As she walked down the stairs, Dominique heard Tessa in the kitchen with Justin beside her, chattering away. At the last step she stopped and listened.

“Coach Mac has a real theater and after we made pizza we went into the room and watched video of our game.”

Dominique could hear Tessa placing dishes into the washer. “Sounds like fun.”

“It was! Coach Mac is so smart. I told you about the touchdown, right?”

Tessa laughed. “A few times, Justin.”

“Well... that was Coach Mac’s idea. He knew they wouldn’t be paying attention to me because I’m big. They wouldn’t expect me to be able to catch or run fast. Coach says it was the same for him when he was my age. And he went to the NFL! I’m going to play pro ball too, just like him.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jake McDonald. But we have to call him Coach or Coach Mac.”

“Who’d he play for?”

“The Raiders. He was their star defensive end for almost nine seasons. He used to crush ’em...”

Justin kept talking away but Dominique no longer heard him. The Hurricanes had won their fourth game and, once again, Justin had been one of the shining stars. She leaned back against the wall, trying to process how deep her son’s feelings were where his coach was concerned and statements he’d made about him. Mom, we’ve got a new coach! He played for the Raiders... my favorite team! You and Coach Mac were looking at each other funny. I think you like him. And especially what he said just now. I’m going to play pro ball too, just like him. Those last three words echoed in her ear as Dominique crossed the foyer and entered the kitchen. Just like him.

“Hey, Justin!” Dominique walked over to the island, placed down her briefcase, and enveloped Justin in a big hug. “How’s my baby?”

“Mom, come on. I’m too big for you to call me that. Coach Mac—”

Dominique put up her hand, demanding silence. She took her son’s chubby cheeks in her hands, noting that he was becoming a man before her very eyes. “I know you value his opinion, but when it comes to this mother’s love for her child, I don’t care what Coach says. You’ll always be my, baby. Got it?”

Justin delivered that lopsided grin that Dominique just loved. “Yes, ma’am.”

Dominique picked up her briefcase and purse. “Tessa, Faith should be here around five.”

“No worries, Dominique. I hope your mother feels better soon.”