Chapter 4
Trinity
All the groceries had been put away, and I had just started to sweep the floor when a knock sounded at the front door. I wiped my hands along my jean shorts before I twisted the lock and opened the door.
“Sweetheart.”
My father stood stoically in the frame. His hair wasn’t as brown as it was the last time I’d seen him. Gray weaved at his temples, and his beard matched, the silver strands gleaming against the setting sun.
“Come on in.” I waved an arm, motioning him to come inside.
When he stepped past the threshold, I peered out onto the porch to see if he was alone.
He passed me with tense shoulders, his leather shoes slapping against the wooden floor as his hands dove into the pockets of his slacks.
He must have seen my reaction.
“Jodie stayed home with the twins.” He cleared his throat, then turned, frowning at the broom in my hand. “I had a cleaning crew come in earlier this week. Was it not done properly?” He already had his phone out.
“Oh.” I laughed awkwardly. “The floor just gathered some dust on my trips in and out from the U-Haul.”
His expression softened. “I told you I’d hire movers, Trinity. You didn’t have to unload all of your things.”
My knuckles whitened as I gripped the broom handle. I appreciated his concern, but it was the Rodney Maxwell way to toss money at you. Pay for this, pay for that. I didn’t want his money now, just like I didn’t as a kid. I wanted his time. His attention. His love.
“It was no problem. I didn’t have that much, considering this place was furnished.”
He dipped his chin, the tension between us pulling my skintight. I hated it.
“The security system should be ready to go. I’ll show you the code.
This neighborhood is one of the safest.” He strode toward the front door, to the small white box mounted on the wall.
“Code is 2005.” He tapped his fingers on the lit screen.
“It’s easy to use and will alert the police within two minutes if triggered. ”
“Am I going to need the police?” I asked, my arms crossing.
A light chuckle left his lips. “I highly doubt it. Plus”—he tilted his head at the window— “one of my coaches lives across the street. He can keep an eye out and if you need anything in an emergency, you can give him a call.”
I nodded, unsure where to lead the conversation next, so I just settled for, “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He gave a small smile. “I’m really glad you decided to come, Trin. I’m looking forward to spending some time with you. Jodie and the twins would love to get to know you too.”
A twinge of jealousy sparked in my chest, but I pushed it away.
It wasn’t the twins’ fault. They did nothing wrong, and it was irrational to blame two five-year-olds for my insecurities and his mistakes.
But the fact he was there every night for dinner and for bedtime routines for them when he was rarely even in the same state for me stung.
“I am too,” I answered, forcing a smile.
“Do you have everything you need for class?”
“Mostly.” I moved over to the kitchen area, where I had my laptop and the few books that had been delivered this morning.
“I should have everything ready for next week,” I added.
“Everyone is excited to meet you.” He smiled wider this time. A spark of pride. “Julia especially. She can’t wait for another female to join the team.”
Part of my curriculum for finishing my degree involved logging hours of clinic or hands-on experience.
My father being the head coach of the football team came in handy.
I was approved to shadow Julia, the athletic trainer for the Cougars to gain my credits.
Part of me thought it was fate, and the other thought everyone would say I was only given the opportunity because of who my father was.
It didn’t help that I was a woman in a male-dominated industry.
I’d have to prove my worth if I ever wanted to be taken seriously.
Truthfully, I had a few issues when it came to my self-worth.
But one thing I knew was that I was good at what I did.
I had the knowledge, the determination, and apparently, the same competitive nature ran through my veins as the man in front of me.
Which meant I never shied away from a challenge.
I took any form of pushback life threw at me head-on.
I was ready to prove myself. Not just to Rodney Maxwell and his new family, but to every player and coach on that team.
I was capable and I had no intentions of accepting failure.