CHAPTER 153

I worked for hours outlining the next two articles I wanted to write—one being the family man’s perspective. Currently, there wasn’t a lot of money in rugby and somehow you had to juggle a full-time job, practice, matches, and family. I wanted a wife’s input too. I’d decided on Mean Mike, a huge guy who worked, played rugby, and was father to four young children. His wife would be the key ingredient, so I needed to interview her.

The knock on the door startled me because I had no idea it was dinner time. Barefoot, I walked over and opened it. Joel stood holding a bag of food with a tired smile. I moved back so he could enter.

“How was practice?” I asked as he set the food on the dresser. I started clearing the small table of my laptop, recorder, and notes so we had a place to eat.

“Long and I missed you.” His voice came from directly behind me.

I turned and his hands went around my waist. “What are you doing, Joel?”

“Eliminating the problem that kept me awake last night.” His lips sla