Her hurt tone wrenched at his heart, but the accusation behind it angered him a little. They’d spent time together, not enough for either of them, but he thought she knew him better than to insinuate his words were less than genuine.
“I don’t play games, Mariella. It’s true I was thinking about staying in Bay Point permanently. But like you, I would be making a mistake if I didn’t pursue this chance. We each have a great career opportunity in front of us.”
She slumped against the couch, clearly upset. “You and Josh have gotten much closer over the past several weeks. He’s going to be so disappointed you’re not staying in Bay Point.”
He sat up and put his elbows on his knees. “This isn’t about Josh, Mariella. It’s about you. What are you feeling right now?”
“Me? I care about you, Sam. But I was always ready to say goodbye.”
He turned toward her, ready to protest, but the strength behind her words had taken his resolve away.
She took a deep breath. “Every time I talk to my own mom, I don’t complain how hard it is to be a single mother, but somehow she hears it in my voice. She asks me ‘when are you going to put yourself first?’”
Mariella leaned forward and put her hands over his.
“I’ve been putting myself dead last for years. Now this is my chance to start a new chapter in my life. Can you understand that?”
No matter how hard he tried, Sam knew it would be difficult to get her to change her mind. Though he felt Mariella belonged with him in England, it was clear she wanted to stay in Bay Point.
“It’s my chance, too, Mariella.”
She nodded, and he didn’t wipe away the tears falling down her cheeks.
He stood, and wished he could get rid of the entire painful conversation. “Since we’ve both made up our minds, I guess there’s nothing else to say, is there?”
Without another word, Sam walked out, regretting he opened up his heart to Mariella in the first place.
Chapter 15
Sam watched his mother as she moved about his apartment. She was returning to Great Britain, and though he loved her, he couldn’t wait until he could resume some semblance of normalcy.
If normal is even possible, he thought. Without Mariella, his life would be emptier than it ever was before.
“A man with your money and credentials shouldn’t be living in such a tiny hovel. I bet you can’t wait to get back to your flat at home.”
“Don’t worry, Mum. Niles is taking care of everything.”
He rubbed his eyes and then drank some water, tired of feeling so sluggish all the time. Losing Mariella was taking a toll, but he had to keep it together for his team, who would soon play the biggest game of the season.
“He better,” Ida warned, shaking a finger. “Or he’ll have me to answer to.”
“I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Sam said, forcing a laugh.
“I won’t get a chance to say a final goodbye to Josh and Mariella, so will you give them both my regards tomorrow?”
“Of course, and I’m sorry you won’t be here to see the Titans in the first game of the playoffs.”
“Me, too, but London is calling. Did you remember to have my bags and other items shipped yesterday?”
Sam grinned. At least with his mother, he always knew where he stood. “Yes, and it cost me a fortune.”
“Better than dealing with it at the airport.”
She patted his cheek like she used to do when he was a kid. “Don’t look so sad. I will tell you the same thing I told her. It’s clear you two belong together.”
He wondered why Mariella didn’t mention their woman-to-woman conversation. Another sign she was completely done with him and their relationship.
“A little too late. She’s staying here. The mayor is going to give her the job she always wanted.”
“If she doesn’t have the man she always wanted,” Ida said, “it’s not going to be the same.”
“Try telling her.”
“I think I’ll leave that up to you.”
She zipped up her black leisure jacket, topped over a pair of tailored black wool pants, both of which she deemed her traveling clothes. “Lord, it’s chilly in here, but I’m glad I got a chance to visit with you before I catch my flight.”
He gave her a curious look, wondering why she seemed so happy. “Is that the only reason?”
“Perhaps.” She giggled, eyes flashing. “By the way, you really got home late yesterday.”
“I went to the bar and watched soccer till three a.m. How did you know?” Sam asked, suddenly suspicious.
“We heard you coming up the stairs around that time.”
“We heard me?” he repeated.
“Yes, Mr. Wexler and I.”
Now he’d heard everything. “Explain.”
“Well, we were arguing about the antiquarian merits of the Staffordshire cat versus the Staffordshire dog, and one thing led to another and—”
He held up his hand and she giggled again. “I don’t need the details, but I’m happy for you, Mum.” He checked his watch. “We better get going. I don’t want you to miss your flight.”
They went downstairs and Sam paused by the back door of the antiques store.
“What about your boyfriend?” he asked with a wry smile.
“Henry will be in London in a few weeks, so I don’t need to say goodbye, and neither do you.”
Sam gave her a placating smile, but he was no fool.
Whatever he and Mariella had was over. There would be no more good luck kisses, no more sex on the beach and no more chances to show his love for her.
Sometimes a goodbye was meant to be forever.
* * *
“Josh, hurry up. We don’t want to be late.”
Tonight was the first playoff game of the post-season, and the Titans were favored to win. It was a home game, so they didn’t have to travel, but she wanted to get there early so she could see Sam before the game started.
After today she would never see him again, unless she turned on the television.
Ida had returned to England yesterday. The house was quiet again, at least when she didn’t have to yell for her son.
Mariella stood at the base of the stairs, waiting for Josh to emerge from his room, and had a flashback. Not long ago there was a chance Josh would never play soccer again, but he’d made a complete recovery. Sam had played a part by encouraging his love for the game and patiently coaching him through the trouble spots.
She slumped against the wall not knowing what she would say when she saw Sam tonight. She couldn’t let him leave Bay Point being hurt or angry with her. It was important to convince him that the time they’d spent together had meant something to her. He had changed her life in a good way.
Josh bounded down the stairs. She never mentioned her conversation with Sam because she didn’t want to upset him.
They went outside and got into the car. The game forecast called for cloudy skies and temperatures in the low fifties. In her indigo-blue skinny jeans, red scoop neck T-shirt and quilted jacket, she knew she would be warm for the ninety minutes of play.
She backed out of the driveway and headed toward the high school.
Josh turned in his seat. “What’s going to happen to Sam when the season is over?”
Mariella shrugged and watched his smile disappear.
“He won’t be hanging around anymore, right?”
She shook her head. “No. He’s returning to London to become head coach of Emerald Premier.”
“I wonder why he hasn’t told the team.”
She stole a glance at him. “He’s probably waiting until after the playoffs to announce it.”
Josh slumped against the seat, a look of defeat on his face. “I was kind of getting used to him working with me on soccer on
e-on-one.”
“I know, and I’ve seen how your playing has improved.”
“Plus, you’ve been happier, Mom.”
She braked for a red light. “What are you trying to say, Josh?”
“If he makes you happy, Mom, I think you should be together. Don’t you?”
“What are you doing, trying to get rid of me?”
Mariella eased the car forward and gave him a sideways glance. “You know, there was a time when you didn’t want us together.”
“I’m a kid, what do I know?” he joked. Then a look of regret crossed his face. “Mom, I’m sorry, but I was wrong about Sam.”
Her mind was in a whirl as she pulled into the school parking lot, but she knew Josh deserved to know the whole story.
“There’s a second part to Sam’s new job. He wants me to come to England with him. I’d have to give up our home, my new job, and I’m not sure I’m willing to do that right now. More important, I’d also miss you too much.”
“But, Mom, when will you have another chance to travel the world with someone you care about?”
Mariella turned off the ignition and opened her mouth to protest, but deep down she knew Josh was right.
“I’m going away to college. It’s time for me to grow up and get used to being on my own. I can fly out to see you on college breaks.”
He grabbed his bag, signifying the conversation must end soon. “I have my whole life ahead of me, and so do you. Give him a chance, Mom. Do what makes you happy.”
The door slammed and sounded like a wake-up call. This time, her heart listened.
* * *
The season was officially over.
Mariella took a deep breath as she watched Sam finalize their late-night meal. She could not imagine what was going through his mind. The Titans had lost the game when the opposing team made a goal in the final minutes, and they would not be advancing in the playoffs.
Josh was out with the rest of the team, consoling themselves with burgers and shakes, and she was with the man she loved.
A man who would soon be leaving her.
She walked up to Sam and tapped on his shoulder. He turned around, the expression on his face cloaked in the dimness of the candlelit room.
“Thanks again for coming over,” he said. “Under the circumstances, I wasn’t sure if you would.”
“I’m sorry about the loss tonight. I couldn’t let you be alone.”
“Josh played a good game. They all did.” He glanced up at the ceiling, and then shook his head. “We almost had them, until that hat trick at the end.”
“Easy come, easy go, right?” she said, trying to invoke some cheer into her voice.
He lowered his chin. “It’s never easy to lose, Mariella.”
“Do you regret taking the job?”
“No. I don’t regret anything. Not anymore.”
Sam searched her eyes, and she felt herself succumbing to the tender emotion she saw in them.
“Mariella, we’ve both chosen the path we think will work best for us.”
“Even though it will tear us apart?” she asked.
He cupped her face in his hands, but didn’t kiss her.
“You may not believe this, but I wish things didn’t have to be this way.”
She smiled, held back tears. “Your agent is too good at his job.”
Sam laughed. “Niles is a pain in my rear sometimes, but he does try to get the best deal for me.”
“No heart, all bankroll?”
“And damn the consequences,” he added, crushing her to his muscular chest. “I felt bad about the way we ended things the other night.”
“I’m glad I’m here,” she said, playing with his tie as she looked into his eyes. “I couldn’t stay away, Sam.”
After a few moments, though she didn’t really want to, she stepped away from his embrace.
“I also wanted to tell you how much meeting you has meant to Josh. He has really bloomed as a player, and as a person, under your tutelage.”
He reached out and pressed his thumb against her lips, stirring her desire.
“And what about you?”
“I still can’t kick a soccer ball.” She poked him in the chest. “Because you never taught me.”
Sam gave her a sad, mischievous smile and slapped his own hand. “I didn’t? Shame on me.”
Tears smarted in her eyes and she brushed them away. “Don’t worry. You may still get the chance.”
Smiling brightly, she continued, “I know you probably don’t want to hear this right now, but I do have some good news. I heard earlier today that we got the grant for the new field.”
He clapped his hands, but he still looked forlorn. “That’s terrific. The Titans and the entire district will benefit from a new field. Too bad I won’t be here to see the construction of it.”
“They can send us pictures,” she blurted before she lost her nerve.
Sam cupped his hand behind his ear. “Say again?”
Mariella took a deep breath. “I want to go with you to England, Sam. If you’ll still have me.”
He whooped loudly, gathered her into his arms and twirled her about the room. Afterward, he gave her a long, passionate kiss.
“What made you change your mind? Wait, don’t tell me yet.” He started to pepper her neck with more kisses and she giggled and squirmed with happiness.
“Okay, now tell me.”
When she finally had a chance to speak, her tone was serious. “That a life without you is no life at all.”
“I was thinking the very same thing. Losing a soccer game is no match to losing the love of your life. That’s why I was so sad tonight. The thought that we were about to share one last meal, that I’d never see you again. It was too much to bear.”
She felt a tingle go down her spine at his words and she laid her cheek against his chest. She felt his heart beating, and knew she would always cherish him.
“Now, we never have to be apart.”
He traced a finger along her jaw and then stroked his hand through her long hair. “I do have a bit of bad news, though.”
Mariella’s heart plummeted and she broke away. “What is it? Tell me! Though I’m not sure I can take it.”
Her eyes widened with surprise when he dug into his pants pocket and brought out a large, glittery diamond ring.
“Remember when I ran into Josh at the mall on Christmas Eve? I had just come out of the jewelry store. I’d bought this, not knowing exactly what I would do with it at the time, especially since I had to guess your size. I’m hoping I got it right, but the jeweler said I could come back and get it resized any time at no extra charge.”
She felt her excitement growing as she watched him fumble with, and then hold up the ring. He really appeared to be nervous, but his eyes were full of emotion.
“Mariella, I’m great at soccer, but I’ve never been good with words, and I’m just really worried about what you’ll say.”
“Just ask me, Sam,” she begged, tears running down her cheeks.
As he got down on his good knee before her, she put her hands over her open mouth.
“Mariella, I love you more than any other woman I’ve ever known. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
He slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly.
Mariella fell to her knees and wrapped her hands around his neck.
“I love you, Sam. Oh, I love you so much.”
She gave the man of her dreams a tender kiss, grateful for his love, and a second chance at happiness.
Epilogue
“This is for you, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly.”
The flight attendant set a small box tied with a red bow on the table in front of them, and left the couple alone.
Sam had hired a private je
t to take them from Bay Point to London.
“It’s from Ruby’s!” Mariella exclaimed, pointing at the sticker with the shop’s logo.
He kissed his new bride on her neck. “Well, open it up and see what it is.”
She pushed him away playfully and untied the ribbon.
Inside there was a miniature wedding cake with white frosting, adorned with two silver bells.
“Oh, it’s so beautiful!” Mariella exclaimed as she carefully lifted it out of the box.
He snapped a photo with her phone.
“There’s a card, too,” Mariella continued, smiling for the picture. “It says ‘Congratulations on your wedding day. Enjoy this little slice of home on your journey to your new life. Love, Leslie and the entire Bay Point High PTA.’”
“So, she does have a heart,” Sam joked.
“Of course she does, and I hope her husband sees that once again someday.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just remembering some girl talk.”
Mariella sprung out of her seat. “I have something for you.”
She disappeared into the sleeping compartment and emerged with a small box in her hand. She presented it to him, palms up. He kissed one and took the gift out of the other.
When he opened it, he felt his face flush warm with love. It was the smallest whistle he’d ever seen, in 14-karat gold on a gold chain.
“It’s my wedding gift to you, and a congratulations for your new job.”
“Thank you, Mariella. Put it on for me, please?”
She hung it around his neck and fastened the tiny clasp. When she was finished, he pulled her into his lap.
“I love it, and I love you. I’m sorry I had to be away for so long.”
A week after proposing to her, Sam left for London to join the Emeralds as coach. He’d been gone for two months, traveling around Europe for games.
“I love you, too.” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Don’t worry about the time away. It gave me time to get the house ready for renting. Josh had his senior prom, and then the whirlwind of graduation. Plus, I had a wedding to plan.”
Winning Her Holiday Love Page 19