer it. So I do.
“Hello?”
“Hi, I’m looking for Andre Taylor.”
“This is him,” I say carefully. “How can I help you?”
Spammers have gotten ridiculous with their methods these days, but this person doesn’t sound like a spammer.
“Hi, Mr. Taylor, my name is Shelby Allen. I’m the athletic director at New Haven University.”
The college is well known. I had a few players that came from New Haven and it was one of the schools I looked into going to when I was playing football in high school. They have a fantastic college team.
“What can I do for you, Shelby?” I ask, not a clue why she is calling me.
“I’m actually hoping you can do something for me.”
I chuckle. “I’m not sure what that means.”
“We’re making some changes to our football program. We haven’t announced anything publicly yet, so I’d appreciate your discretion.”
“Of course.”
“Well, your name came up in conversation…”
“Hopefully it was a good one.” I laugh again.
“Wouldn’t be calling otherwise,” she says, and I hear the smile in her voice. “I hear you’re at Rockridge High school, coaching the Raccoons. They’re doing really well this season.”
“They’re good kids.”
“We’re looking for someone who can rebuild our program here. Someone the players will respect. Look up to. Someone with the track record and experience who can help them win.”
“And you’re looking for a recommendation?” I ask.
She laughs again. “No, Mr. Taylor. We’re looking for you.”
“Me? You want me to coach the Ocelots football team?”
“We sure do. We’re willing to negotiate terms immediately.”
“I’m not looking for a job.”
“Just meet me for dinner. Let’s have a conversation about it.” I don’t know what to say, so I don’t say anything. “Come on, Coach. What harm can dinner do?”
“Can I think about it?” I finally get out.
“Of course. I can give you a week.”
“A week is good. Is this the number I can reach you at?”
“Yes. This is my direct line. If I don’t answer, leave a message.”
“Thank you.”
“I look forward to hearing from you, Mr. Taylor. I’d really love for you to come work for us.”
“Thank you,” I say again. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving.”
I end the call and stare at my phone like it’s about to explode.
What the hell is going on? Why would my name come up?
Are people still looking to pull me back after I left?
I was sure I’d be laughed out of the league until eternity.
No one gives up those positions. But I did and I don’t regret it.
I loved coaching. But I love my family more.
Still, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if I got back into it. High school is great, but college? That’s different. It’s bigger. It’s better. The kids want it more.
I certainly have a lot to think about over this week.
My parents show up first, nearly thirty minutes early. My mother hurries to meet me in the kitchen to see if I need help with anything. I almost have to shove her out to go relax for her to let me be.
“I’ve got this, Mom. I’m fine. Go sit and relax. Have some wine.”
She takes the bottle and goes into the living room where my father is already sitting on the couch with Paul, watching the football game. Just the sounds of it bring me back.
When the doorbell rings, Rylee jumps up and runs to it. “I’ll get it!”
“Hold on,” I call out. “You need an adult with you.”
“Got it!” Paul calls, and he hurries after her.
She struggles to pull open the door, but she gets it, and leaps at Maddox when she sees it’s them. Paul greets Amelia and Sean. They both walk into the house, looking around with wonder.
“Yeah, it’s big,” Paul says, scratching the back of his neck.
“I see why Maddox likes it here so much.”
“It’s better in the summer because we can use the pool. Now, all we have is the hot tub but it’s too hot,” he says.
“Yeah, way too hot,” Rylee adds. “Come on, Maddox. Let’s watch football!”
She takes his hand and leads him into the living room.
Paul, Amelia, and Sean come into the kitchen so Paul can get them each a beer. Amelia said she’d prefer that over wine. They put down the three pies they brought with them, because they couldn’t decide which would be better.
“I have harder stuff if you want.” I smirk.
“It’s early. I should stick with this for now,” Amelia says.
“Suit yourself.”
“How long until the food is done?” Paul asks, his hand landing on the bottom of my back.
“About ten minutes,” I say.
Nodding, he brushes a quick kiss along my cheek and I hear the three of them heading into the kitchen.
We’ve both been braver with the PDA around the kids. Not directly in front of them, but it’s hard to hold back. We’re getting good at sneaking in kisses while they’re busy in the other room.
The table is already set, the large one in the dining room that I’ve never used before. My mother helps me carry all the dishes in and set them on the table.
When the food is all laid out, we call everyone in.
We take our seats and spend the next hour stuffing ourselves with food and laughing about who even knows what.
Amelia and Paul share stories about themselves and Maddox.
I share silly stories about Rylee and even recall some things from when Paul and I were in college together.
My parents talk about me when I was little and how much of a pain in the ass I was. It’s amazing. It’s… perfect.
Everything is perfect.