When I hear Coach Nick arrive back at the apartment, I quickly hang up the call with my family and listen for his footsteps. I realize that it’s been several hours, and it’s now dark outside, although the city continues to glow like dense stars in the darkness.

I hear Coach walking across the apartment and the soft jangle of keys. I hop up off my bed and hurry out into the hall to intercept him as he comes toward the bedrooms.

Not only am I eager to hear what the corporate sponsor had to say, but I can’t stay away from Nick. Even though he wasn’t gone too long,...