Beautiful Pt. 02

"Thanks, Mom."

I tried to give her a reassuring smile as I patted her knee and stood up. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Goodnight, Mom."

I turned to go. "Mom?"

"Yeah, Sweetie?"

"You shouldn't let anyone tell you differently, either."

I smiled at her. "Okay."

As I shut the door behind me I closed my eyes. "Too late for me, Paige."

***

"So, are you finished with those technical manuals?"

"Mmm, yes. I finished with them yesterday. Thank God." I took another bite of the savory chicken dish we were sharing. It tasted incredible.

Sandy giggled, which made me blush. "What's up next?"

I groaned. "Dress shopping."

"Ha, that's a bit of a non sequitur. Why?"

"I told you, that party Saturday night?"

"Oh, yeah. Where your mom wants you to..."

"Yup. I'll have to at least talk to him." I took a sip of my Diet Coke. "At least Joe's a sweetie."

Sandy cocked her head, her eyes suddenly sultry. "Do I have competition?" She reached out and put her hand on mine, which made my heart rate shoot up about twenty beats a minute, and I forfeited the ability to speak for a few moments, just losing myself in her eyes.

A smile played across Sandy's mouth. "You didn't answer." That made me giggle like a teenager.

"No. There's no one else." It came out as a whisper.

"Good. 'Cause I don't share well."

I didn't know what to say, so I opted for turning my cheeks red and looking down. Luckily Sandy took pity on me and sat back. "So you can't wear anything you already have?"

I chuckled. "Are you kidding? My mother would have a fit. At least I won't have to pay for it."

"Mommy's dime?"

"Well, Daddy's in the end, but yeah. Does that make me a terrible person?"

"They're the ones making you go to this thing, right?" I nodded. "Then no. I wish I could go shopping with you."

That made me laugh. "Why?"

Sandy's voice told me the answer should be obvious. "So I could watch you try on a bunch of beautiful gowns. You'll look amazing."

"Ha. I assure you I won't. The goal is to find something that won't make me look like one of the hippos from Fantasia."

"Melanie."

"Sorry." The disappointment in her voice cut me right to the heart, and I could feel my emotions burning in my eyes.

"Look at me, sweetheart"

The term of endearment caught me off guard, and my eyes sprang open. A part of me was expecting her to be looking at me with the stern disapproval that my mother did when she felt I hadn't comported myself 'like a Sullivan', but instead there was only kindness and caring. "You are a beautiful, stunning, desirable woman." Her face morphed into a grin that I couldn't help but return. "And I'm going to keep telling you that until you believe me."

She did let me pay this time, at least, before walking me back to my car. My hand slipped inside hers as she told me about her least favorite patient who was scheduled to come in that afternoon. "I don't know what disease I'm going to have to talk to him out of this time around. I'll guarantee he's been on the web researching some bizarre Radislanski-Chung Syndrome or something."

I giggled. "Really?"

"Oh, yeah. The sad thing is that he's actually really healthy for a seventy-year old."

"I guess everyone needs a hobby."

"Yeah." We'd reached my van, and Sandy took my other hand as well as I leaned back against it. I glanced around the area. We weren't alone, but no one seemed to be paying us any mind.

"Is anyone watching?" A sassy smile played across Sandy's face. She hadn't been looking around. I knew she didn't care who was watching. I tried not to, either.

"No."

"Good. So I can do this." She leaned forward, and my eyes fluttered closed as her lips pressed against mine. I whimpered happily, moving my mouth against hers, pressing forward almost by instinct. Sandy only held the kiss for a moment, leaving me breathless and definitely wanting more.

"So I'll see you after the game Friday?"

My tongue flashed over my still tingling lips. "Yeah."

"Good. We have reservations at Vivace."

I nodded, my silly grin stretching my cheeks. "Sounds perfect. Bye." I lifted my chin for another kiss, which Sandy provided. I disengaged and climbed inside my van, Sandy closing the door behind me and waving before she walked away. I took a moment to admire the way the scrubs she was wearing hugged her hips and backside. Once she was out of sight I reluctantly started up my engine and headed off to shop.

It was probably the best mood I'd been in while heading out to shop for a dress since my senior prom. And when I walked into the shop, I saw it right away.

"C'mon Adrienne! Nice move! Shoot!"

Renee Perry's shrill voice carried over the general clamor from the other parents as her daughter spun away from her defender, opening a lane to goal. The helping defender was late, and Adrienne fired the ball toward the net. Perrin County High's goalie was in good position, kicking out her leg to intercept, but Adrienne had elevated her shot well and the ball cleared the outstretched pad by an inch, hitting the net just above the goal board.

The blue and gold clad Lost Valley players raised their arms in triumph as the parents around me roared. I stood and clapped along with the others. People patted Renee and her husband on the shoulders, whose smiles were beaming. I glanced to my right, where Bill and Ashley stood along with the others. Little Georgia rode on her father's shoulders, wearing a blue and yellow cheerleading outfit, clapping along with the general exuberance of her surroundings. Paige was among the players in the general embrace, and I took a moment to glance over at Coach Dalton. Her face was stoic, although I knew she was fighting back a smile.

She turned back towards her players on the bench, nodding toward Sonya Miller, a sophomore playing in her first varsity season, who jumped up and grabbed her stick.

The players assembled back on their respective sides of the field to continue the game, and I looked up at the clock, which showed less than two minutes to go in the second quarter. The score was two zero, and Lost Valley had definitely had the better of the play. Adrienne Perry had scored both goals, and you could feel the satisfaction rolling off her mother and father. From my perspective, we could have had two more if Adrienne would ever look to pass.

Paige was playing Center Midfield, and she had been absolutely dominant, preventing Perrin County from having virtually any offensive zone time. The defense behind her had been well positioned and disciplined, a great improvement from last year. Overall the team was playing very well.

The clock hit zero, and the players streamed off the pitch and under the bleachers towards their respective locker rooms for half time. I didn't want anything to eat, since I was having Italian after the match. But I did want something to drink, so I headed down the bleachers and over to the little concession stand.

Renee Perry slid into line behind me, and I forced myself to keep from rolling my eyes.

"So," Renee's voice was filled with bubbly condescension, "great half, I think. Adrienne is playing really well."

I nodded. "Yeah, two goals. Very impressive."

Renee turned on the fake pity. "Don't worry, I'm sure Paige will get some chances to be a part of the offense."

I felt anger burn through me, but I pushed it down. "Actually, Coach Dalton said Center Midfield is the most important position on the field. It's where you play your best overall player."

"I'm sure she told you that. But you can't win if you don't score."

I'm not sure if I would have had a comeback to her overly simplistic statement, but I was next to place my order, so I asked for a bottle of Diet Coke and slipped away before there were any more attempts at pleasant conversation. I should have pointed out that it was Paige who was wearing the Captain's armband, and not Adrienne. Paige still hadn't known who would be getting it when she left for school this morning, and I couldn't have been prouder when I saw her come out of the tunnel with it on.

Of course, I spent most of the first half convinced I was being a terrible mother, since I was spending way too much time paying attention to my daughter's stunning new coach rather than watching her. Coach Dalton was wearing a tight polo in the school colors, which emphasized her flat, trim core and powerful shoulders, along with a trim pair of black slacks that made her backside look, well, let's just say every time I saw it I got a melty sensation in my stomach. Her long hair was pulled back into a no nonsense ponytail, emphasizing the striking, angular features of her face.

She emerged after halftime just behind the team, wearing that same look of ferocious concentration. The way Paige talked about her, I thought my daughter would run through a wall for her, and seeing her like that, I understood why. But I'd seen more. I'd seen those eyes dancing with laughter, tender with concern, and fired with passion. Passion for me. The simple impossibility of that left me stunned.

She gathered the girls around, and I could hear her powerful alto voice booming across the field. She put her hand into the center of the team circle, and all the girls followed suit. "One, two, three, Lost Valley!"

As the girls took the field at a run, my eyes stayed on Coach Dalton. She turned her face towards me, the mask of concentration on her face cracking just slightly, sending me the barest hint of a smile before hardening again. She clapped her hands and shouted something out at her players, and the game began again.

I couldn't help but watch her as the second half wore on. Our lead doubled to four-nothing, and if any of her intensity dissipated I couldn't see it. All of the reserves were in by the start of the fourth quarter, and she was coaching them up with her usual intensity. Both Paige and Adrienne had been subbed out to rousing ovations, but without my daughter to watch I found myself staring exclusively at Sandy, my breathing and pulse ticking up a bit each time I did.

I almost started when the final buzzer sounded, shaking me out of my reverie. I stood and applauded along with the rest of the parents, trying to banish the very inappropriate thoughts that were still chasing themselves around my head.

As the girls left the pitch I sat back down, letting the people sitting around me clear out before I attempted to walk down the bleachers myself. When I finally did get down and out into the parking lot, I saw Bill and Ashley talking to Principal Harrison and the Perry's. Ashley was holding a sleeping three-year-old on her shoulder.

"Melanie!" Principal Harrison's voice was bright and enthusiastic. "A very promising start, wouldn't you say?" I smiled and nodded as I stepped closer. The principal continued. "And Adrienne with a hat trick, Sydney there is just beaming." He motioned to Senator Perry, who was indeed wearing a most satisfied smirk, just like his wife.

The Senator's face morphed into what I recognized as a politician's smile. "I was telling Bill, I thought Paige played very well, too."

"Thank you." I returned his expression with a half-hearted smile of my own.

Renee cut in. "Adrienne just has that, um, nose for the goal, I think. It's special. But we can't score without the supporting cast."

I could see the flash of anger that passed through Bill's eyes, but I doubt anyone who didn't know him as well as I did would notice. I had a lot more control of myself, and I knew the truth, and so did Sandy.

We chatted for a few more minutes before Principal Harrison excused himself to go speak to another set of parents, and the Perry's excused themselves as well.

I turned to my ex, momentarily united with him in distaste of the couple now walking away. "Always a treat."

Bill laughed bitterly. "They better get Paige forward some, though. I mean, she was the second leading scorer last year. She's wasted on defense.

"She was playing Center Midfield, Bill, not defense. Sandy told me it was the most important position on the field."

Ashley's eyes went wide. "Sandy? You mean Coach Dalton?"

Fear lanced through my chest. Oh shit, no wait, I had talked to her somewhere non-suspicious. "Sure, I've talked to her a few times after practice, waiting for Paige."

Bill eyed me for a second, but fortunately little Georgia picked that time to rouse from her nap, distracting both her parents. She opened her pretty blue eyes and saw me, reaching a hand out. "Auntie Mel-nie!"

My heart melted. "I'll hold her for a second, if you want."

Ashley smiled. "Sure. Here." Georgia leaned toward me, and I relieved her mother of the precious burden.

I set her on my hip. "Did you have fun watching the game?"

"Yeah! Ribbons in my hair!" She reached up and touched the blue and yellow accouterments adorning her light brown, naturally highlighted hair.

"You do have ribbons in your hair! They're very pretty."

Her smile got wider "Mommy put them there!" I spent a very enjoyable ten minutes babbling with Georgia until the players started emerging from the locker room area.

Paige was one of the last to emerge, talking to one of the underclass defensive reserves, motioning with her hands. "Just remember, all things being equal you want to be channeling them to your strong side, their weak side."

"Okay, gotcha. Thanks, Paige."

"Sure, Miri, any time."

Miriam smiled and ran off to her parents, talking excitedly as she got close. Paige accepted congratulations and a big hug from her dad and stepmom in turn. She turned to me, making a big, wide-eyed face at her tiny little sister, who was giggling like crazy.

"Did you see me play?"

"Uh-huh!" Paige took Georgia and I stepped away, my first instinct to disappear into the background.

"Mom, how did I do?"

I stopped trying to vanish, smiling at my daughter. "You did great, sweetheart. They couldn't get anything going."

"Thanks. Coach says once the defense gets a little more confident I'll be able to push forward more. Don't want Adrienne having all the fun."

Her dad laughed. "That's my girl. C'mon, sweetheart. Let's head home, make sure your brothers haven't burned down the house while we've been gone."

I gave my daughter a hug. "Bye, Sweetie."

"See you Monday, Mom. Love you"

"I love you, too" I watched as the four of them made their way back to Ashley's SUV, Georgia waving over Paige's shoulder as they went. Paige strapped her baby sister into her car seat, and they drove away into the night.

"She really did play well."

I felt a thrill run up my spine as I recognized the alto voice behind me, and I wasn't able to keep the silly smile off my face as I turned around. Sandy's grin was wide and genuine, her striking eyes soft.

Unfortunately there were still plenty of people in the parking lot, so I had to resist the urge to reach out and take her hand, or lift my chin for a kiss, both of which I wanted so badly my lips and fingers were tingling. Instead I tried to act naturally.

"So, congratulations on your first win. You hungry?"

"Starving. Haven't eaten since breakfast."

I shook my head at her. "You didn't eat lunch? That's not good for you."

"Too nervous." She inched closer. "But I'm relaxed now."

My breath caught in my chest, and even with the audience we were sure to have, I knew that if she pressed her lips to mine I wouldn't even consider stopping her. Fortunately, I think, anyway, she didn't. Instead she took a step back after a moment. "Meet you there?"

I let out a shaky breath. "Okay, sure."

Sandy smiled widely, her eyes flashing. The combination made my heart melt in my chest. "Good, see you in a minute."

The restaurant itself was located on the first floor of an upscale apartment complex, and it took me a minute to find a place to park, but when I did and made my way inside, I was greeted with subtle aromas of oregano and garlic. The tables didn't have tablecloths; instead opting for polished, stained wood with black leather looking chairs, and above were large, almost cubical light fixtures, the kind where the bulbs were totally surrounded by translucent cloth, which softened the light.

"There she is now." My eyes found Sandy, who was at the Maitre D's station, and I stepped forward as she turned and smiled at me.

They led us to a table set for two, and our waitress was at our table immediately, introducing herself as Courtney.

Sandy glanced at her menu. "Can we start with some bruschetta, please?"

"Of course, anything to drink?"

We both ordered soft drinks, and Courtney withdrew.

Sandy leaned forward. "I really want a glass of wine, but when I start coming down from this adrenaline high, alcohol would be a really bad idea. Especially since I have to drive home."

"You? You sure didn't look nervous, Miss Calm and Collected."

Sandy grinned. "On the outside, maybe. Inside I was a wreck. It's actually way worse as a coach. When I was a player I could run around and hit things when I was nervous. Now I just have to stand there and look stoic."

My cheeks burned as I responded, my voice low as I could make it. "I thought it was sexy."

"Really?" Sandy's smile widened, and she reached out and took my hand. "You like the strong silent types?"

I shook my head, feeling the touch of our fingers throughout my body. "No, confidence. I've always found confidence just, like, ridiculously attractive. Not arrogance, confidence. There's a difference." I looked down. "It's probably because I've never been confident, about anything."

Sandy's thumb ran soft circles over the back of my hand. "How come? You're amazing."

I chuckled wryly. "You don't know me very well."

"Maybe, but every moment I spend with you I'm more convinced of it."

I didn't know what to say. Suddenly I realized Courtney was standing next to us with our drinks. Fear spiked through me as I realized Sandy and I were still holding hands, but my companion's expression never changed, just smiling up at our waitress and thanking her as she set the glasses in front of us.

"Are we celebrating anything?"

Sandy shook her head, but I decided to speak up. "Yeah, she just won her first game as a head coach."

"Really, what sport?"

Color touched Sandy's cheeks. "Field hockey."

"Well, congratulations. Have y'all decided what you want?"

I shook my head. "Can we have a few more minutes?"

"Of course, take your time. Y'all's appetizer should be out in just a few minutes." Courtney smiled and moved away, and I pulled my hand back and picked up my menu. "So what are we getting?"

Sandra's smile slipped a little. "Did I embarrass you?"

I looked down at her now empty hand. "No, I'm just not used to it."

She nodded and looked at her own list of entrees. I quickly zeroed in on the Pappardelle Bolognese, which looked amazing, but not too terrifying. Sandra went for the Scallop Risotto. As soon as we put in our order Sandy leaned forward with a glint in her eye.

"So, tell me about your dress."

I cringed. "Don't remind me. I am not looking forward to that ball tomorrow."

"C'mon, if I'm not going to get to see you in it, you at least have to describe it."

I blushed, brushing my hair back. "It's blue, dark blue, with an empire waist. It's sequin and tulle with a half sleeve, so it'll hide my upper arms, thank god. Sorry." I winced at the softly remonstrating look Sandy gave me. I didn't add that I thought the gown would not be, in and of itself, embarrassing to my mother. That was my sole goal at these things, apparel-wise.

"So, are you going to get your hair done and everything?"

"Yeah, I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon at my mom's salon."

"On her dime?"

"I couldn't afford it otherwise."

"Will you at least send me a picture?" The wicked grin on Sandy's face made me blush and giggle.