“I know but I enjoy my career. I’m not sure I’m ready to give it up.” It sounded pitiful when he said it out loud.
“At the risk of your life?”
No holding back. Jake had always been like that though. No bullshit, no stringing anyone along. It was what Adam needed and he knew it.
“No, of course not and I have job offers waiting for when I do retire. It’s not the end of the world. Just a big change of direction I wasn’t expecting at this point in time. I’ll get over it.”
Jake leaned back in his chair. “Cory’s excited about what you have planned. He’s followed your career for a long time. To see some of your teammates in the flesh would blow his mind.”
“It’s not a done deal yet by any means. I’ve told the coach I’d see some of the boys and see what I can do. I’m flying to Seattle for tests as soon as I can get my head around it. While I’m there I’ll do the best I can to talk a couple of them into coming to Cherry Lake for a clinic.”
“Even if you can’t, having you do one will still be a boost for them.” He laughed. “You’ve seen the goal post I put up on the side of our driveway by the lake? Cory has hit so many balls into the water, it’s not funny. Turns into a pretty good fishing expedition to retrieve them. Poor kid was about to give up until you gave him direction that night. Now a few of his kicks are landing the ball in the net instead of the lake.”
“My pleasure. I remember how it was to begin with. My father and I used to practice day after day. Rain or shine we’d be outside until I got it right. Some days I wanted to give up but he wouldn’t let me, knew how much it meant. Eventually I got it right. It’s not easy to master but I know Cory’ll do great when he gets the hang of it.” He heard the ping of incoming mail and pulled his phone from his pocket, stood up. “Thanks for the coffee and the chat. I really needed that, Jake.”
“Anytime, you know that. Hey, when you do come back to Cherry Lake, sounds like you have a new friend according to the kids. A certain jeweler has made an impression on you as well as the other inhabitants of our little town. Cory thinks the world of her too.”
“Not sure I’m in a position to offer her anything at the moment.”
“I’m sure it will all work out for the best, Adam. Don’t get your hopes down until you have all the facts. Whatever happens, you’ve already made plans to live here so go with the flow and stop stressing.” Jake stood and put the cups in the sink, then walked Adam out.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He strode away, checking his phone as he did. An email from the team doctor asking him to call and make an appointment. Was he ready to do this yet? It didn’t feel like it. At last he would find out once and for all if he had the same disease that almost killed his father instead of thinking the worst. If he knew, he would have a better idea of where he was going soccer-wise. But then if he did stay on for another season, would he be in a position to offer Dakota a future with him in it? He knew she was interested and the chemistry they had together didn’t lie.
Chapter Nine
Adam walked into the family room and his mother stood to greet him with a hug. Her smile came easier now that his father had come home from hospital. “Don’t get up, Dad.” He leaned over and shook his hand. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better now that I’m here. At least I get your mother’s good cooking.” He rubbed his belly. “Lost a fair bit of weight in the hospital.”
“Have a seat, Adam. Tell us what’s happening in town. Dad and I were going to go for a walk today but it was a bit icy underfoot.”
“It’s pretty cold out too. What’s happening, right. Tonight is the ballot to see who gets the Christmas trees. I think just about everyone in town has put in for one except me.”
“You didn’t put your name down, did you, Sue?” His father reached for his mother’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “You never mentioned anything about it to me but I’m sure I missed some things.”
“No, dear. I don’t really think I have the energy to even think about it. I’ll leave that to the younger ones.”
“You can always bid on one, Mom. Nothing stopping you from gaining your tree by fighting for it on gala night.”
“Sounds like the Moore girls have the gala under control. I have to say, your father and I are looking forward to going, aren’t we Tommy? It’s bound to be the biggest thing that’s happened to Cherry Lake since the old days when we attended the dances at the Grange.” A wistful smile lifted her lips. “Those were the days. So uncomplicated and simple.”
“That’s not what I heard from Dad. He said it was hard work trying to get you away from under your parents’ eagle eyes.”
His mother chortled at the memory while his father grinned. Since he’d been home, his color had improved and so had his mood.
“Your mother tells me the doctor wants you to go and get tested, Adam. When are you going to do it?”
“I
