Page 7 of Crossing the Lines for Love

After I ran into Montrell a few years ago, I took his advice and applied to become a permanent substitute teacher at the high school we attended. Luckily, they also had a boys’ lacrosse coaching position open, and I was blessed to be hired for both.

Montrell and I were cool in high school but had become close friends after working together for the past four years. He was the only person I knew at the school at the time besides our oldteachers, although I was cool with a few others now. When the apartment across the hall from him became vacant about a year ago, he told me about it, and the next thing I knew, we were neighbors.

My parents thought Montrell and I were a thing, but I assured them we were only friends. Montrell had confessed to me about a year after we’d reconnected that he was bisexual and couldn’t decide if he was more attracted to men or women.

I was still the only person he’d told, and I respected his privacy. The important part was we weren’t the least bit attracted to each other, and I loved that for our friendship.

“Well, I got my food, and hopefully, he got his pussy. I was pissed, though, because I was starving.”

“I bet. So, have you heard anything from Black Elm yet?”

“Ugh! God, no. They’re taking forever to make a final decision. I’m starting to think they chose someone else but forgot to let me know.”

“Did they say they would contact you either way?”

“They did.”

“It would be unprofessional of them not to. Be patient. I doubt anyone is more qualified than you who applied. Plus, you’re an alumnus and still hold records with the women’s team.”

“True, but sometimes that doesn’t matter. I got a great vibe from the head coach, but I could tell the athletic director didn’t like me. He’s probably one of those chauvinistic men and don’t think women should coach men.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it. Unfortunately, most men feel that way, or more women would be coaching men’s sports.”

“True. I bet—” My phone rang, interrupting me, and I instantly became nervous when I saw the phone number. “I think this is them.”

“Answer it.”

“It’s too late to call with a job offer. It must be bad news.”

“Randi, answer the damn phone.”

“Hello. This is Aranda Sampson.”

“Hello, Ms. Sampson. This is Coach Crawford over at Black Elm. How are you?”

“I’m doing well, Coach. How are you?”

“Well, now that we’ve made our final decision for the assistant coach, I feel much better.”

“Umm, I’m sure it was a tough decision.”

“Honestly, it was probably the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Welcome to Black Elm University Lacrosse…that is if you still want the job.”

“Wait! I got the job?”

“Yes, if you still want it. I know it took a while for?—”

“I want it. I mean, I accept. Thank you so much.”

“No, thank you for applying. You should get an email from HR with all the paperwork you need to complete by noon tomorrow. Some info about a background check should be included. Try to get that done as soon as possible.”

“Will do. Thank you again, Coach Crawford.”

“I’m looking forward to working with you. I’ll send you a few dates for me to introduce you to the team.”

“I’ll look out for it.”

“Have a good night, and welcome to the team.”

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