Chapter 85

“They’re in the sunroom with cookies and ice cream,” he said.

Around ten o’clock the next morning, team members and their dads began to arrive. By eleven, the pool was full of boys, and a dozen men were sitting around visiting. Philip and I fired up the gas grill and began preparing hot dogs, hamburger patties, and chicken breasts.

Goodman started setting up folding tables, and Mrs. Goodman appeared, accompanied by several of the ladies. All of them were carrying platters and bowls of food. When we were ready, Philip blew a whistle to get the boys’ attention. He didn’t have to say anything—he merely pointed at the food. When the boys had toweled themselves dry and assembled around the tables, Dean Mangrum said grace, and we watched the food disappear.