Keeping It in the Family (Linstead)

Chapter 144

Scuba diving was a hobby for Erin to share with Clementine. For that reason, it had been agreed that Jay would have most of the involvement with her wrestling. He was delighted to have the chance to help his daughter live one of her dreams, so he was almost as excited as Clem while he drove her over to Jason Jordan's wrestling school.

When they neared their destination, Jay figured it was time to offer some last minute words of advice. "Clem, I want you to make sure you listen to the coaches, okay? Do everything they say, and be respectful if they talk to you specifically."

"I will, dad. I want to learn," she assured him. She was fidgeting excitedly, or maybe it was nervously, he wondered.

"That's good. Give it everything you've got in there. Put maximum effort in for me. I know how much this means to you, so it's important to show those coaches what you can do."

"I'll try my hardest," she promised.

Moments later, Jay was pulling the car into the parking lot at the wrestling school. There were no open spots, so he had to take a chance on boxing a couple of cars in for a few minutes. He imagined the cars belonged to parents of other students, so it likely wouldn't be an issue if he wasn't inside for too long.

Clementine didn't hesitate in getting out and grabbing the sports bag with her wrestling gear in it from the back seat. Jay stood ready to walk with her into the building when she was all set.

"Excited?" he asked her in a positive tone.

"Yes. But scared too," she admitted. "What if I suck?"

He loved the honesty regarding how she felt, but he didn't want her to go into her first lesson feeling stressed and pressured. He put his hands on her shoulders in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture.

"Try not to think things like that, Clem. What you need to keep your focus on is learning and trying your hardest. Can you do that?"

"Yes, dad. Can I get a hug before we go in?"

Oh, bless her, Jay thought. As much as she obviously wanted to wrestle, her confidence was not high.

"Of course," he said, hugging her tightly. "You'll do great, sweet pea. I believe in you, and so does your mom. Come on, let's get out of this cold weather."

They walked together over to the wrestling school, and Jay led the way inside. He saw a few sets of parents standing around talking. There was no sign of any students, either male or female. He assumed they were all in the locker rooms. Jason Jordan was nowhere to be seen, but he did spot a woman with long brown hair and a fairly muscular physique, wearing a light grey 'Jordan's Wrestling School' t-shirt. That had to be Serena Deeb, he figured.

"There's the coach, Clem. Let's go say hi," he said.

"She looks nice," Clem said hopefully.

Jay smiled at her. "I'm sure she is."

They headed over to where the coach was standing, and she noticed them approaching. Recognising new clients, she offered them a warm welcome. "Hi, I'm Serena."

"Jay Halstead," he announced as they shook hands.

"Then you must be Clementine. I saw your details just now," Serena said, shaking hands with her new student. The kids were to be treated like adults, Jay realised, and he approved.

"Nice to meet you," Clementine said politely, but quite shyly.

"Nice to meet you too, and welcome. Do you have a complete set if ring attire in that bag?"

Clem nodded seriously. "Yes, ma'am."

"That's good. You can call me Coach or Coach Deeb. Why don't you go through to the locker room for me, Clementine? You'll find it through the door over there, then it's on your left."