The shot missed by inches, hitting the outside of the post, but the parents around us clapped anyway. Delphine was on her feet too, one hand pressed against her chest.
“This is so nerve-wracking,” I said.
She looked at me, a hint of surprise in her eyes. “It is, yes. I’m glad you’re here. And I’m glad you read that book. It means a lot. To both of us.”
At halftime, Annie jogged over, red-cheeked and sweaty. “Hey, guys.”
I handed her the blue sports drink. “It’s hot. Drink this.”
She took it, smiling. “Thanks.”
Delphine handed her a towel. “You’re playing wonderfully.”
“I messed up that touch near the sideline.”
“You recovered it.”
“I should have had it the first time,” Annie said.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” I said. “You’re impressive out there.”
“I try my best,” Annie said, ducking her chin modestly. “But thanks.”
Her coach called her back, and she started toward the field.
Delphine sank into her chair beside me, smiling. “You’re right about this being nerve-wracking.”
“She seems to take it in stride, though,” I said.
“She has a good attitude, but she can be super critical of herself,” Delphine said. “Which is why I would never in a million years be that kind of mom. Like my mom was.”
“You’re a great mom,” I said. “And she’s a great kid.”
She thanked me, but I could tell I’d embarrassed her. She’d better get used to it. I had no plans of keeping my admiration for either one of them to myself.
The second half was more physical than the first. The Cliffside Bay team pressed hard, and twice Annie went down after a challenge, popping up both times before Delphine had fully inhaled. I could feel the tension coming off her, though she kept her voice calm. When Annie stole the ball near midfield with six minutes left and sent it ahead to Bella, who drove it into the corner of the net, Delphine grabbed my forearm withoutthinking. Her fingers tightened around me as Annie’s team erupted.
The final whistle blew a few minutes later, and, for one brief, sunlit moment, the whole field seemed suspended in joy. Girls shouting. Parents clapping. Grass bright beneath them, ocean beyond, Delphine beside me with her hand still on my arm.
After the team huddle, Annie came toward us with grass on one knee and happiness all over her face.
“Great job.” I handed her the bag of candy I’d brought. “Just in case you need a little sugar.”
“These are my favorites,” Annie said. “How did you know?”
“You brought some to the store a few times,” I said.
Annie opened the bag and offered one to me first. The sourness hit with startling violence.
“These are awful,” I said.
Annie watched my face with delight. “Too sour?”
“I’ve had survival training, but yes,” I said.
Delphine took one next and fared no better, though she made a more dignified effort to hide it. But her watering eyes gave her away.
Annie bent at the waist laughing, and I found myself laughing too, in one of those completely joyous moments that come out of the blue and make life worth all the hard times.
