“Ha! Of course, I do. But you forgot the dog.” Jake fixed Shawn with a quizzical expression. “I come after the job, the career, the kids, and good old Rupert, the Great Dane.”

Shawn laughed. Jake kept scowling.

“Look, man, I’m teasing. I know where Taylor’s heart is, with me. Our marriage is all about compromise and communication. It’s not always easy to strike a balance but both of us are committed to working at it. There are times when my job takes precedence and Taylor pulls back on her work to pick up the slack. At other times, it’s vice versa. If I know she’s up against a crazy deadline or dealing with a high-maintenance client, then that’s when you don’t see me joining you guys for beers. But anything worth having is worth making sacrifices for. Before Taylor and I married we decided that divorce was not an option. So we know we have to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

“It looks like so far so good.”

“Eight years, two kids, and counting. And I love her more today than the day we married.”

Jake got through practice and was especially pleased with the progress of his offensive line. That was in no small part due to Shawn and his role as offensive coordinator. The boys loved his quiet yet intense focus, and the way he made them feel that they could do anything. In this attribute, both Shawn and Jake were the same. Around them, the boys felt invincible.

Jake watched as Justin approached him. “How’d I do, Coach?”

“As I said in practice, Justin, all of you did very well. But the Panthers aren’t going to give it to you. You’re going to have to take it; keep your head in the game for sixty ticks.”

“Right, Coach.” Justin began to walk out of the locker room.

“Your mama talk to you?” Jake asked.

Justin stopped and turned. “What about?”

“Nothing in particular,” Jake said nonchalantly. “I talked to her yesterday and thought she may have discussed your latest test results. You’re killing those math scores, son.”

Justin’s lopsided grin filled his face. “Thanks, Coach.”

With the locker room once again empty, Jake walked back into his office and sent a text to Dominique.

Why haven’t you told Justin about the Raiders trip?

Jake placed his clipboard, whistle, playbook, and other items into his duffle bag as he awaited her response. He stopped when his text message indicator beeped, and picked up the phone.

I figured I’d wait until Saturday, after the game. Otherwise, he’ll drive me nuts.

Jake laughed out loud as he typed in his response. What about his mother? Any chance of her driving me nuts this weekend?

Her smiley face and LOL weren’t quite the answer he was looking for. But then again she hadn’t said no.