Coach to Coach

4Cup of Coffee

After practice, Brian needed somewhere to clear his head before going home. With all the long hours of coaching, there was rarely time to decompress before walking into his own house. As a result, Kelly and the kids would often take the brunt of the emotions that were reflected by the challenges of the day.

To decompress, some of the other coaches would hit the bar. Brian, not being a big drinker, usually chose the Trackside Diner instead. Although Brian wasn't regularly taking in too many calories drinking, the patty melts at Trackside were starting to add up around his waistline.

Brian pulled up, grabbed a seat in a booth and ordered without even looking at the menu. With his head in his hands, he realized aside from his associates at work and family at home, he was alone.

“Is this seat taken?” asked a voice from above Brian.

As he dragged his hands from his eyes and looked up, he saw the same old man from the tunnel standing in front of him.

“Hey, it's you,” said Brian, surprised. “I mean, hello and I'm glad I ran into you. Before you say anything, I wanted to apologize for the way I kinda came at you the other night after the game.”

“De nada, kid,” replied the old man. “It was actually my fault. I shouldn't have stirred you up like that. I know how emotional it can be after a loss. I should have known better. I'm just glad you didn't take a swing at me!” the old man said with a laugh.

“Ha!” said Brian. “From the way you responded, I think for some reason ...