Page 59 of Chasing Football Dreams

"Then he won't mind joining us for celebrations at Benjamin's house?"

"I was planning on going out with the team and Eliza, and Duncan's sister,"

"Good, because everyone is invited,"

I nodded wanting to slip past him, but I could see something was on his mind. "What is it?" I asked.

"Your birthday is a few days," He muttered, fidgeting with his hands.

I blinked. "What?"

He nodded with a sad look in his eyes. "I know we celebrated the birthday you believed to be your birthday, but the truth is, it's in three days from today,"

"It's going to be the first year, we will be able to celebrate with you," He held a jersey out to me. "I know the season is over, but I am positive the coaches will recruit you again next season and I just thought you would want to be a Martin,"

I accepted his gift. "Why didn't you give it to me before the game?" I would have loved to play in it.

"I am giving you space, Zoey. I don't want to overwhelm you,"

"But you are my dad. Isn't it, your job to be overbearing?" I asked, blinking back unshed tears.

He nodded. "Yeah, probably,"

I chuckled and hugged him. "The best gift you've given me was finding me,"

"I believe it is the other way around, kiddo,"

He hugged me and let me go. "Go with your friends. We'll meet up with you later,"

I watched him wipe the wetness from his eyes. "I wish I got to grow up with you as my coach and father. You would have given me a confidence boost from young,"

He looked at me not agreeing with my remark. "Zoey. You are not weak. You are the complete opposite of it. What I saw today was a reflection of a tough woman,"

"That's because my father is Shane Martin," I smiled at him before making my way down the hall to where my friends were waiting for me.

"What took you so long?" Andrew asked.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Is he always so impatient?" I asked Eliza who was barely controlling an eye roll.

Duncan met me halfway, noticing the wetness in the corner of my eyes and wiping them away. "You, okay?"

"I think I will be,"

He smirked. "Let's get you fed,"

"Actually, we were invited to celebrate at Benjamin's place,"

Everyone looked at me with frowns. "That misogynic asshole who made you uncomfortable?"

I nodded.

"But I thought he gives you the creeps?" Eliza asked.

"Yeah, but we can't ignore that he is Shane's best friend,"

"And it's not like I am going to be alone with him. All of you are going to be there,"

Everyone seemed skeptical at first but agreed to join me when I mentioned free booze and food.

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