Scoring with the Coach’s Daughter (Maine Megalodons #3)

1. Samantha

1

SAMANTHA

It’s with mixed emotions that I enter the city. Sure, it's my dad's birthday and as his daughter, my presence is mandatory. I’m not opposed to seeing my parents. I love them. Since my sister is deceased, it’s the least I can do. Dad travels so much as the coach of the football team that it’s no wonder he likes to spend summers boating and fishing in the summertime. Besides, it will allow Ellie to see her grandparents.

We’ll be back in South Carolina on Sunday. It’s a short visit as I never leave my business for long. Maggie is, my chef and we’re best friends. She will handle the inn and the restaurant until we get back. She’s the only person I’d ask to help. I’m stubborn like that.

I hate taking time off. Between the inn, the restaurant, and Ellie's schedule, there's no time for a personal life. Not that I'm looking for one. I'm not sure how to juggle everything on my plate as it is. A boyfriend would be nice, but I have to think about Ellie. I don't want her to get attached to someone who might leave her. Losing her mother was enough heartache for one lifetime. Perhaps I’m not meant to find love. I don’t think I’d know what love is even if it bit me .

I doubt I’m relationship material. I’m traumatized by the loss of my sister and even before that, my dating life wasn’t what I could call stellar. I’ve had limited opportunities to find men as I live in a small town. And statistically, women outnumber men.

Ellie is a precocious five-year-old who loves to cook. I'm sure she's learned that growing up around me. They say kids emulate their parents. I’m different than her mother. I loved my sister but she thought fish sticks and microwavable macaroni and cheese were nutritious.

Ellen was the one who could always make me laugh. She was carefree, always chasing the thrill of the moment. Maybe her free spirit led to risky decisions, but that was part of what made her who she was. And she loved to drive fast.

Dad bought her a Charger in high school and she developed bad habits. Of course, Dad was a high school football coach in Rock Point and she got out of many speeding tickets on her last name. That’s life in a small town. Everyone knows everyone and in retrospect perhaps that led to her thwarting the law and led to her untimely death.

Since the high school always had a great football team and the fact that they have provided the NFL with the most players to date, Dad was quickly promoted. He became the head coach at the state college when I was in high school, and that was before he got his shot at the pros. He's still coaching the Maine Megalodons today.

I’ve been to other family events with team players. But I haven’t been to one since Ellen’s funeral two years ago. The men on the team are larger than life and I can’t deny my fascination as I observe their hard bodies, flirty smiles, and one-liners.

I’m sure my father has warned them that I’m hands-off. That goes without saying. I know these men live in the fast lane with fast cars, elaborate getaways, and women who swoon at their feet. It’s intimidating and it’s not the lifestyle I want for myself or Ellie.

I park the car in the driveway of my parents’ stately home—a sprawling colonial that always feels too grand, and too polished for the down-to-earth chaos of my family. Ellie’s already wriggling out of her booster seat before I’ve even unbuckled my belt. I get out and open her door. She flies out and runs up the pavers to the front door.

By the time I catch up with our small roller luggage, Ellie has disappeared into the main room. I catch the last taps of her shoes clicking against the tiled floor as I drop our bags inside the entryway. I follow on her heels as she walks into the living room where the sunlight slants warmly through the wide bay window.

The room is decorated with off-white furniture, dark blue accent pillows, and crystal vases filled with flowers. Leave it to my mother to have the house looking like a presidential palace for Dad’s birthday bash.

“Ellie,” Mom says as she scoops her granddaughter into her arms. She kisses her like no tomorrow.

“Grandma!” Ellie hugs her and seeing her happy face makes me smile.

“Are you going to help me with the party?” she asks Ellie.

“Yes,” Ellie beams.

“Run outside and see Grandpa,” she says before Ellie dutifully runs out the back door.

“Mom,” I say, hugging her next.

“Sam, I'm glad you're here. It seems you rarely leave Cherry Point. I’m so glad you came. It means so much to us. We miss you.”

“Old habits die hard,” I mumble as I follow her into the living room that has been the center of all our family holidays. They were never the same without Ellen, nor were clam bakes at the beach. Growing up in South Carolina my favorite summer event was when we gathered together and we haven’t had a get-together there since she died.

“How’s business?” Mom asks as she straightens the cushions on the cream-colored sofa. “The inn and the restaurant both keeping you busy?”

“Always. It’s the beginning of tourist season, so bookings are full, and I just finished planning the new summer menu.” I keep my voice casual. I ease into the armchair, but I know she's going to harp on my love life—or rather, lack of one.

“That’s wonderful, but I wish you'd find someone.” She busies herself with her hand as she fluffs a pillow.

I cringe. This is the part where I get defensive. This is why coming home is bittersweet. I love seeing my parents but Mom pushes me to be like her. We all can't be happily married for over twenty years.

“Mom,” I drone on. I close my eyes for a second. “I’m fine.”

She sits on the sofa across from me. She leans over and puts a hand on my leg. “You run that inn and restaurant like a machine. You’re a fantastic mother to Ellie, but you work way too much.”

“We're doing great. The business is going well. Ellie is happy and she loves school.”

“It's not just you I'm worried about,” she presses on. “Ellie needs a father figure. Don’t you think she should have that?”

I sigh and sit up, folding my arms across my chest defensively. “Ellie has friends and she's loved. It's a huge responsibility to date with a child. I don’t want to bring someone into her life who might not be permanent. I don’t want to let someone in and risk Ellie getting hurt. She’s already lost enough.”

Mom gives me a knowing look. “How would you ever know if you won’t give anyone a chance?” Her words settle over me like a weight, pressing against the walls I’ve carefully built. I shift uncomfortably, my fingers twisting in my lap. It’s not that I don’t want to try—part of me does—but the thought of letting someone in, only to have them walk away, terrifies me. I don’t think I can survive another loss. “When was the last time you were on a date?” she questions me like I’m at an inquisition.

“You got me,” I chuckle, making light of the situation. How do I defend myself?

Mom’s eyes soften, and she leans back, clasping her hands together. “Losing Ellen was hard on all of us, but you don’t have to carry the weight of her choices. What happened to your sister?—”

“It doesn’t matter,” I interrupt, suddenly exhausted by the conversation. I don’t want to talk about it. I’m reminded of my sister every day I look at Ellie.

Mom shakes her head slowly. “Ellie would want you to find someone to spend your life with and she should see you happy. She watches you closely, Sam—she should have a father. Besides, I know your smile doesn't quite reach your eyes and I want you to know you don’t have to do this alone. Besides, Ellie understands more than you think.”

I know Ellie watches me. She’s very perceptive and very smart. It’s also the reason I’m not looking for my soulmate. Ellie and I have built a life without complications. What’s so terrible about that?

Her father was a man who disappeared when he learned Ellen was pregnant. She wanted to be a mother. Kids notice everything, even when there are times I wish they didn’t. And they emulate us. My mother makes me question the fact that I might be sending the wrong message to Ellie.

But, I don’t think I am. I’m a strong mother figure. Besides, women are often left to raise children on their own. The divorce rate is a testament to the fact that there are many single moms and dads in the world, I’m just one of them.

Even though I know she means well, her words give me reason to pause. I’m sure she wants me to have it all—a career, a loving husband, and a fulfilling family life. I look out the window where the trees are swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. I can hear Ellie’s laughter in the yard as she chatters away to Dad, who must’ve started the grill.

“You deserve more, Samantha,” Mom continues. “That's all. Just keep it in mind. Okay? Be open to the possibility of more. You deserve to be happy.”

“I’m happy.” But I speak before I’ve thought it through. Sure there are lonely nights. The vibrator in my nightstand is replaced every two years. It would be nice to spend a night with a man who set my body on fire. It’s been so long that I wonder if I’ll remember how to go about it. It’s easier to keep my status quo than to risk my routine for the unknown. Besides, there was Rob, and I thought he was the right man, but I was wrong.

I can’t be trusted to pick a man. I’ll only screw it up.

By late afternoon, family and friends begin to arrive. The backyard buzzes with laughter and chatter as old teammates slap each other on the back, reminiscing about past games. Neighbors bring homemade dishes, adding to the ever-growing buffet table.

Children dart between the adults, giggling as they chase each other around the lawn. The scent of grilled meat fills the air, mingling with the sweetness of freshly baked pies cooling on the patio table. It’s a who’s who of Dad’s past and current football players as well as coaching staff .

Ellie runs around with a few kids her age, and I decide to be spontaneous and enjoy the moment—just for tonight. One night can’t hurt. I have Mom and Dad who will lend a hand with Ellie. I might even have a few drinks.

What the hell? What could go wrong if I let loose for one night?