Barrett followed Greg down the hall toward the activity room. Drake was in there, sitting with a group of boys and girls.
God, every year as he got older these kids seemed so much younger. They all looked up when he entered.
“Hey, how’s it going?” he asked.
He was always happy to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. He was even happier that they were more focused on their computers than they were on him.
He knew Bianca, because as one of the trustees of the center, he’d been involved in the initial hiring of all the employees. These were all great people. The community center ran year-round, hosting before and after school programs when school was in session.
Bianca waved to him. Drake got up and came over.
“I’m sorry to tell you that you missed lunch today,” Greg said with a curve of his lips. “It was really good, too.”
“Please don’t tell me that you had mac and cheese on the menu today,” Barrett said.
“Okay, I won’t mention it.”
“Now I feel even worse. What are the kids working on today?”
“They’re learning Excel. I’m always amazed at how fast these kids can pick up programs. In so many ways, every generation is smarter than the one before.”
“That’s great. I’m glad we can teach them useful skills.”
“And keep them off the streets at the same time,” Drake said.
“Yes.”
They left the room and moved down the hall. “We have a swimming coach from one of the high schools working with them on lifeguard lessons next week at the pool. We already have a waiting list for that. The counseling sessions are going very well with many of our students. I think you’ll be pleased with the progress.”
Barrett nodded. “I’ve read the monthly reports, Greg. I couldn’t be happier with how the center is operating.”
“I agree,” Drake said. “The kids are happy, the community is happy, and we sure are.”
“Good. I hope you plan to stay awhile and interact with the kids. I know they’ll be thrilled to spend some time with you.”
“That’s what we plan to do,” Barrett said.
They spent the next several hours joining in different activities, from arts and crafts to computers to old-fashioned board games. The kids put Drake and him through their paces.
Near the end of the day Drake and Barrett joined a number of the kids outside for a game of flag football. They divided into teams, with Drake and him on opposite sides. Barrett really loved that the girls were playing, too. And from what he’d seen when he’d peeked into the basketball game in the gym earlier, these girls were athletic.
He and Drake had a great time going against each other, not surprisingly, since they were both so competitive. So were the kids, but there was a lot of laughing as he and Drake knocked into each other during their game. Barrett blocked him hard and pushed him back, and Drake shoved Barrett to the ground.
Drake held out his hand for Barrett, who glared at him. “Flag football, remember?”
Drake grinned. “Oh, yeah. Must have forgotten that.”
By the time their makeshift game was near the end, they were tied. Now Barrett’s sense of competition had really set in. He huddled with his kids.
“We’ve got this. Their defense is weak. I’ve got the blocking. Ray, you toss it to either Layton or Rachelle, whoever is open.”
They all nodded and broke the huddle, then set into game formation. At the snap, Barrett went hard after Drake, shoving him to the ground.
“Goddammit, Barrett,” Drake said through clenched teeth.
Barrett just laughed, helped haul Drake to his feet, then they watched the play unfold.
Ray had tossed the ball to Rachelle, who was running like a sprinter on fire down the field toward their makeshift end zone.
She scored and everyone cheered. Hell, even the other side cheered for her.
“Girl’s got some speed,” Drake said.
“She sure has.”
At the end of the game they all came together. “You played tough,” Drake said. “You’re all athletes, and you should be proud of yourselves.”
Barrett took in the grins on their sweaty faces. “Come on. Let’s go get something cold to drink.”
He slung his arm around Drake as they followed behind the kids. “I’m exhausted.”
“Me, too. And what the hell was up with that hit, man. My hip hurts.”
“Baby.”
“Kiss my ass.”
Barrett laughed as they made their way back into the center.
They cleaned up a little, got something to drink, and found Greg.
“Those kids will wear you out,” Greg said.
Drake nodded. “They sure will. But we had fun today.”
“They appreciate you stopping in. And so do we. You’re welcome anytime.”
They shook hands with Greg, then headed out to the parking lot.
Barrett felt exhilarated. “Now I’m ready to take on the world.”
Drake laughed. “Good. Come back to my place.”
“I need a shower first.”
“Okay. Go shower, then meet me at my place.”
“All right. See you in a few.”
He drove to his condo, took a quick shower and put on clean clothes, then went to Drake’s. He rang the bell and Drake answered. He’d already showered and was dressed.