Page 4 of Crossing the Lines for Love

“Oh shit! Are you serious?”

“I wouldn’t play about something like that.”

“Damn, Randi. I’m sorry to hear that. I know lacrosse was your life.”

“Thank you, but life changes when you least expect it sometimes.”

“You wanna talk about it?”

“Not really.”

“Understood…So, what are you doing now?”

“Nothing, but I need to find something soon before my parents have me committed.”

“What’s your degree in?”

“Sports Management.”

“Hmm, I don’t have any connections in that area. Have you looked for anything?”

“Honestly, not really. Just trying to come to grips with everything. It’s only been a few months since my injury and surgery.”

“Understood. Maybe you can substitute teach at the high school until you figure it all out. They might need a coach too.”

“Are they looking for substitutes?”

“This is my first year, and I’ll be teaching PE and Health, plus coaching football. I can ask around, but I’m pretty sure they’re always looking for subs.”

“Thanks, Trell. I’d appreciate that.”

We talked while we finished our food. Before parting ways, we exchanged phone numbers. For some reason, I felt hopeful on my ride home. I had never thought about coaching, but now that Montrell had planted the seed, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

If I can’t play lacrosse, maybe I can inspire a new generation.

Four Years Later

“Damn,Coach! How can you up and leave like that?”

“Niko, it’s not often head coaching positions for lacrosse become available. If I stay here, I’ll always be an assistant coach because you know damn well Coach Crawford ain’t leaving.”

“You’re probably right, but you two work so well together. You balance each other out perfectly.”

“I agree, but I want to further my career. I can’t pass an opportunity like this up.”

While I agreed with Coach Lisle, I hated to see him go. He’d definitely be hard to replace.

“Shit, the timing couldn’t be worse. It’s my last year, and I’ll have a new coach. This was supposed to be our championship year.”

“Niko, you’re a grown-ass man with a child. Stop whining! This is life, and things change faster than we can blink sometimes. You’re the team captain, and I expect you to continue acting as such. The championship is within reach, with or without me. You’ll be off living your life in a few months, and your time here at Black Elm will be a fond but distant memory.”

I left the meeting with Coach Lisle feeling a bit out of sorts. However, everything he said was right on point. After this season, which was set to start in a little over a month, my lacrosse days would be over.

I couldn’t expect him to put his dreams and goals on hold and wait for me to finish my season and graduate before accepting a dream job. Since I was the team captain, he broke the news to me first and would have a team meeting to tell the rest of the team.

Since I was done with my classes for the day, I spent the next hour in the gym before heading to pick up Deuce from my parents’ house.

It took me a while to adjust to living independently with my son. My mother cried for a week when I told her I’d found a place. However, after living with them for three years, it was time. I had plenty of money saved up because, although my father talked a good game, he didn’t charge me a dime these past three years.

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