My dad plays with the wine menu, not looking it over but holding it and tapping it lightly against the table. “Your mom said you weren’t allowed to play Saturday. Sounds like your coach is an idiot. You’re the best player they’ve got.”

So this is it… jumping right into it. My chest squeezes, and my face warms. “It was a misunderstanding. Coach did what she thought was right.”

He scowls.

“Wait, you think I’m their best player?”

He gives me a look that says don’t play dumb with me, but when a big smile stretches across my face, he caves and gives me the grin that tells me he means it. “Of course, you are. They’re lucky to have you. Damn idiots at Golden don’t even know how badly they screwed up losing you.”

After everything that happened, I often wondered if my parents really believed I was good enough to make it on my own. I’ve been stuck in limbo, deciding if they paid my way into Golden because they thought it’s where I belonged or if they didn’t think I could do it by myself.

Maybe they were just doing everything they could to ensure I got my dream. I don’t like what they did, and I’d never condone it, but I can’t say I don’t get it. If I could pay to have all Nathan’s troubles erased wouldn’t I do it? Isn’t that what I tried to do in a way?

“Thanks, Dad.”

“So this is it, huh?” my mom asks.

I know she’s referring to my decision to stay at Valley and if I hadn’t been one hundred percent sure before, I am now. Each bump in the road has solidified it. I don’t want to run. I want to prove I can handle everything thrown my way.

“Yeah, Mom, this is it. This is where I belong. At least for now.”

The waiter brings our drinks and my dad takes a sip of his red wine. “I know it’s hard for you to understand, but we just want you to have all the opportunities you deserve. We’re sorry we interfered and cost you your spot on the team.”

“Actually, I think I’m starting to understand just how much people will do for the ones they love, but I appreciate the apology.”

Conversation is easier after that. I fill them in on classes and all things Valley, and they tell me about a new hotel opening and renovations they’re doing to the house.

“Do you guys want to come see my dorm before you leave?” They’re heading up to Scottsdale for the rest of the week and then coming back this weekend to watch our last fall scrimmage against New Mexico.