Page 100 of Home Field Advantage
That’s a lie.
Is it, though? It’s definitely opened my eyes to how I should be coaching, and since then, we’ve gotten a lot better.
Mitch
That’s great. When is your first game? We want to come.
Soon. I think next month. I’ll let you know.
Mitch
That’s awesome. I’m proud of you, coach.
Tyler
And the woman you met?
I’m also proud of you, stud.
*eye roll* You always seem to have only one thing on your mind.
Tyler
I’m just curious.
She’s good.
“Daddy, can we have a snuggle fest on the couch tonight?”
“Of course, bug. Do you want to watch a movie or a show?”
“I think I’m in the mood for a movie! Let’s watchAir Bud. The basketball one this time since I just watched the baseball one last week.”
I laugh. “You got it. I’ll make us some popcorn, too.”
“Ooooh!” she says, jumping up and down in the kitchen. “Yes. Yes. We can make it like an actual movie date! But with blankets and pillows and pajamas!” Her face sombers almost immediately as if something just crossed her mind. “I wish Mommy was here.”
Her admission is a knife to my chest. She’s been doing so well over the last few months, adjusting to this temporary living situation. So much so that it hasn’t crossed my mind as often that she could be struggling with things. And now, my heart hurts for my little girl.
“I’m sorry, Sage. I know this is hard for you and your mom. She misses you just as much as you miss her on the days you’re not with her.”
The look on her face tells me she wants to cry but won’t. I know my girl now. She’s strong like the roots of a tree—you can’t see it, but she holds everything together.
“I do miss her,” she admits. “I know I just saw her yesterday,but she always loves movie nights with me, too. Have we ever had a movie night?”
I swallow, emotions lodged in my throat.
No, we never have.
Because I wasn’t always there.
“No, bug.” I shake my head, answering her honestly. “And I hate that we haven’t. I hate that I was always so busy playing baseball or coaching.”
She smiles softly. “That’s okay, Daddy. Mommy always used to tell me you were living out your dream. And that hard work gets you to your goals. You and Mommy are the hardest workers.”
Dammit. She got me.
Tears well in my eyes, and I can no longer fight them. I don’t cry. I don’t show emotion like this. The only person in the world who has that power over me is Sage.
