“I don’t trust you.” Cole’s voice was weakening, the reality of the situation sinking in.
“That’s obvious.” Lucas remained calm and waited.
Finally, Cole stood. “If you can get Miranda on board, then I’ll be on board.”
Jason stood also and nodded to Lucas. “Let me know what I can do.”
Lucas joined them, shaking each man’s hand. “We can do this together.”
After they left, he sat back down and swiveled his chair to look at the stadium and the most recent team picture. He wished he could believe his own words, but it would take a miracle to save the Knights.
*
Lucas continued hisreview of documents. Miranda had done a great job on the day-to-day operations side of the business. And it was clearly Miranda because, once she took over as president, process changes and efficiency adjustments had streamlined operations, saving the team money and making them a lean group. Too bad her father didn’t include her on the player side of the shop.
His cell phone rang, jarring him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and sighed. “Hi, Mom.”
“Lucas, honey. I had to hear on the news that you were in Savannah again. Why wouldn’t you tell me?”
“Sorry, Mom. I only just got here and things have been a bit crazy.”
“I heard about Seamus. How are Gwen and Miranda? I was going to call them, but I’m sure they’re busy at the hospital. I remember those days when your father was sick.”
His gut twisted at her words, at the sadness that was still present. “They’re hanging in there. Enough about the Callahans. What’s going on with you?”
“Lucas.” His mother chided him, making him feel like a child again. “You know how hard this time must be for them. Tell me you’re not making things difficult for Miranda.”
He scowled at the phone. “Of course not, Mom.”
“Really? Miranda was such a lovely young woman, always looking to make her father happy. This can’t be easy for her.” She paused and when she spoke again, her words her hesitant. “Is the situation very bad for the Knights?”
“It’s not good, Mom. The business has changed and Seamus never changed with the times. He still thinks the Knights are a big market team. He’s delusional and he’s put them at risk.”
“But you’re there now. You’ll make it right.”
Her confident tone twisted the knife deeper in his gut. “Is there a point to this call?”
“Yes.” Her tone turned business-like. “I wanted you to extend my sympathies. I felt awkward calling Gwen. It’s been years since we’ve talked. And I’m sure she’s busy right now.”
“Of course, Mom. Thanks for calling.”
“Wait! Are you coming down to Florida for spring training? I’d love to see you. It’s been so long.”
And guilt reared its ugly head. His mother was right, as usual. He hadn’t been there since Christmas, and only for a short visit.
He sighed again. “I’m not sure we’ll be coming down, but I’ll call you if we do.”
“You’re not that far, Lucas. I miss you. And if Miranda comes down, bring her, too. I’d love to see her again. Bye, honey!”
He clicked the phone off. Leave it to his mom to add complications to his life.