The Problem with Sports - M.E. Clayton Page 0,6

knew he was going to grow up to be handsome, because, for all of Steven’s faults, the man was a good-looking male. He kept himself trim and fit, and he’d been great in bed. I might not like the man much these days, but I wasn’t going to create lies about him just because things had ended badly between us.

“I’m actually very excited,” Grant replied, and I grinned at his grownup articulation. Sometimes it was hard to remember he was only eight.

“Really?”

Grant nodded. “Third grade is a whole new world, Mom,” he said, grinning.

I smiled and went back to eating. But not two minutes later…

“Jansen Hillman’s going to have to retire, and that sucks,” he said, returning to his favorite topic of sports. “And it’s really a shame, Mom.”

“It is?” I mean, I knew sports injuries were no joke, but they weren’t the end of the world.

“Well, he’s clearly the best third baseman to ever play for the Condors,” he informed me. “As a matter of fact, he’s probably their best player ever. And if he has to retire, then he’s going to miss out on breaking all kinds of records.” I sighed. “His batting average is .363, Mom. And he’s hit a gazillion homers this season, so far,” he replied with all the enthusiasm of a little boy. “His assists-”

“Okay, okay,” I chuckled. “I get it. He’s awesome.” So, okay, this wasn’t my favorite subject, but I loved seeing my son happy and excited.

Grant finished his forkful of food before speaking again. “He’s more than awesome, Mom. Jansen really is the best player the Condors have ever had.”

“Even better than the pitcher and catcher?” That was my only knowledgeable contribution to this conversation. Riveting, I know.

“Well, Marcos and Jennings are good, too, but...” Grant shook his little head. “…Jansen just has it all.”

“Well, I’m sure whoever they find to replaced him will be just as talented,” I assured him.

My kid scoffed.

“Yeah, like the shortstop they picked up to replace Nathan Hayes,” he remarked all forlorn-like. “Granted, the guy will probably improve with experience, but one player can really change the entire dynamics of the team, Mom.” Dynamics? The damn kid was talking as if he were grown.

“So, you…you liked this Nathan Hayes?”

Grant shrugged a shoulder. “He’s no Jansen Hillman, but he was good, too. He’s probably going to end up in the Hall of Fame someday.”

“Well, then, surely, that means he was better than just good, right?”

“The guy just…he had a few more good years left, Mom,” Grant said. “It was disappointing to see him bow out so soon.”

“So, our favorite player is Jansen Hillman, then?”

Grant smiled. “He’s our favorite player on the Condors,” he corrected. The breeze kicked up a bit and a napkin flew into Grant’s face, and we both laughed.

The condominium building we lived in was nice beyond normal expectations. It had only ten floors, the top one being the only penthouse in the place, but each condo came with a balcony that Grant knew better than to play outside on. I came out here often, but Grant only came out here when we were having an outdoor dinner together. We lived on the ninth floor, so we were pretty high up. High up enough to make me uncomfortable if Grant was out here without me.

The condo was two-bedroom, one being a master bedroom with an en suite, one bathroom, a kitchen, living room, and a sitting room that I had converted into my office. The condos were nice, and they even came with their own washer and dryer. They cost a pretty penny, but after Steven and I had sold our house and had divided all our assets, I had been left with a decent down payment for the place. It wasn’t a house in the suburbs with a yard and friendly neighbors, but it was our home. It was our home and Grant seemed happy here, and that was all that mattered.

“It’s always nice when there’s a breeze,” Grant said, pulling the napkin from his face. “July is always so hot.

It wasn’t often we ate out on the balcony during the hot summer months, but this week had cooled down significantly that tonight had been enjoyable enough to eat outside.

“Winter is still my favorite season,” I replied, knowing we were on opposite sides on this topic.

“Well, there is football, hockey, and-”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I laughed. “I get it, son.”

Grant grinned. “Since you’ve been a real trooper, we can watch Ridiculousness tonight,” he graciously allowed.

“Deal,”