Page 8 of Scoring with the Coach's Daughter

“I think I’ve been lucky as it is. I have Ellie and my business is doing well. Maybe that’s all my life was meant to be.”

“I think you’re selling yourself short, Sam.”

“I know you and Mom want the world for me, just like I want that for Ellie, but I’m not sure it’s in the stars, y’know? We all can’t be lucky like you and Mom.”

“You’re right about that but it’s not the end of the world if you decide to test the water.”

“I know.”

Thankfully, Ellie bounds into the room and throws her arms around his legs. “Grandpa!” she beams at him.

“Ellie, what do you want for breakfast?”

“Waffles.” It’s their thing. It’s one of the three things Dad can make for breakfast, and waffles only exist because they areout of a box that’s kept in the freezer. Dad pulls frozen waffles out and puts two in the toaster. He gives me a look.

“I’m fine.” Coffee is usually my go-to drink and serves as my breakfast.

He nods and carries on with Ellie, for which I’m relieved. I’m out of the hot seat for the moment.

Mom joins us in the kitchen and with no further nagging, the morning is enjoyable.

We enjoy a leisurely morning together but I’m antsy. I’m feeling the withdrawal from being at my house and I’m lost without my routine.

After afternoon leftovers it’s time to head out.

I’m dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, capris, and Keds when I reappear downstairs. Ellie is ready to go and looks like a mini-me only Mom has put her hair in a ponytail.

My parents hug and kiss us. Dad puts the luggage in the trunk. “You should have let us pick you up. Sometimes you’re too independent for your own good! It’s not the end of the world to rely on someone.”

“I know,” I reply matter-of-factly. But it’s not in my nature to rely on anyone. After another round of hugs and a promise to call more, we head to the airport.

When we walk through the doors, the terminal smells of coffee and stale air. Ellie’s little hand feels warm in mine as we wait in line for security. I’ve been on autopilot all morning—packing, checking in, and making sure Ellie had everything she needed. But no matter how busy I keep myself, my mind keeps circling back tohim.

“Auntie Sam?” Ellie’s voice pulls me outof my thoughts. She’s looking up at me with her wide, curious eyes. “Do you think we’ll see the nice football player again?”

Her question makes my stomach flip. I kneel to her level, brushing a curl out of her face. “What makes you ask that, sweetie?”

Ellie shrugs. “He was nice. And he taught me how to throw the ball like this!” She mimics the motion, with her little arms as she makes as if she’ll fling an imaginary football.

I can’t help but smile. “He was nice, wasn’t he?”

Ellie nods, her brow furrowing. “Do you know him, Aunt Sam?”

The question catches me off guard. “I... not really,” I admit. I was in shock when Ellen died, it was a blur and the details of that week are still unknown to me to this day.

And it’s true. I don’t know Jake Rivers, not really. I mean, I know what everyone does and possibly a tad more with the bits and pieces I’ve overheard from my dad over the years.

However, I don’t know what makes him tick, or what he loves, or what he was doing kissing me last night. Half of me wanted him to drag me to a vacant bedroom and what comes after that scares me.

I don’t know if I’m more afraid of being accepted in his world or if I’m more afraid of him rejecting me. I’m in shape and I suppose some would think I’m cute but all I see are things I need to improve.

I make decisions all day long, and I’m known to be a workaholic. I’m also a perfectionist and there are days where I wish I could be more go with the flow. I’m too serious about everything.

I don’t know what man would want to be surrounded by a woman who can’t survive without planning out the entire day before she gets out of bed.

I lack spontaneity. And that’s where Ellie is my silverlining. Her presence brings about daily changes and a different perspective. I’ll never be carefree like her but she keeps me on my toes and she pushes me to step outside of my comfort zone.

And Jake did that last night.

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