Second Chances Read Online Free PDF Page A

known for his agility, speed, and passion for the game.  And with any loss, he always said it felt like however hard he hit – he’d been hit ten times as hard when they lost. 
    Nick kicked the turf, and turned to the bleachers, where he knew his daughter was patiently waiting, only to see her fixed by the player’s bench.  The fact that she hesitated in approaching him pulled at his heartstrings.  It was the first game of the season, and now they were on their own.
    In the past, after one of his games at FedEx field, her mom would have taken Katie home, where they’d wait for his return - however long that took.  However, now that her mom decided marriage to a former NFL player wasn’t on her bucket list, his daughter had to wait for him alone.
    Nick chastised himself for not thinking of how his post-game routine might have affected her.  Not only was she starting a new school, where she was struggling to make friends, but now she waited alone.  It was sure to be a fresh reminder of her mother’s desertion.
                  “Come here, sweetheart.”  He jogged toward his daughter with open arms.  “How about we stop for an ice cream cone on the way home?”
                  She linked her arm in her father’s and grinned, happy to be going anywhere with him.  In the last year and a half, she’d grown up a lot.  Seeing her father pull through a rocky divorce only to put on a smile for her benefit, when she knew he was hurting, gave her a newfound respect for him.   She cocked her head and looked up to one person in her life, which had never let her down.  She grinned, thinking he deserved better.  They both did. 
                  “Sounds great.”
                  “Sorry I took so long.  I’ll make sure not to do that again.”
                  “You better make sure there isn’t a next time.  If you keep losing, they’re going to cut you loose.”
                  “Ouch!”  He laughed and tugged at her braid.
                  “Seriously ... you got to step up your game.  That kid?  The one who is your first string quarterback?”
                  “You mean Conner Knight?” He smiled down to his fifteen-year-old, who was almost to his chin. He watched his daughter eagerly nod.  
                  “Yeah – he’s overthrowing.  You gotta help him find the pocket.”
                  “Katie, this was the first game.  Give the kid a break.”
                  “No, I’m just saying …” She pulled away from her dad’s side and spun around – sending her braid flying through the air.  “He’s too quick.  It’s like he’s scared of being hit.”
                  Nick chuckled, knowing his daughter’s heart for football beat as strongly as his.  It’s one of the reasons he took this job, as he knew it would give him more time with her.  He’d had an offer or two from a few networks, and although more lucrative than being a high school football coach, they weren’t positions that would allow him to be a full-time dad. And now that he was a single parent, Katie was his priority. 
                  “Well, I’ll give my staff your notes so we can correct Conner’s approach.”  His heart warmed as her smile widened.
                  “Whatever!  You’re making fun of me.”
                  “No! I’m serious.  I’m happy to pass it on … no pun intended.”  He grinned and reached for the passenger door. “Get in, kiddo.”
                  He watched his daughter scamper into his truck and wondered how long they'd have this kind of relationship. For now, she would rather be on the football field than out shopping with the girls.  Getting to watch the game won out over getting a manicure any day.  It was one of the reasons his ex-wife, Arielle, was happy to move on toward