Page 41 of Brick Wall
Annie
W e lost. Not only did we lose against Texas to advance to the finals yesterday, but we also lost the consolation game today for third place.
The air is quiet as we fly home. It’s late and everyone is exhausted, including me.
However, I am very proud of my team. We were underdogs going into the tournament, not ranking as well as the other top four teams remaining. Fourth place is still a tremendous accomplishment.
We did far better than anyone thought we would, well, except for me and my players, of course. I knew I had a great team and was ready to prove to the world they belonged in the final four.
My phone pings, and I look at my email. Another potential job offer inquiry.
I guess I impressed a few different universities, getting my team to the Top Four at the start of my third season of being head coach at CHU.
Our team kept getting stronger and stronger as the season went on, but I attribute that to the fierceness of my players. They’re such a strong and amazing team.
I barely look at the email. I’m flattered, but I like where I am. The university is a great fit for me and I love working in my home state of Massachusetts.
I’m looking forward to bringing home the title next year. My team is only losing two seniors, with some of my strongest players being underclassmen. My recruitment efforts are promising as well as other areas of my life. I’ve never been so fulfilled on and off the court.
I look back at my players on the plane, and most have fallen asleep. We still have a few hours left to go. I close my eyes and rest, just for a moment.
* * *
“Why is there a highland cow on my bed?” I ask Goldie as I enter the living space with an adorable cow stuffed animal in my hands.
“Sebastian brought it over,” Goldie says simply.
“Okaayy,” I let the one word spread out until I feel less confused, which doesn’t happen.
“He wanted to cheer you up.”
“With a highland cow?”
“Doesn’t that cheer everyone up?”
I take a look at this adorable highland cow and already feel a tad better. “Probably,” I say to Goldie and walk back to my room to unpack from Louisville.
I grab my phone from my bag, sit on the end of my bed, and begin to text Sebastian.
Annie: Thank you for the cow.
After writing the simple message, I place my phone down. I don’t expect an answer right away, but my phone pings with a response.
Sebastian: You’re welcome Annie: Should I ask why? Sebastian: I thought every female likes highland cows
I guess I can’t argue with that logic. ‘Tis true.
Annie: This guy is adorable *attaches a picture of herself with said cow* Sebastian: He doesn’t compare to his owner though
I feel my cheeks getting warmer when I read his response. It’s only been a few days since I’ve seen him. I know he has practice this morning, and then tonight he flies out for his away game.
Sebastian: What’s your schedule like today?
“Empty,” I text back, which is technically a lie. I have a few things that need to be done, but there’s no time restriction on them, so I can move my schedule around easily enough to accommodate his hectic schedule .
Sebastian: Can I stop by around four before we fly out tonight? Annie: Yes *smiley face emoji*
Sounds like Sebastian and I are on the same page today. I’ll take whatever time I can spend with him.
Sebastian: I know some different ways I can cheer you up. Sebastian: Hint: They involve you and my mouth.
Yes, please. I can’t say no to that.