AllFreeNovel
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“What-the-fuck-ever. Will you do it?”
Her brown eyes turn serious. “Are you asking me to coach the team or are you asking me to help you coach the team?”
“Whichever one you’re willing to do.”
Exhaling, she looks over at me. “I’ll help you. I don’t wanna be the center of attention.”
“I can guarantee you’re going to be the center of attention, no matter what.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t think so. These girls are in awe of everything you do. They’re gonna get a look at your bare, tattooed arm and will forget what game they’re even playing.”
I wonder if that’s what she sees when she looks at me. The bare, tattooed arm. The one with the strength that manages to pull people out of dangerous situations. Or, if she sees the other me. The one who takes care of his daughter, longs for someone to share his life with, but is so scared of putting himself out there that he’s more likely to win the lottery he doesn’t play.
“Yeah,” I scoff. “I don’t think so. But I’m glad you’ll help me. First practice is tomorrow after school.”
“Gosh, they didn’t give you much time, did they?”
“Nope and who was I to say no? It’s for the children.”
“I’m ready,” Trinity announces, coming into the living room.
Nat was right; she looks way too grown up with her hair in braids on the top and curly on the bottom. Her lips are shiny and I realize she’s let her wear lip gloss. These are things a girl should be asking her mom, not her babysitter. Unexpected emotion clogs my throat. “You look beautiful,” I whisper, taking a knee and holding my arms out for her.
She runs to me, burying her head in my neck.
The amount of time she’ll be doing this is limited and I vow to accept it for as long as she’s willing to give it.
“Are you taking me to school today, Dad?”
“Sure am and Nat will be picking you up. I have to work this afternoon.”
“You won’t be here when I go to sleep, right?”
The way she knows my schedule breaks my heart. I wish I was like the regular dad’s, who work a nine-to-five and are home at night and on the weekends. But I chose this life before she was born and it’s in my blood. I love it almost as much as I love her. If she asked me, I’d quit, but it hasn’t come to that yet and I pray that it never does. “Right, I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“Good.” She smiles. “See ya this afternoon, Nat.”
“See ya; smile big today at your pictures. I can’t wait to see them.”
Trinity turns from me and wraps her arms around Nat’s waist. “Love you.” She blows her a kiss.
“Love you too, Trin. See y’all later.”
We watch as Nat leaves, walking her out the front door and standing on the porch. “Be safe.” My voice is husky.
She turns. “Always am, LT.”
Narrowing my eyes, I frown jokingly at her. “If you were on my truck, there’s a lot of things you’d do differently.”
“Oh yeah?” She cocks an eyebrow, her brown eyes twinkling with annoyance.
“Starting with FaceTiming your brother while you’re driving.”
Her eyes roll heavenward. “How do you even know about that?”
“Like your brother and I don’t share almost everything? He mentioned you did it the other night to stay awake on your way home when I got off early. You know you didn’t have to leave. You’re welcome to sleep here anytime.”
She makes a noise, waving her hand. “It’s hands-free and on a mount. I’m as safe as safe can be, Dad.”
