Jacob and Matt, using the Key, dropped Aldo and the Fat Lady off at her cabin, and arrived home just in time to help set the table. The doorbell rang, and Jacob answered it.
Coach was all smiles. “Jacob!” he said, removing his fedora and patting Jacob on the shoulder as he walked past.
“Is it too late to try out for Varsity? I think I’d be a good addition to the team.”
Coach Birmingham stopped. “Tryouts aren’t for another few months.”
Jacob cocked his head. “I thought they were two weeks ago.”
“No, that wasn’t anything official. But how about you wait until your sophomore or even junior year? Some of those seniors can be really rough.”
Jacob’s mouth popped open and he struggled to find an answer. He’d only been fourteen for a few weeks, but he’d had no problem playing against older, more experienced players—even seniors. Coach started toward the kitchen again, and Jacob caught up.
“I’ve been playing against seniors since I was thirteen. Ask Matt. I’ll even sit on the bench as much as you need.”
Coach only smiled at him, then shook hands with Jacob’s parents. “Lee, Janna, how are you? Many thanks for inviting me over. Anne’s sorry she couldn’t make it tonight.”
Jacob slumped in his chair. He hated the way Coach treated him. He should’ve known. Coach always watched his son’s games, but his attention never strayed to the other players. He’d probably never even seen Jacob play basketball before. Coach had always paid a lot of money to leagues in Ogden for Kevin to play there. Ogden was a bigger city and had more opportunities, and Kevin had only played against Jacob a couple of times.
Conversation around him continued after the prayer on the food, and dinner was its usual noisy affair. Amberly tried not to spill, but managed to get a whole piece of lasagna on the white tablecloth. Mom almost freaked, then calmly cleaned up the mess, probably remembering their guest. Dad and Coach talked about the upcoming NBA season.
Matt was lost in his thoughts, but Jacob followed the NBA conversation closely. He had to show Coach how much he knew about basketball—he had to. Eventually, if Jacob was persistent enough, Coach would listen to him and see how valuable a player Jacob could be.
After everyone had their fill of dessert, Coach Birmingham stood. “Well, it’s time for me to head out. Anne and the kids’ll be home by now, and I’m sure she’ll need a break.”
Jacob jumped to his feet too. “Wait, Coach—let me shoot some hoops for you before you go.”
Coach smiled, ruffling Jacob’s hair. “Maybe next time, son.”
Jacob scowled as his parents walked Coach to the front door. He hated being patronized. How could Coach not notice how tall he was now? Or that he wasn’t an eight-year-old boy anymore?
Later, he had a hard time concentrating on his chores, he was so frustrated. Finally, he decided the only thing he could do was make Coach watch him. He’d play basketball with everyone in the orange gym on Monday, and Coach would have to recognize how good he was.
Kilenya Series Books 1, 2, and 3 Page 57
