“That makes you out of breath?”
“I’m not out of breath.”
“You sound it. You should wake up early and exercise.”
“Geez, thanks for that,” I said.
“I’m not implying anything. I’m making a caring suggestion.”
“So, if I told you I slept in and ate a greasy sandwich for breakfast and am running late, what would you say?”
“Nothing,” my father said. “I expect that from you.”
“Awesome.”
“Have you given any thought to some of our talks?”
I shook my head. “Which one? We have so many important talks in life. There’s the talk of me going to law school. There’s the talk of me becoming a doctor somehow. There’s the talk of me shadowing you and becoming this powerful sports executive. There’s the talk of me taking a year off from life and traveling.”
My father laughed. “I don’t remember that last talk.”
“Oh, sorry,” I said. “I slipped that one in. Just like the talk of me actually pursuing my dream.”
“Taking pictures isn’t a dream,” my father said. “I’m sorry, Madison. It pains me to say that to you. You do realize everyone has a fancy camera with them at all times now, right? Have you seen these new phones? They have lenses, angles and editing, and all that built right in.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” I said. “Just like there are colleges with thousands of people graduating each year all looking to get the same handful of jobs.”
“You have a step up above everyone, Madison. Take advantage of it.”
“I’m really glad you called to check up on me,” I said. “Means a lot to have you care so much.”
My father exhaled a deep breath. “Can’t blame a good father for trying.”
From the corner of my eye I saw Maverick stepping out of a large SUV.
“I have to go,” I said. “Busy day. Lots of pictures to take.”
I was probably the only person in the world who could hang up on the scary and powerful Alonso Nowon and have nothing bad happen.
My mind turned rightto Maverick.
As he stepped out of the SUV, a young boy shouted for him.
Maverick looked and waved.
Then the young boy held out a marker and a hockey puck.
He stood with who I assumed to be his father.
Without hesitation, Maverick approached the father and son.
I hurried to get my camera ready.
I took pictures as I walked closer.
Watching Maverick crouch down as he wore a suit.
Talking to the young boy, signing the hockey puck and taking a picture.