The Fling

46

I watched from the sidelines as Kyrie, a shy redhead in Hannah's class, scored her first goal of the season after an amazing breakaway. "Way to go, Ky!" I shouted. She gave me a big smile, showing off her missing two front teeth.

"Nice goal!" Shawn called out from beside me. He then turned and smiled. "They're really improving, coach!"

"Assistant coach," I corrected. "I'm only in charge today because Becca couldn't be here."

The game resumed, and I kept my eyes peeled for things we could work on at our remaining practices. Hannah got the ball and immediately passed it to another player who then had an unsuccessful shot on goal. "Nice teamwork!" I yelled.

"Next time take the shot yourself, Hannah!" my ex-husband boomed from his folding chair.

"He doesn't get that it's a team sport," I seethed. "Passing is fundamental."

"I take it he didn't play soccer as a kid?" Shawn asked.

"No. He did cross country and track."

The game continued for ten more minutes and then the ref blew her whistle. The two teams formed lines and gave high fives to each other before huddling up for the post game talk. I made a point to share something each child had done well before telling them two things we'd be working on together. Then the parents on snack duty handed out waters, juice, orange slices, and a cookie.

Bert joined us after the crowd cleared out, while Bertie kicked one of the spare balls around the field. "Han, you need to be more aggressive," he told our daughter.

"Sorry, Daddy."

Shawn placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'm really proud of how you handled the ball out there. That one pass was almost an assist!"

She beamed up at my boyfriend. "I like passing to my friends."

"What time is Bertie's game tomorrow?" my ex asked gruffly.

"Nine, but you should get here fifteen minutes early. You have snack duty, so don't forget to bring fruit, drinks, and a treat."

"Seriously? For all the kids?"

"Yes. I'm not coaching, so I can help hand it out if you want," I told him, though it's not like this was a hard task.

"I was thinking you could take them after the game instead of me having to bring them to your house later."

I looked at Shawn. "Can you and the kids please take our chairs and the balls to the car?" He nodded, obviously understanding that I needed a second with Bert. Once they were gone, I said as calmly as I could, "If I take them tomorrow, they lose almost an entire day with you. Remember how we talked with the therapist about abandonment issues? Not spending time with them contributes to that."

"They know I love them! I'm at these games, even on the weekends I don't have them! I am doing the best I can, Abi. Remember that I also have a wife and Lizzie!"

"Where is Reagan today?" Lizzie was with her mom this weekend, but his wife rarely showed up to the games. Meanwhile, Shawn hadn't missed any and he always wore their team colors.

"She's in Florida visiting her parents."

That explained why he wanted to hand the kids off early; he was a single dad this weekend. "That's all the more reason to keep them, because now you can give them all of your attention! Maybe you could do something special together."

He muttered something and walked towards the parking lot. I kissed my babies goodbye and got in my car, letting out a frustrated groan once the door was shut.