Page 8 of Crossing the Lines for Love

The call ended, and I hopped off the couch and released an excited scream. I couldn’t believe I’d gotten the job.

“I told you not to worry. Congratulations!” Montrell said once I’d calmed down.

He stood and wrapped me in a hug, kissing my forehead before releasing me.

“Thank you, Trell. I definitely appreciate your positive words and encouragement. Coach Crawford said the decision was easyfor him, so I wonder what took him so long to offer me the position.”

“Does it really matter? You got the job.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“I am. Stop second-guessing yourself.”

The following day, after work, I stopped by my parents’ house. I hadn’t shared with them that I’d applied for the coaching position at Black Elm, so I wanted to share the news in person. Their response was exactly what I’d expected.

“Congratulations, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you,” my mother, Marissa, said.

“Thanks, Ma. I only told Trell and Coach Ayers I was interviewing because I didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up.”

“That’s understandable. When do you start?” my father asked.

“I have a meeting with the team on Friday, and we officially start practice on Monday.”

“I’m sure you’re excited. I hope those young men know what they have in you,” Dad stated.

“I’m sure being coached by a woman will take some getting used to, and I’ll have to prove myself. It didn’t take the high school boys too long to adjust, so hopefully, this won’t be much different.”

“We’ll pray about it and leave it in God’s hands. This is such a wonderful opportunity for you, Randi. It’s the first time I’ve seen the light in your eyes since your injury. Don’t let anyone, not even the players, get in the way of you making the most of it.”

“I won’t, Daddy. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I will seize it.”

“Speaking of your current team, how did Coach Ayers and the team take the news?”

“He was very supportive and encouraging. Last year, we lost over half of our team to graduation, so there are only a few boys left who had me as a coach. They’re disappointed but understand the importance of this opportunity.”

“That’s good to hear. Now, let’s go out to dinner and celebrate,” my father suggested.

“I’m always ready for a free meal with my parents, but I’m not dressed for anywhere fancy.”

“Let’s try that new soul food restaurant that opened a few months ago,” Ma offered.

“Soulful Diner?” She nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

Twenty minutes later, we were seated in a booth at the cozy restaurant. We perused the menu for a few minutes before a server approached our table. When I looked up and saw his face, my eyes widened, and I was suddenly annoyed.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said before I could stop myself.

“What’s wrong?” Ma asked.

“Huh?”

“Do you see something on the menu you don’t like?” she continued.

“Oh, no. It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

My parents gave their attention to the server as I tried to contain my annoyance.

“Welcome to Soulful Diner. I’m Niko, and I’ll be your server this evening. Have you been here before?” he asked with a smirk.

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