Kevin trotted off and Tom said, “Kevin is like having another coach here. The little guys love him because he’s not much bigger than them and he’s always willing to help. I guess he’s less intimidating. Next year, when he’s sixteen, we’re going to offer him a job.”
“Is he that good?”
“Well, he’s not Olympic caliber, but I could see him doing well in high school and even collegiate competition if he sticks with it.”
The practice began and I was blown away with what I saw. I got to see the back flip Terri told me about, and then some. It was also cute to see all these little boys crowding around Kevin and him very patiently showing them what to do. At that moment I saw the young man and not the little boy.
When practice ended, he ran over to me sweating and flushed with excitement. “What did you think?” he asked.
“You were awesome.”
“Thanks. It was a good practice. I just gotta shower and then we can get going. I’ll be right back.”
About 15 minutes later. I had the little boy again. Kevin came out of the locker room with his hair neatly combed and gelled. He was wearing a powder blue golf shirt from Brooks Brothers, a pair of plaid cargo shorts, and boat shoes. I think he thought it looked sophisticated, but it really looked like the way my mom dressed my little brother to go to church during the summer.
When he came over I said, “My, you look handsome.”
“Why, thank you,” he replied, “shall we make for the egress?”
“Sure, why not,” I laughed and we were on our way to the mall.