Page 2 of Scoring with the Coach's Daughter

“It's not just you I'm worried about,” she presses on. “Ellie needs a father figure. Don’t you think she should have that?”

I sigh and sit up, folding my arms across my chest defensively. “Ellie has friends and she's loved. It's a huge responsibility to date with a child. I don’t want to bring someone into her life who might not be permanent. I don’t want to letsomeone in and risk Ellie getting hurt. She’s already lost enough.”

Mom gives me a knowing look. “How would you ever know if you won’t give anyone a chance?” Her words settle over me like a weight, pressing against the walls I’ve carefully built. I shift uncomfortably, my fingers twisting in my lap. It’s not that I don’t want to try—part of me does—but the thought of letting someone in, only to have them walk away, terrifies me. I don’t think I can survive another loss. “When was the last time you were on a date?” she questions me like I’m at an inquisition.

“You got me,” I chuckle, making light of the situation. How do I defend myself?

Mom’s eyes soften, and she leans back, clasping her hands together. “Losing Ellen was hard on all of us, but you don’t have to carry the weight of her choices. What happened to your sister?—”

“It doesn’t matter,” I interrupt, suddenly exhausted by the conversation. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m reminded of my sister every day I look at Ellie.

Mom shakes her head slowly. “Ellie would want you to find someone to spend your life with and she should see you happy. She watches you closely, Sam—she should have a father. Besides, I know your smile doesn't quite reach your eyes and I want you to know you don’t have to do this alone. Besides, Ellie understands more than you think.”

I know Ellie watches me. She’s very perceptive and very smart. It’s also the reason I’m not looking for my soulmate. Ellie and I have built a life without complications. What’s so terrible about that?

Her father was a man who disappeared when he learned Ellen was pregnant. She wanted to be a mother. Kids notice everything, even when there are times I wishthey didn’t. And they emulate us. My mother makes me question the fact that I might be sending the wrong message to Ellie.

But, I don’t think I am. I’m a strong mother figure. Besides, women are often left to raise children on their own. The divorce rate is a testament to the fact that there are many single moms and dads in the world, I’m just one of them.

Even though I know she means well, her words give me reason to pause. I’m sure she wants me to have it all—a career, a loving husband, and a fulfilling family life. I look out the window where the trees are swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. I can hear Ellie’s laughter in the yard as she chatters away to Dad, who must’ve started the grill.

“You deserve more, Samantha,” Mom continues. “That's all. Just keep it in mind. Okay? Be open to the possibility of more. You deserve to be happy.”

“I’m happy.” But I speak before I’ve thought it through. Sure there are lonely nights. The vibrator in my nightstand is replaced every two years. It would be nice to spend a night with a man who set my body on fire. It’s been so long that I wonder if I’ll remember how to go about it. It’s easier to keep my status quo than to risk my routine for the unknown. Besides, there was Rob, and I thought he was the right man, but I was wrong.

I can’t be trusted to pick a man. I’ll only screw it up.

By late afternoon, family and friends begin to arrive. The backyard buzzes with laughter and chatter as old teammates slap each other on the back, reminiscing about past games. Neighbors bring homemade dishes, adding to the ever-growing buffet table.

Children dart between the adults, giggling as they chase each other around the lawn. The scent of grilled meat fills the air, mingling with the sweetness of freshly baked pies cooling on the patio table. It’s a who’s who of Dad’s past and current football players as well as coaching staff.

Ellie runs around with a few kids her age, and I decide to be spontaneous and enjoy the moment—just for tonight. One night can’t hurt. I have Mom and Dad who will lend a hand with Ellie. I might even have a few drinks.

What the hell? What could go wrong if I let loose for one night?

2

JAKE

The same stone pathway,the same huge wraparound porch that is perfect for family cookouts. The familiar feeling of being welcomed greets me before I reach the house. I’m more than a little in awe of everything Coach has built. He has a stellar career and a lovely family. I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that he’s had his share of heartache. Losing a child has got to be the toughest loss of all.

I was here a few years ago, to show my support for my revered coach in his hour of need. The only difference this time is I’m older and I carry the weight of my years as a pro football player that has taken a toll on me. I’ve been in the big leagues for years and played the biggest games. I’ve lived through injuries I wasn’t sure I’d bounce back from. But this one scares me. A torn meniscus.

Fuck me.

I kill the engine of my truck and step out, tucking a small gift bag under my arm. Coach deserves more than I could fit in a bag, but we both know it’s not about what’s inside—it’s about showing up. Coach is a family man and I wonder if his daughter,Samantha, will be here. I’ve not seen her in years, but I heard she’s raising Ellen’s daughter.

As soon as I step onto the porch, the front door opens like Coach’s sixth sense kicked in. He has a gift of reading people and perhaps that’s his secret to coaching our team. We had a great year and I hope we’re contenders for the Super Bowl next year.

The fact that we did so well makes it even more frustrating that I went out on the injured reserve in the game before the playoffs. I’m hoping we’ll redeem ourselves next year and that I’ll make a speedy recovery.

I don’t enjoy sitting at home. There are too many hours in the day when I can’t be with my team. My life revolves around my job as a defenseman. Not that I’m opposed to companionship but I haven’t found the right woman, yet.

“Jake Rivers!” Coach’s voice booms as he slaps a hand on my back. His grip is still strong, and he grins like I’ve scored the game-winning touchdown. “Thanks for coming!”

I know he’s relieved I came. He’s not a pretentious man. I’ve been out of sorts ever since I was injured and it’s like him to have his eye on all his players, on and off the field. Thankfully, my injury happened at the end of the season and I should be back before the new season starts.

Am I bored and lonely? Fuck yeah. I hope being here for the coach’s happy occasion will improve my mood more than anything. I’ve been living in a vacuum and it’s not healthy.

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