Last Chance Hero (9 page)

“Still go every morning?” Andy inhaled deeply to regulate his breathing.

“Just about. Elizabeth and I keep each other honest.”

“Elizabeth Cooley?” Andy laughed. “She's the only Elizabeth I know.”

“And she's the one I'm talking about, smarty. We walk for a while after my run. I'll be stopping off at her house when we get there. Want to come with us?”

“Wish I could, but I've got a team meeting at 10:00. We need to look at video and talk about last night's game.”

“Oh, yeah, the game. How'd it go?” Jess pushed her fists into the small of her back and arched.

“Not so good, thanks for asking. We took a loss.”

“Bummer.” Jess swung her arms in big circles. “Well, here's Elizabeth's house. Thanks for the run. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

“Yeah, sure.”
Bummer? Yeah, I guess you could call losing
the opening game of the season to San Ramon a
bummer.

“Okay then.” Jess started up Elizabeth's walk. “See you.”

“Wait.” Andy wasn't quite ready to see her disappear in the house. “What are you doing later?”

Jess shrugged. “Laundry, grocery shop, the usual.”

“Have lunch with me. My meeting won't last much past noon. Meet me at the Dip 'n' Dine at about 1:00?”

“The Dip 'n' Dine?” Jess seemed hesitant. “I don't know. I think I got on the wrong side of the waitress when I was in there last night. In fact, that seems to happen a lot. I don't think she likes me.”

“Juanita? I'm sure she likes you.” Andy grinned. “If she didn't, you wouldn't be wondering about it. Believe me, you'd know. She takes great pride in being known for speaking her mind.”

“I had noticed she didn't seem to hold much back. It seems like
that would drive away customers. How does she get away with it? I mean, isn't the owner even a little concerned about it?”

“He tries to keep her reined in, from what I hear, but Juanita is just Juanita. He pretty much has to take her as she is or let her go.”

“And? It seems like a pretty obvious choice to me.”

“You mean he should fire her? Believe it or not, that would be the worst thing he could do. Juanita may get under everyone's skin, but she's one of ours. And even though she can be a pain, and everyone loves Chris, the town would line up behind Juanita in a heartbeat. Chris has only been here a couple years, and Juanita was born here.”

“Wow. Makes me wonder what I've got myself into.” Jess was starting to look worried, and Andy wanted to erase those little frown lines that had appeared between her brows.

“You picked a good place full of good people; I can promise you that. And there are worse traits than loyalty. Just give them a little while to get to know you.”

“And don't do anything that would make them choose sides.” Jess didn't look all that reassured.

“I can't see that happening.” Andy glanced at his watch. “I've got to get going. Lunch at 1:00?”

“Okay.” Jess's smile finally broke through, and it made Andy want to smile too. “As long as you sit between me and Juanita. She still scares me.”

“Are you kidding? You're going to have to protect me. She'll have plenty to say about last night's game. And it won't be ‘Bummer.' See you later.”

As Andy started back the way they had come, the front door opened and Elizabeth came out onto the porch. He called “Good morning” and picked up his pace. If he allowed himself to be drawn into conversation with Elizabeth, he'd be late for his meeting for sure.

Les Watson's pickup passed him before he got to the end of the street, and Les slowed down to lean out the window.

“Better step on it, son. They're gaining on you.”

Andy grinned and raised a hand in greeting as he ran past the slow-moving pickup.
Nope. It never gets old.

“I'm so sorry I missed Andy.” Elizabeth made her careful way down the ramp from her porch to the front walk. “It's been a while since I've seen him. I guess he's been busy, what with football practice and school starting and all. I just wish I could have given him a hug and told him there's a lot more football to play yet.”

Jess raised an eyebrow as she held the gate open for Elizabeth. “Don't tell me you were at the game too.”

“Oh, no, honey. I haven't been able to manage those bleachers in years. But I heard all about the game when Ray and Lainie got home last night. I don't mean to be telling Andy his business, but it sounds like his defense could use a lot of work. And with two missed field goals, he may need to rethink his kicker too.”

“Really.” Jess was staring, but Elizabeth was too busy navigating the sidewalk to notice. “I had no idea you were so knowledgeable. How do you know so much about football?”

“Oh, I must have seen a hundred games right here in Last Chance, and then we took in all the road games when the boys played. And of course, between dinner table conversations and having the boys and their friends talking about it all the time, it was hard not to pick it up.”

“The boys? That would be Ray and who else?” Jess took Elizabeth's elbow to steady her when she faltered a bit.

“Well, both my boys played—that would be Joe Jr. and Jerry—and all my grandsons. And of course boys I knew from church,
and sons and grandsons of my friends. There was always someone I knew to cheer for.”

“Were they all there at that Parade of Pumas last night?” Jess hid her smile. This was a side of Elizabeth she had never seen.

“Most of them. Joe Jr. was there, and his boy Justin, and of course Ray. Steven's still at the academy, or he would have been there too.”

“What about Jerry? Does he not live around here?”

Elizabeth's eyes grew misty and her smile a little sad. “Jerry never was in the parade. He enlisted in the Marines the day after he graduated from high school, and, well, he was killed on patrol in Vietnam. It was June 17, 1973.”

“Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry.” Jess slid an arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and squeezed. “I didn't know.”

“Of course you didn't know, dear. Why should you?” Elizabeth patted the hand that still held her shoulder. “He's always in my thoughts, of course, but especially at this time of year. He did love his football, and he was good too. Maybe not quite as good as Andy, but still better than anyone else our family has produced. Don't tell anyone I said that, though.”

“I wouldn't dream of it.” Jess gave Elizabeth's shoulder a final squeeze and dropped her hand. “But listen, anytime you feel like talking about Jerry, I'd be happy to hear some stories. He sounds pretty amazing.”

“I might take you up on that sometime.” Elizabeth smiled up at Jess, and her eyes were still misty. “I just hate acting like Jerry never existed, and it only upsets my family when I try to talk about him. Joe Jr. won't even stay in the room, and most of the others never even knew him.”

Her steps grew slower, and she seemed lost in her thoughts. Finally, she squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and blew out a
deep breath. “Well, enough of that. Please excuse an old lady for getting all caught up in the past. Sometimes it seems like a hundred years since Jerry left, and at the same time I almost expect he'll be coming in looking for something to eat, all of eight years old.”

“There's nothing to excuse, believe me.” Jess wondered at the tears stinging her own eyes. “I was serious. I'm not going to push it, but I really would like to hear about Jerry anytime, and I mean that.”

“All right. I'll keep that in mind.” Elizabeth took a few more firm steps before she stopped and her shoulders drooped again, ever so slightly. “But I'm finding myself a little tired this morning. Would you mind if we cut our walk short today? I could fix you a cup of coffee.”

“Of course we can call it a day, although I'll have to pass on the coffee. I've got a lot to get done today, and I guess I'm meeting Andy at the Dip 'n' Dine for lunch.”

“Oh, really?” Elizabeth smiled. “Well, I'm sure he can use the support. Give him my love.”

“I'll do that.”

They reached Elizabeth's gate, and she stopped with her hand on the gate's latch. “Thank you for the walk, dear. I've so enjoyed our times together and I hope you'll still come see me, but I'm afraid it's going to be getting too dark and cold here pretty soon for me to take my walks in the morning. My little friend Olivia and I will just have to do that after school.”

“That sounds like a good decision. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do when the days get real short, anyway.” Jess tried to hold the gate for Elizabeth, but she was waved away. “If there's anything at all I can do for you, just let me know. Promise?”

“I will do that.” Elizabeth had already started up the walk but stopped and turned to look at Jess. “You know, if you mean that, there is something you can do.”

“Of course I mean it. What do you need?”

“Well, I could use a ride to church tomorrow. Ray and Lainie left for Santa Fe before dawn this morning because he's part of a show that's opening in a gallery up there, and Sarah and Chris had made plans for a quick getaway themselves after the Dip 'n' Dine closes this afternoon. Of course, when they realized they were both going to be away this weekend, they tried to change their plans, but I wouldn't hear of it. I had about made up my mind I was going to stay home tomorrow, but if you really don't mind . . .” Her voice trailed away.

“Of course I don't mind. I'd be happy to take you to church. What time shall I come by?” It had been years since Jess had been to church on a Sunday morning, but going tomorrow with Elizabeth just seemed right somehow.

“Ten-thirty should give us plenty of time. And I do thank you.” Elizabeth's smile was warm. “I do hate missing church, and the worst thing about getting old is having to depend on others to get me there.”

Jess stood on the sidewalk watching Elizabeth carefully making her way up the walk. She knew better than to try to help. That issue had been settled quite firmly on the first day she and Elizabeth walked together.

When Elizabeth finally reached her front door, preceded by Sam the cat, who seemingly appeared from nowhere, she turned and waved before going inside. Jess returned the wave and after a second headed back home at an easy pace. It was beyond her how someone so frail could exude so much strength.

W
ell, my goodness, do you cook at all?” Juanita met Jess at the door of the Dip 'n' Dine and showed her to a booth by the window. “Not that we don't love having you come in, of course. But eating out every day of the week is bound to get expensive, even if you are a doctor.”

“I don't eat out every day of the week. I think this is only the fourth or fifth time I've been in this week.” How did Juanita always manage to put her on the defensive, and why did she feel compelled to explain, anyway?

“Five times in one week might not seem like much to you, but nobody I know eats out that much, unless they have something to celebrate.” Juanita handed her a menu. “Here you go. Do you want to look at this, or should I just bring you a salad?”

Jess took the menu. “Actually, I'll wait a bit to order. I'm meeting someone.”

“Oh?” Juanita perked up. “Anyone I know?”

“Naturally.” Jess smiled up at her but offered no other information, and after Juanita waited a moment or two, her mouth got a little pinched and she turned away.

“I'll go get you some water. Just let me know when your friend shows up.”

Jess watched her go. On her way to get the water, Juanita stopped
at a table or two, and from what Jess could discern, she was just as brusque and plainspoken there as she was when she spoke to Jess. The difference was that the diners at those tables looked up and smiled and, after exchanging a few words with her, went back to their meals and conversations as if Juanita's attitude was just part of the Dip 'n' Dine ambience. And who knows? Maybe it was.

“Think you'll be ordering soon?” Juanita was back with the water. Her mouth was still pinched and she did not meet Jess's eye as she put the glass on the table. “Things can get kind of backed up on Saturday afternoons.”

Jess took a closer look at Juanita's face. Had she actually hurt Juanita's feelings? She'd have sworn Juanita didn't even have any feelings. Feeling a little guilty, she tendered a peace offering. “I sure hope so. Andy said he'd meet me here right after his team meeting, and he didn't think it would go much past noon. But if you need the table, I'd be happy to wait for the next one.”

“No, of course not.” With Jess's conciliatory tone and her curiosity assuaged, Juanita seemed ready to let bygones be bygones. “I'm sure he'll be along soon. I'm not a bit surprised he's taking more time than he expected to with those boys, though. Last night was not pretty.”

“So I heard.” Jess pulled her glass of water closer. “I know Andy was feeling pretty low when I saw him earlier this morning.”

“Well, he shouldn't.” Juanita's brook-no-nonsense tone was back. “And I'll be the one to tell him so when he gets here. There are plenty of other games to win this season; this was just the first one. Of course, it was the one and only game we'll play this year with San Ramon, our archenemy, so it does mean they have bragging rights all year long, and let me tell you, when it comes to bragging, no one can do it better than San Ramon. But let us just win the rest of our games, and they'll get real quiet real quick. You
wait and see.” She gave the table a sharp rap with her knuckles for emphasis.

“All right, then.”
No pressure. Just have a
near perfect season and all is forgiven.
“It looks like they've got their work cut out for them.”

“If anybody but Andy was head coach, I might be a little worried, but I just have a feeling that once they get their feet under them, there will be no stopping that team.” She glanced past Jess into the parking lot just as the ding of a bell signaled an order ready to serve. “Here's our boy now. You tell him what I said, and I'll be back to take your orders in a minute. Although with you ordering those salads every time you come in here and Andy always getting a bowl of green chile stew, I could just as easily save myself a trip and go ahead and put your orders in now.”

She headed off toward the kitchen as the door opened and Andy came in. Before he had taken three steps, someone had grabbed his attention and his hand, and he stopped for a minute to talk. His eyes lit up and his smile widened as he spotted Jess, but again someone reached for his arm as he passed, and again he stopped. By the time he reached their booth and slid in across from her, his smile looked a little wooden.

“Whew. I've had backfields that were easier to get through than that was.”

“I'm glad you made it.” Jess grinned and pushed the menu across the table to him. “At least everyone was friendly. I didn't see any torches or pitchforks.”

“Not this time. They all told me not to worry about it, that there were still plenty of other games to win this season.”

“Juanita made almost the same comment. Sounded kind of ominous when she said it.”

“It sounds ominous when everyone says it, although I'm sure
they think they're being encouraging. But you know what? I came back to Last Chance to coach the football team, not to worry about what the town thinks. Russ can do that. He's the Booster president.”

“Russ can do what since he's the Booster president?” Whether Juanita was on her way to their table to take their order or whether she just heard Russ's name mentioned and came over, Juanita clearly believed that any conversation that involved her husband involved her as well.

“Hi, Juanita.” Andy flipped his menu open and just as quickly flipped it shut. “I was just saying that I was going to let Russ and the Boosters run interference with the town for us, so we can just concentrate on the season. You know how things can get.”

“You don't have to say another word.” Juanita flapped a hand at him. “Forget Monday morning quarterbacks. They're just amateurs compared to our Saturday morning, biscuits and gravy quarterbacks. You would not believe the things I've heard in here this morning. They talked like the one and only thing that causes a team to win or lose is the coaching. But I just told them, ‘Give the boy some time. He just got here. We'll get our team back, you just wait and see.'”

“Well, I appreciate it. Glad you've got my back.” Andy's smile looked forced as he handed the menu to Juanita, not that she noticed. “I'll have the green chile stew and maybe some extra tortillas, if you please.”

“Absolutely.” Juanita tucked the menu under her arm and pulled out her pad. “And a salad for the doctor, right?”

“You know, I think I'll try those chicken enchiladas we talked about last night. With green chile.” Jess tried to look nonchalant, as if she were an old hand with chile of all sorts, but Juanita's double take and raised eyebrows as she turned to go secretly delighted her. “Oh, and please put that egg on it.”

Jess didn't know what she was expecting when she turned back to
Andy after placing her order—maybe a “wow” or an “atta girl”—but he was just gazing out the window at an eighteen-wheeler that was rumbling its way through town. Feeling a little silly that she had expected some kind of a reaction from him just because she ordered enchiladas, Jess waited until Andy looked back at her.

She smiled. “Still here. Where are you?”

He shook his head as if to clear it. “Right here. Game's over. I'm not going to think about football again until Monday morning.” He blew out a huge gust of air. “So what are you doing with the rest of the day?”

“Like I said, just the laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping.”

“On a beautiful day like this one? You've got to be kidding. Come on, we can do better than that. The laundry and cleaning aren't going anywhere.”

“Yep, you've got that right. They're just sitting there waiting for me.”

Andy acted as if he didn't hear her. He leaned forward on his elbows, and for the moment, Jess could believe he actually had put last night's game behind him. “Have you seen the Gila Cliff Dwellings yet?”

“No. What are the Gila Cliff Dwellings?” Despite her chore list, Jess found herself drawn to his enthusiasm.

“It's an ancient village built into some caves in the side of a cliff. It's small, not like Bandelier up north of Santa Fe or Mesa Verde in Colorado. They think maybe a dozen or so families lived there back in the thirteenth century, but it's really something to see. Let me show you around this afternoon; it would only take about an hour and a half to get there, and the drive is beautiful.”

“The drive to where is beautiful?” Juanita appeared at their table with a tray of food. “Here you go. Green chile stew and green chile enchiladas. Careful, that plate's hot.”

She looked from Jess to Andy and waited. Obviously, her question had not been rhetorical.

“I'm trying to talk Jess into going up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings with me this afternoon. She's never been.” Andy unwrapped a thick tortilla and spread butter on it.

“Oh, then you've got to go. There's no question. And Andy's right. It's a real pretty drive. It's a little early to see much color, but there might be some.” She turned to Andy. “And it wouldn't hurt you to get out of town for a while, either. Kind of let things settle down a little bit.”

Settle
down? Maybe there are torches and pitchforks out there after
all.

Jess took a tentative poke at her enchilada with her fork. It looked so
big
. And it still bubbled around the edges. This would take some figuring out. She looked up when the silence told her that some kind of response was expected.

“Sounds great. Let's get out of town for the afternoon. We'll just let Monday take care of Monday's problems.”

“All right, then.” Juanita seemed pleased that thanks to her, yet another problem had been tidily taken care of. “You two go off and have a good time. And you just tell me if you don't think that enchilada doesn't put your plate of rabbit food to shame.”

After giving the table one last satisfied look and asking them if they were sure they didn't need anything else, Juanita left them to their lunch. Jess poked her enchilada again. It didn't look like any enchilada she had ever seen. It was flat, for one thing, spilling chunks of chicken and fragrant green chile sauce from between stacked corn tortillas, and there was that fried egg sitting on top. She took a tiny taste. The flavor of the green chile was rich, earthy—and hot! She tried to look casual as she reached for her glass of water.

“No, wait.” Andy put his hand on her arm to stop her. “That'll just make it worse. Here, take this buttered tortilla. This is what you need.”

She stuffed a bite of the warm bread in her mouth, and it did help. Andy smiled in sympathy.

“You don't like hot food? I should have warned you.”

“I love hot food!” Jess ate another bite of tortilla. “Indian food and Thai are two of my favorites, but most Mexican food I've eaten has been pretty mild. I sure wasn't expecting this.”

Andy laughed. “I know what you mean. It's not the same elsewhere, is it? The thing you need to keep in mind is that this food didn't come north through Mexico to get here. Spaniards settled here around five hundred years ago, and using the things they could get to grow here in this high and rocky place, and learning a lot from the Pueblo Indians, they came up with this. It's probably more accurately called New Mexican than Mexican. Personally, and without a shred of prejudice, I think it's the best food in the world. I'd be happy to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

“You wouldn't have much of a stomach lining left.” Jess took another bite, followed by another quick bite of tortilla. “But I have to say the flavor is amazing, almost worth the pain.”

“Ah, first you get used to it, then you crave it. Wait and see.” Andy spooned in a large bite of green chile stew. “Besides, it doesn't do a thing to your stomach lining. In fact, New Mexicans have the lowest per capita incidence of stomach problems in the entire country.”

Jess just looked at him. “You made that up.”

Andy shrugged. “Maybe. But so what? Some of the most interesting facts I know are completely made up.”

“Promise me you'll never go into science.”

“No worries. At least not the kind of science you're talking about. I'm back where I want to be, doing what I want to do—
coaching football, making stuff up, and eating as much of Carlos's cooking as I can get.”

Andy's mood really did seem to lift the more they talked, and Jess found herself laughing at a silly streak he had never shown before. But when she saw a middle-aged man in boots with his belly hanging over his wide leather belt begin to make his way toward their table, she had a feeling all that was about to change. And she was right.

“Andy? Sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I hadn't had a chance to welcome you back yet.”

Andy's face split in a grin, and he stood up and grabbed the man in a half hug, half handshake. “Rob! Good to see you, man. Saw you sporting that letterman's jacket last night. Still looking good.”