After Scarlet and I loaded up a cart in the kitchen and cleaning supply aisles, we got another cart for groceries. We filled that one with all the basics that you just assume you have on hand like spices, condiments, and flour. We also added about a week’s worth of perishables.
I think Scarlet was in sticker shock when the final bill came. I paid for it, and we drove back to her place to unload everything. The doorman produced two carts that looked similar to what you see at a hotel to help carry luggage to your room. It was much better than having to make a dozen trips. We loaded the refrigerator and freezer and left the rest for her to take care of later because I was starved.
◊◊◊
We had our house full when I got home. I looked around and smiled. It felt right to have friends and family gathered on a Sunday evening. The only fly in the ointment was when Mac asked why I was crazy. It was a good reminder to watch what you said around little ones with big ears.
◊◊◊ Wednesday November 16
“Where are Brook and Cassidy?” Hana, my Japanese tutor, asked.
“They’re at the target range,” I said as I threw a face.
I discovered that my girlfriend had fun without me. She and Cassidy had been taking lessons from a retired Marine, Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. Gunny, as Cassidy called him, had been a drill instructor for fifteen years, and was now a professor at State. It seemed that whenever I did something like help Scarlet set up her condo, the two of them would call Gunnery Sergeant Hartman and go to the range. They paid him in ammo, so he could shoot, too.
I had a funny feeling that Cassidy had Paul or Chuck buy the ammo and passed it through as an expense. I figured I would rather have them shooting than getting up to other mischief.
Hana took it in stride.
“They sent me some rewrites for some scenes. They’ve made a change, and you are all on the golf team.”
“Hold on, I have to play golf?” I asked.
“Why? Is that a problem? I mean, your dad runs a golf course.”
That made sense logically, but I didn’t play. In the past, I’d found it was too slow to hold my interest. I know that sounds dumb because I loved baseball and fishing. Somehow, I never caught the bug. My brother Greg, on the other hand, had taken my dad up on his offer to play golf when Dad had gotten the job at the country club.
Greg explained that it gave him a chance to get away for a few hours and decompress. I personally thought golf was stressful and couldn’t figure out why Greg said it helped him relax. I would bet it was merely an excuse to get out of the house.
◊◊◊
After our lesson, I went in search of my dad.
“Hey,” I said when I found him in the office, paying bills.
“What’s up?”
“I need your help. My role in the J-drama has changed. I have to play golf.”
“And?”
“And I need you to help me not look like a fool.”
Parents are evil, sometimes. And they wonder where we get it.
“Don’t you start shooting in like three weeks?” he asked.
I just nodded. Dad and I talked about it and decided the problem was identifying when we would have time. He didn’t want to do it after work. The only time I could think of was when I ran in the morning, but even that wouldn’t be enough time. It seemed like the best solution would be for me to skip first-period PE and switch weightlifting to the afternoon, right before football practice.
◊◊◊
Tonight’s documentary episode was focused on the coaches. Coach Hope did a good job of highlighting how good both Coach Rector and Coach Mason were. Of course, Coach Mason didn’t need his praise. His résumé was more than enough.
Coach Mason talked about why he’d come out of retirement to coach one last season: it was to coach me. He used the term ‘rare talent’ in describing my ability. Coach Mason told Jeff that it wasn’t only talent, that I worked my butt off both physically and watching film. He said I was a true student of the game.
Coach Rector was asked if he planned to move on after this year. He admitted that he was in talks for a couple of jobs, but it was too early. Jeff asked him about me. Coach Rector said I might be a better defensive player than quarterback. He said he could make a case for me to being a stand-up defensive end, linebacker, or safety in college.
I knew going in that I would be featured. I just wish they had highlighted more of my teammates.
◊◊◊ Friday November 18
Caryn had called Saul, who, in turn, called the people in charge of the J-drama. Saul had gotten a list of the types of golf shots they wanted me to do. He apologized because he’d assumed I played at least some golf. Saul reasoned that because I was an athlete, I could pretty much do anything. While I applauded his confidence, I asked that he run it by me next time.
Mom had called the school and explained my need to skip first period. When they found out it was for a TV series, they were accommodating.
