Hat Trick 3: Penalty Shot Read Online Free Page B

I’m talking to you,” he suddenly said. “I swear every time I’d come in and you were at the desk, I wanted to come up with a question to ask so I’d have a reason to say something.”
    “I’m not scary sitting up there am I?” I pointed towards the desk where Charlene gave us a smile.
    “No, not at all. Like I said, you’re a big deal to me. Your story was inspiring stuff to a thirteen year old trying to figure out who she was. It still means a lot to me now that I’m seventeen and living somewhere in between. The whole be yourself thing stuck with me.”
    “You come to games?”
    “My dad and I go sometimes. My mom’s not a fan, unless I’m playing. When that happens she’s in the stands shouting louder than anyone.”
    “If you want, I’d be happy to have you and your family as my guests for a game. Check out our schedule and let me know a date or two and I’ll make the arrangements.”
    “Serious?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Wow. Thank you so much!”
    He smiled big, all the seriousness in his face fading away. He was enthusiastic at times, but serious. I gave him a smile back.
    “What?”
    “It was nice to hear you so happy right then. You’ve been pretty serious while we’ve talked so it was good to see a lighter side.”
    He smiled again.
    “I try to not draw attention to myself because I’m afraid people will see right through me. That’ll go away eventually, and I actually don’t have to be so careful here. Kids at school, though. Sometimes it’s ugly.”
    I did one of the things I hate most, start to ask a question, but then stop.
    “Whatever you were going to ask you can,” he said with genuine interest. “I won’t be offended.”
    “I was going to ask what you’re going through, but that’s really not an appropriate question.”
    “You should drop into our group sometime. You volunteer here enough, I bet Dee would let you come.”
    I looked down and flipped over my I.D. badge. “Actually I work here,” I held it up for him to see. “It’s my work study since I’m majoring in social work. I sat in on a couple of Dee’s groups when I started here, I mostly work with Trevor these days.”
    “Cool. I guess you enjoy what you’re doing?”
    “Very much. I learn something new every day, no matter what. Even if the day is only at the desk, there’s always something new to see or learn about. I’ll definitely come to one of Dee’s groups. I’d love to learn more. You think you might come to mine?”
    “Trevor’s youth group, right?” I nodded. “I’m not sure. I wouldn’t want to disrupt anything there.”
    “You could just be another participant. You wouldn’t have to say anything you didn’t want to, although I think it would be great for the people in that group to learn from you.”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    “And, if you do join the team,” I said, hoping I wouldn’t make him reconsider, “I think you should be upfront with your teammates. Hiding from our team caused some of the issues Alex and I faced. We should try to head that off here. Will you think about that?”
    He considered a moment before he nodded. “Sure.”
    “Talk to Dee, see what she says.”
    “Good idea,” he said, enthusiastically. “I’ll do that. She’s great with that kind of stuff.”
    I pulled out my phone to check the time. “I’m afraid I need to go. I need to prep for some appointments. One question before I go.”
    “Okay.”
    “What’s your name?”
    “Oh my God. I didn’t introduce myself?” Even through his dark complexion, his skin went bright red. “Oh, man. I’m sorry. TJ,” he said, extending his hand, which I eagerly met.
    “Good to meet you, TJ. I’ll see you at the team meeting or back here, whichever comes first. And don’t be a stranger, okay?”
    “Promise. Thanks, Simon. It was good to meet you, finally.”
    I headed upstairs for my meetings, happy I’d gotten the chance to meet TJ. I would definitely talk to Dee, too, as it would be