Chapter 55

55

ZACH

It was hard to concentrate, knowing Jason was sitting behind me. I had no idea how long he and Drea had been there, but I couldn't deny it set a thrill of excitement humming in my veins. I only hoped he'd still be there when we dismissed the middle school group so I could talk to him.

I returned my attention to the field where the kids were running a passing drill. I tried not to focus all my attention on Sean, but even if I hadn't known a little about his history, I think my eye would have been drawn all the same. The kid had talent. His ball-handling needed a little work, but he was lightning fast and showed promise with his goal-scoring. We planned to reassign the groups tomorrow so the players could work on their weaknesses and build on their strengths. The kids would all be working the same skills with different areas of focus based on their needs. Unfortunately, I would have to split him up from his cousin. Rusty just didn't have the same level of skill as Sean. I hoped it wouldn't cause any issues, but ultimately, I had to do what was best for both boys.

With about five minutes left in the morning session, I blew the whistle, calling for everyone to grab their water and meet me in the center of the field. I resisted the urge to turn to see if Jason was still there, keeping my eyes focused on the kids.

Once I had everyone sitting on the turf in front of me, I addressed them. "Nice work today. I saw a lot of potential in each of you. We'll spend the rest of the week building on that potential to make you stronger players. Make sure to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day. Tomorrow's going to be another hot one and it's important to hydrate ahead of time. Coaches? Anything to add?" I looked around at the other coaches, who all shook their heads. "Alright then. You're dismissed."

The kids hopped up, grabbing their water bottles and soccer balls, breaking off in twos and threes to make their way up the stairs and out of the stadium. I finally allowed myself to turn, and there Jason was, standing in the shade of the press box, a small smile on his face. With a black fitted T-shirt stretched across his broad chest and his AFD ball cap on, he looked like the twenty-first-century version of a Greek god.

He started making his way toward the steps and I realized Drea must have left at some point. That was probably for the best. I wasn't sure how Sean would react to seeing his dog for the first time since the fire.

I wasn't opposed to giving him the opportunity to see Daisy. In fact, it was part of the reason I'd adopted her, but the soccer field was likely not the best place for this first reunion. I needed to talk to his Aunt Sarah to see what we could work out.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as soon as Jason was in hearing range.

"I came to check on Sean. The kid looks good out there."

"He definitely shows promise. I'm just glad he made it today. His aunt seemed a little unsure about getting him here."

"Yeah, that's what Drea said. She said you agreed to let his cousin participate so the two could ride their bikes up here."

"Yep. His cousin did alright, but I'm not sure he was super into it. We'll see how he fares the rest of the week." I took a sip out of my own water bottle. "Where'd Drea go, anyway? I was surprised to see her up here."

"I think she just wanted to see you in action. But she left a little while ago. She wasn't sure you wanted Sean to see the dog."

"She was right. I'm going to talk to his aunt about bringing Daisy by for a visit, but given the circumstances, the soccer field is probably not the best place for that reunion."

"I agree." He took his hat off, ran his hand through his hair, then replaced it. It was a little habit he'd always had when he was nervous or unsure what to say. I'd always found it endearing. "I wanted to let you know that I'm taking Daisy for a couple of hours this afternoon. Drea had an appointment that she forgot about and I told her Daisy could hang with me. I hope that's okay."

"Oh. Um…yeah, that's totally fine. Thank you." I could feel a different kind of flush rising under my already heated cheeks. His offer was so sweet and honestly such a surprise that it had me off-kilter. I felt like I was in high school all over again.

"What time do you want me to bring her by?"

I waved him off. "I can just swing by your house and pick her up. That way, you don't have to make a trip over."

"It's alright. I don't have anything else going on today. You finish here, and I'll bring her over whenever you want her."

"Okay. Is four good?"

"That works. I'll see you then."

"Sounds good. Thanks."

"You got it. I'll just get out of your way."

I nodded, but as he turned and started heading up the steps, I called his name, stopping him. "It was really good to see you here today. Kind of made my morning."

His lips turned up in a shy smile, but he didn't say anything, opting for a wave before heading up the steps.

The whole interaction left me feeling confused. And hopeful.

Shit . Hope was a dangerous thing.