Page 118 of Offside Rules

Mom.

I switch off the engine and settle back against the seat. I promised I’d call her yesterday. Then I spent the evening with Wolf, and somehow discussing his jersey with my mother dropped to the bottom of my list.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hi, sweetheart. Are you working?"

"Just finished the lunch rush. I sold out."

"Oh, honey, that’s wonderful."

"Thanks. I’m still parked. I have time to talk."

"Good. Your dad’s looking at flights for next week, and I wanted to ask you a couple of things."

I set my water in the cup holder and settle back against the seat.

"Okay."

"Would Tuesday work? We could have dinner, and then we’d have Wednesday to spend with you before Beau’s game."

"Tuesday’s good. Wednesday will be busy. Dan says the kitchen should be finished that day."

"Oh, sweetheart. Finally."

"Yeah. I’ll need to get everything moved back downstairs, but at least I’ll have it for the gala."

"Your dad can help."

"I’d appreciate that."

I look through the windshield as the man from the waffle truck carries his sign inside. The lunch crowd has mostly gone, leaving a few people finishing their food at the picnic tables.

"Are you still planning to apply for the shop?" Mom asks.

"Yes. The leasing agent sent me the list of everything he needs. I’m getting it together."

"Your father would like to see it."

"I can show you where it is. I’d have to arrange for someone to let us in."

"We’d love that."

I smile. "There’s a kitchen already, which is why I want this one. I’d need more refrigeration and some equipment, but I wouldn’t be starting from scratch."

"You’ll have to tell us all about it when we get there."

"I will."

For a moment, I let myself imagine that visit. Showing them the front window, explaining where the display case will go. Mom taking pictures while Dad asks sensible questions about the lease.

Then she goes quiet.

"Baylor, about the game."

I turn the lid on my water bottle.

"I thought we might get to that."