Page 31

Kelsey

I brought my laptop to Avery’s with an outline of a proposal, and I wished I had more experience.

I had texted Sam ahead of time, nervous that I was about to make an absolute fool out of myself.

I had no idea how to write a professional proposal.

I’d only ever put together presentations for school.

I struggled to put my thoughts into words.

Sam: Avery will know how to package the proposal to make an impact. Don’t worry about those details yet. You’re still brainstorming.

Me: I want to make a meaningful impact.

Sam: Then that is what you’ll do.

I didn’t expect Avery to be so excited about my ideas, but her enthusiasm was contagious.

We hammered out several ideas, ordered lunch, and worked until I had to leave for work.

Carlos and Sam had to be at the stadium for a home game, and I expected a busy closing shift; while technically, I had been working all day, our work energized me, and I could have kept going if I hadn’t had to get ready for a night at the bar.

Carlos and Avery had two kids: a five-year-old daughter, Scarlet, and a seven-year-old son, Carlos.

Scarlet had spent the afternoon entertaining Crew, and he had giggled at almost everything she said.

Carlos Jr. had been interested briefly but found the game on his tablet more interesting than the baby.

Avery checked in multiple times to ensure he was playing educational games, and he had to practice reading in Spanish for thirty minutes.

“Sorry, we had always planned to speak Spanish at home, but we increasingly use English. It’s important for both of us that the kids can communicate fluently with both sides of the family.”

“My father’s family was from Quebec; he spoke French in the home when he was younger.

I never learned French, despite taking years of it in school.

I still believe immersion is the only way to understand another language,” I said, remembering feeling clueless any time my Canadian family members spoke French around me.

“That and consistency, which is where we struggle now. Carlos mentioned you’ll be in New York this weekend.

I’m going to all three games and bringing the kids.

I know you were only planning to go for Sam’s start, but if he’s at the game anyway, you should come too.

New York games are always entertaining.’

“I hadn’t thought about what I would do. I don’t know when I’ll land on Friday, but I don’t think I’ll be there on time. Sam plans to show me the city on Sunday, and it might be too much for the baby after a busy travel day. He’s a good baby, but I’ve been throwing a lot at him.”

Avery said, “I have to keep reminding myself how young you are. You have been thrown right into this crazy lifestyle, and it suits you. Even Crew goes with the flow. You’re a good mom, Kelsey.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling the sting of tears as my eyes welled up. I quickly packed up and said goodbye, not wanting Avery to see me cry.

At work that night, I went through the motions, but my mind was back at Avery’s, thinking about how we could make the most impact.

I poured beers, opened bottles, and cans for the pre- and post-game rush.

When we closed for the night, I cleaned the mess behind the bar and washed the sludge from the floor.

I checked my phone before leaving to find a text from Sam, unable to hold back a grin.

I let him know that I was leaving now and assured him I wouldn’t be closing the bar alone and promised to text him when I got home for the night.

At home, I relieved my father, and texted Sam.

I got in the shower and washed the day off of me before I collapsed into bed.

At that moment, I was thrilled that I wouldn’t be driving Uber in the morning.

Crew and I could sleep in, and those extra three hours had made a massive difference in my mental health.

Yes, moving home would be a hassle, but the sleep was amazing.