Fifteen minutes later, Dominique pulled into the Whole Foods parking lot. She got a cart and entered the store, heading for the organic produce aisle. After placing salad fixings in her basket, she browsed the lane, picking up veggies she’d never heard of and fresh herbs which, to her knowledge, she’d never tried. After deciding on a bleu cheese dressing that would probably not meet with the approval of Justin’s coach, Dominique was on her way to get croutons and a few more items when she heard her name.

“Dominique?”

She turned and saw a woman that looked vaguely familiar. “Hello.”

“I’m Kathy, Travis’s mom. We met a couple weeks ago when your son came over for pizza.”

“Of course,” Dominique replied, smiling as she wheeled her cart back to where Kathy was standing. “How are you doing?”

“Great,” Kathy said. “Especially since I have the house all to myself. Travis and his dad are in Oakland, and my parents picked up Sarah for a day at the beach. It’s been so long since I’ve had ‘me’ time that I hardly know what to do!”

“So Travis went to Oakland for the Raiders game? You didn’t have any qualms about letting your son take the trip?”

“Why would I, especially since his dad was invited as well?”

“Oh, your husband accompanied your son on the trip.”

“Yes. Coach had eight passes to the game and all the special events, so he invited four students and one parent of each.” Kathy’s expression turned quizzical. “But then again, I’m sure you know this since Justin is in Oakland.”

Dominique’s newly found comfort zone was immediately replaced by the slightly queasy feeling that she’d endured all week. “Uh, no. Justin is at Knotts Berry Farm with my sister and her family.”

“Wow. Knotts Berry is a great amusement park but I’m surprised that Justin turned down a chance to cheer for the silver and black! I even wanted to go, but with Ian being a football fanatic that decision was never up for discussion.”

“Who’s Ian?”

“Oh, my husband, the guy who’s always yelling ‘Tear it up’ at the top of his lungs.”

“Ah, yes. I’ve heard him.”

“Trust me... everybody’s heard him. Anyway, he’s there along with three other parents and a local reporter who’s doing a documentary on Coach. When it comes to men, he’s one of the good ones. Isn’t it incredible what he’s doing for the boys?”