“I didn’t say anything about Mr.Johnson.I almost did, but I didn’t.”
“I’m proud of you.For that and for your game.”
He slowed to a walk, expression falling.“But I might forget.And Mr.Johnson would be upset.”
I stopped and faced my son.“Arne, people will find out that he’s here.”
“I haven’t told anyone, I promise.”
“I know, sweetie.But other people aren’t as considerate, and he’s kind of well known.”
“So I don’t have to keep it a secret?”
I sighed.“It would be good not to talk about it.Because…” I could see the question he was about to ask.“If people know you’ve met him and that I’m working for him, they might ask you to get things from him.And we don’t want to take advantage of him, do we?”
His forehead was creased in a frown.“Are we not supposed to get his autograph?Because Barney has some autographs.”
“I bet Barney got those when there was a team event.The players are there to sign things, and it’s just for a little while.But famous people get asked to sign autographs and take pictures all the time.Like, when they’re getting ice cream, and then their ice cream melts.”
That seemed to connect with him.“Oh, that would be bad.It’s like when you’re watching TV and Grandpa Bruce asks you to do something.He should only ask when the show is over.”
That was uncannily accurate of Arne, but I didn’t want to cause any conflict at home.
“Something like that.But Grandpa Bruce doesn’t ask me when we go out to eat or interrupt me when I’m watching you play.”
“What happens if I accidentally tell someone about Mr.Johnson?”
“Nothing bad.If anyone asks you to get his picture or autograph, you just say no.But sometimes people are pushy, so I thought it would be better not to tell them.”
He sighed.“I wish people would just all be nice and then we wouldn’t have to worry.”
Wouldn’t that be great?
Chapter15
Most Valuable Player of the PC Mites
Justin
I slept better, now that the first day with Mia was over.Memories and old feelings were stirred up, but that was okay.Instead of avoiding them, I was supposed to face them, and it hadn’t been as bad with Arne there.
When I woke up, I managed a shower and put on another T-shirt with sweat shorts.I’d never been a guy for fashion like Cooper.He’d cringe to see what I had on now, but I’d always been more practical than him.
The rooms were a little dark since it was raining.Not a surprise in this part of the country.I’d just started the coffeemaker when I heard a knock at the door.Mia.I felt a smile creasing my face.Was this loneliness, or her?I managed to tone it down by the time I opened the door.
“I’m not too early?”she asked.She was standing under an umbrella, and when I looked past her, there was no car.
“It’s fine.I’m totally flexible.If you need to come later or leave early, just let me know.I should give you my number.”I hadn’t thought of that yesterday, but I’d been distracted by Arne.
I stood back to let her enter.More scrubs.I hadn’t realized how flattering those could be.I’d always admired her figure, enjoyed putting my hands all over?—
I cleared my throat.“I just put on some coffee if you’d like some.”
She paused.“Sure.”
“School happening today?”
She led the way to the kitchen.“Yes.Thanks for letting me bring him yesterday.”