After the whole exchange of greetings, Leo was just about to settle into his seat when the cafeteria doors opened, and Dawson stepped in.
The coach's eyes scanned the room before landing on him.
Instantly, Leo pushed back his chair and got to his feet, moving toward Dawson with a quick stride.
"Welcome back," Dawson said, extending his hand.
Leo clasped it firmly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Good to see you too, coach."
As Dawson nodded, Nolan passed behind him, cup of coffee in hand.
"Good to see you as well," Leo added, and Nolan raised the cup slightly, a silent acknowledgement that made Leo grin with a little shake of his head.
Dawson looked Leo up and down, like he was sizing him up, and one thing he noticed was that Leo had gained a few pounds.
"Seems like they fed you well at least," Dawson said as he wore an expression most coaches used when a player was finally returning after time away.
