The atmosphere returned to normal when his Grandfather got back. The man had put on a brave face for over 15 years, his earlier slip was likely because it had been so long since he'd talked about it.
Ken didn't press the issue, he could feel that the man was still hurt.
The chess match went as expected, he lost miserably. Ken knew the basics of chess, but had never actively studied the openings or such in his lifetime.
"You make some daring moves, Ken. But your follow ups are a little passive." His Grandfather said, stroking his chin in thought.
Ken scratched his head a little in embarrassment, "Sorry, I'm a complete newbie in chess. I learned the rules, but this is probably only my 3rd ever game."
"Huh? Really?" Mark's jaw lowered slowly in shock.
"Yes. This is why I stick to baseball." He replied with a small chuckle.
"R-Right…"
Mark's eyes flashed in wonder. He had studied chess after the passing of his late wife since it had made him feel closer to her in a way. Online he was rated 2200, yet some of the moves that Ken had made were brilliant and had caused him to think deeply.
'If he had some training…'
However, Mark shook his head in the next moment. Ken would have no time for such things, perhaps later in his life the man could take it up as a hobby. For now he was close to being drafted into the Major League.
"So, are we meeting my agent tomorrow?" Ken asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, Barry is an old friend of mine. He's a little… peculiar, but he is one of the best in the business." Mark replied, nodding.
His Grandfather didn't seem to want to elaborate, so Ken left it. He would have the opportunity to see for himself tomorrow what made the man so peculiar.
The two spent some quality time together for the rest of the day, talking about everything under the sun. This was the first time that he had stayed with his grandfather one on one, but it was not awkward at all.
In fact, the two were very similar.
The next morning, Ken went for a run and explored the area. His grandfather's house was around 5 miles from downtown, so he decided to make his way there. Since it was so early, only some coffee shops were open. Aside from some ongoing construction, it was rather peaceful.
The streets were lined with trees, a welcome sight for Ken who had spent so long in New York. Central Park was beautiful, but often crowded with people. Raleigh seemed to have a charm that New York did not.
Of course Ken still preferred Japan, but he was biased.
After making the run back to his grandfather's house, he had worked up quite a sweat, however a smile was on his face. Ken had now fully recovered from his fever, improving his mood.
Even though it was only for 48 hours, it had made him feel weak. Only now did Ken feel like his power and explosiveness had returned.
"Morning, how was your run?" His grandfather asked with a smile.
"Good, I went downtown. It is quite nice there."
Mark nodded, "It is a nice place. Now go shower while I make us some breakfast. We'll be meeting Barry at 9 this morning."
Ken did as he was told and soon returned. Breakfast was a true American favorite. Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Of course this was not something that he usually ate, but it was quite delicious.
As someone not from the states, this breakfast made no sense to him. Pancakes were meant to be sweet, and bacon was meant to be savory. They should not work so well together.
"I used to make this for your father every Sunday." Mark said with a grin, seemingly enjoying the sight Ken eating heartily.
"Mmm." Ken who was voraciously chewing his food nodded, "Itsh good."
Mark laughed, helping himself to his own pancakes.
After breakfast, the two jumped in the car and headed off to meet with Ken's agent. He was a little nervous, but in a good way. The draft was only a couple of weeks away, seeing an agent now made everything feel real.
They soon arrived at an office complex and exited the car. The buildings were 3 stories high with paned windows and looked rather modern. Judging by the amount of car spaces, there were quite a few people who worked here.
"Is this whole building my agents?" Ken asked in wonder.
Mark looked at him weird for a moment before letting out a laugh, "Gods no. There are probably 10 or so companies in this building alone. You will see soon enough." He said eventually.
They walked in the doors and saw a directory on the sign at the entrance. It showed which business was on which floor. While many had great business logos fitting the professional theme, there was one logo that stood out, and not for good reasons.
It looked like someone had written on a piece of paper and placed it into the spot.
"Barry Hart…" Ken mumbled. He could have probably written it better with his left hand. He turned to his grandfather with a face full of disbelief, as if to question if they were making the right decision.
Mark chuckled, "Barry was never much for theatrics. He said that one's work ought to be the merit he is judged by."
"R—Right…" Ken replied, but inwardly he was skeptical. It wouldn't have taken much effort to get a logo designer, especially if the man was an accomplished agent, he should have plenty of money.
He suddenly remembered the card that Rob Fisher, the chairman of WWBA had given him of Barry's. It was literally just his name and number on a card.
"You will see when we meet him." Mark said, beginning his walk up the stairs and gesturing for Ken to follow.