“I need to call her, make sure she’s okay. I haven’t spoken to her or April since I moved here. That’s bad for us so now I’m a little concerned. It’s probably nothing. Her schedule is crazier than mine and there’s always someone wanting a piece of her.”
Adam nodded his head. “I know what that feels like. Being in the public eye and expected to do well can be more pressure than most people imagine. I mean, a lot of people wish they could be in my shoes but it takes its toll and not everyone can cope.”
Dakota picked up her wine, leaned back in her chair and stared at him. “Did it ever effect you like that? You don’t seem the type to be frazzled easily.”
“I’m not. I can deal with the pressure. I focus on my game and not what’s happening around me. Not everyone can do that. There’s always someone out there waiting for you to fail so they can feel better about their own inadequacies. It’s called tall poppy syndrome.”
“That’s rough.” Dakota put down her glass and stabbed at a green bean, lifted it up and inspected it. “It’s funny how you find out who the important people are in your life too when something like that happens.” And she had first-hand experience with that too.
“It sure is. Now eat that steak before it gets cold. I have some very tasty fudge to go with your coffee. Sugar in it should keep you going for another couple of hours at least. And, I picked you up a small gift.”
Chapter Fourteen
Adam handed out a flyer about the soccer workshop. “There’ll be food for sale and the guys from the Seattle team will be signing posters too. We’d love to see you there if you can make it.” He walked down the street handing out flyers to everyone he passed. At Rachel’s shop, he paused to look at her Christmas display before he went in. Red candles flickered letting the scent of pine and Christmas spice pull him into the mood of the upcoming season. Carols played softly in the background. Christmas cookies sat in a bowl on the counter, dusted in confectionary sugar. He picked one up and took a bite while she dealt with another customer. The girl had some serious talent for decorating. He wouldn’t be surprised if she took out the tree decorating contest. Her shop always looked amazing.
“Hi, Adam. How’s your dad?” She finished serving the customer and turned to him, tidying the wrapping ribbon on her counter.
“Almost climbing the walls but doing well. Mom is making sure he doesn’t overdo things and I think she might be going a little bit overboard.” He glanced around the inside of the shop, spying a couple of Dakota’s pieces hanging amongst the branches of the tiny trees dotted around the store. “Selling well, are they?” He snaffled another cookie. “These are good.”
Rachel leaned on the counter, sighing as though disappointed. “Yes they are. I wish I had more stock because we’re nearly out of them and Dakota is far too busy to give me another delivery. Such a shame because I haven’t sold anything as fast as I’ve sold those ornaments.”
“She’s very talented, that’s for sure.” He turned back to Rachel. “I have some flyers here about the upcoming soccer workshop I’m doing with a couple of teammates this weekend. If you could put a few on your counter and maybe one in the window, I’d appreciate it.” He handed her one to look at.
“Seriously? You don’t have to ask, Adam. Heck, I’ll be there as soon as I close the shop. I wouldn’t miss seeing you guys in soccer shorts for anything.”
He laughed, imagining how cold he was going to be. A good excuse to keep moving and run the kids through their paces. “Wasn’t the best time for it but in season we’re far too busy and I owe Cory.”
“That’s very sweet of you.” She blushed and put down the flyer. “Talking of sweet. Tell me to mind my own business if you want but is there something between you and Dakota?”
“Ah, no. Why do you ask?” He picked up a Father Christmas pen from the display and spun it in his fingers, avoiding her gaze.
“Because you seem to click, you know? And I think she’s a lovely person and I’d like to see her happy.”
“You’ve only just met her, Rach. You and I go way back, grade three if memory serves me correct. Don’t you want to see me happy too?” Didn’t he want to feel that for himself?
“Of course I do but you’re more interested in the sleek city type. I was thinking of introducing her to my brother’s friend. Remember that geeky kid with the thick glasses in our class, Reggie Hollows? Well, it just so happens that he’s living not too far from here in Polson and is quite the brain these days. Even has his own computer business. Doing very well for himself from what I’ve heard.”
“And?”
“Well, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, he’s a bit shy still. Dakota seems like a kind person and maybe they’ll hit it off. I was going to ask if he wanted tickets to the gala. He might even like to ask her to be his date.”
“Oh, right. Well, I guess that’s her decision then.” Why did his heart plummet at the thought of her dancing with another man? He didn’t have rights on her time as much as he liked to think so.
“Great, I’ll give him a call then.” She held out her hand. “Give me some more of those and I’ll make sure they all get handed out for you. I know plenty of ladies who’d love to go and watch you and your hunky teammates kick a ball around the field.”
“Thanks, Rach.” He gave her half of what he had left and quickly
