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“Supporting my athletes is mostly definitely a habit, Coach Callahan.” He stepped in close and smiled that panty-dropping smile and it felt like it was just for me.
“Good. Make sure you cheer extra loud because the opponents have tons of supporters to cheer them on.” I nodded in the direction of the booster club, decked out in team colors with handmade banners declaring victory.
“Got my bullhorn, don’t you worry.” To punctuate the point, Ben cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted to the field. “Let’s go team!”
The game started and instead of heading to the stands where a few parents and cheerleaders had gathered, Ben stayed on the sidelines. With me.
“Feel free to take a seat.”
“Nah, I’m right where I want to be.” Ben shoved his hands in his pockets and smiled, his gaze never left the field.
I shook off the feeling that those words weren’t just for me, because I knew better. No matter what my stupid, skipping-a-beat heart wanted to think about it. “Good job, Pirates! Keep it up!”
Ben side-stepped closer and leaned in close. “Why did you choose to coach soccer?”
I looked over, surprised at this question. “You mean why girls’ soccer?” He nodded and gave an unapologetic shrug. “I played soccer from the age of six and I loved it so much, I played all through high school. Earned a college scholarship while I studied history, which was a good thing since I was only ever an adequate player.” Luckily, I had a head for strategy, which helped in my coaching career. “No big mystery, really.” But I appreciated that he wanted to know more than what was on my resume.
“Kind of a mystery. Most women with your qualifications would have negotiated a way onto the boys’ team.”
I shrugged. “I’d rather be a head coach of a winning team than assistant coach on a losing.”
He smiled, really smiled, all big and wide and bright as if he’d uncovered some fact about me. “Your parents must be proud.”
I barked out a laugh at that thought. “My mama was, let’s say old school, and the thought of me ‘runnin’ around in the dirt’ wasn’t exactly her idea of ladylike behavior. She figured I would never find a man with all these muscles covering up my womanly physique.” My mama, god bless her, but she had a very narrow view of the world and being a tomboy and slightly on the curvier side, I was destined to disappoint her.
“And your dad?” I stiffened at the mention of my father, but Ben didn’t know anything, he was trying to get to know me.
I think, or maybe I hoped. I let out a sigh and gave him an abbreviated version of my history with James Callahan. “My dad left when I was young. He was in and out of my life for a few more years before he forgot about me altogether, so I really don’t know if he’s proud or not.” The words stung even after all these years, but not with the same intensity they once had.
“Sheesh, Joss, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not.” I shrugged it off, but the truth was I did feel as if something was missing by not having a dad, which explained my ill-conceived idea to reach out to the Callahan brothers. But that was old Joss. This new, more mature Joss, was just fine. “It’s all in the past.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t still hurt. Sometimes I forget my dad is gone and I’ll want to call him, like when I became principal. Cried like a baby when I remembered he wasn’t here anymore.” Ben’s lips twisted into a mildly embarrassed grin that was so damn endearing I had to look away.
The last thing I needed, in all the world, was for my crush to transform into something more. Something real. Something a lot like genuine feelings. “I’m sorry for your loss, Ben.”
“Thanks.” He flashed a sardonic smile before turning towards the field and clapping wildly. “Good job, Pirates! One more goal and we’ll have a celebratory steak dinner. On me!”
“Get ready to max out your credit card!” Tanisha called out and passed the ball, displaying excellent teamwork which led to the game winning goal.
“Good job! We won! We won!” I turned to Ben with an excited grin and wrapped my arms around him. “We won!”
Ben squeezed me tight and whispered, “You won, Coach Callahan. Good job, you just won yourself a steak dinner.”
Somehow it felt like I’d won a whole lot more.
Ben
I should have called Joss to let her know I planned to come over for another visit, but it was so much more fun to catch her off-guard. It wasn’t even planned on my part, I just wanted to pick up a few things at the grocery store, but as the meal came together, I knew showing up was the right thing to do. After a long weekend spent with the team, she was probably exhausted and today was her only day to relax before the week started and she had to do it all over again.
