Maya cheered with the crowd, but covered her face once Samantha was protecting again. Each team had five shots apiece. Each team got the ball past the opposing keeper two times. The opposing keeper saved the last attempt by Samantha’s team. The opposing team put up their last striker. If they made this, they would win. Samantha took her spot in front of the goal. If she saved this, there would be another round of PKs.
Sam glanced at Maya. What he could see of her face was pale, her eyes were huge behind her hands. It suddenly struck him that she had sat through these moments—and many more—over the past fifteen years, alone. She had raised this wonderful young woman on her own. Forget the reasons why. Samantha was incredible, because Maya was incredible. Without thinking, he reached out, rested a reassuring hand on Maya’s arm, and leaned closer to her ear. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to say it, but you’ve done a fabulous job raising her.”
He felt her relax and she dropped her hands. The anxiety in her eyes was replaced by a softness he hadn’t seen in years. Before she could say anything, he nodded his head toward the field. “Last one.”
They both turned back to the field, just as the striker hit the ball. “Jump!” Sam whispered. But Samantha hesitated, jumping just a fraction of a second too late and missing the save. The other team scored, winning the game.
“What wasthat?” Maya turned horrified eyes on Sam.
“Well,” Sam said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact, “she hesitated.” He gave a small shrug. “She hesitated, and she lost the save. It’s something she needs to work on.” He looked Maya in the eye and his voice softened. “Something all keepers have to work on—not hesitating.”
She briefly held his gaze, then turned away from him.
Sam continued to watch her a moment, then cleared his throat and stood. He offered his hand again. This time she took it. “Come on, we’ll meet her on the sidelines.”
They waited together for Samantha to come off the field. Maya released his hand as soon as they were off the bleachers. She didn’t say much and Sam couldn’t think what to say. Finally, Samantha walked over.
“Nicely done, sweetheart.” Maya gave her daughter a hug.
“I’m all sweaty, Mom. Don’t hug me. You’ll get all gross for your date.”
“What?” Sam snapped at Maya as his stomach formed a knot. “You have another date?” Alarms started going off inside his head.
Maya turned to him, eyes frozen. “Yes, I do.”
“Same guy?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”
“How many dates have you had?” He couldn’t stop himself.
Maya inhaled deeply. “Okay. Time for me to go.” She turned to Samantha. “Great game. I should be able to make your game tomorrow.” She kissed her daughter and widened her eyes in mock sympathy. “Have fun with your dad.”
“Sam.” She grimaced at him and left.
Sam narrowed his eyes at Maya as she walked away. No wonder she looked so good today.
“Dad. Dad!” Samantha waved her hand in front of his face. “Come on. I need food and a shower.”
“Yeah, okay.” He started to walk.
“Dad.” Samantha stopped. “This way.”
“Yeah, okay.” He switched direction and followed her lead.
They left the soccerplex and headed for the subway. “How many times has your mom gone out with that guy? She just went out with him last week.” He wasn’t even going to try to pretend he didn’t want to know.
Samantha smirked at him. “This will be the third date.”
“What?” His breath became more jagged.
“Unless you count the fact that he shows up at the coffee shop every few days and has Mom make her special chai.”
Sam stopped walking. Sirens in his head again as nausea washed over him. “What, like you mean, in the morning?” Now, he could hardly breathe. “He’s not... I mean, he couldn’t already be...never mind.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and hunched over as he continued to walk.
Samantha raised her eyebrows at him. “Are you wondering if he’s everalready there in the morning?” She covered her mouth to hide her smile. “Pathetic, really—asking your teenage daughter.” She finally succumbed to her laughter.
Sam scowled at her and continued walking. It really was pathetic.
