Life of Harlow

Coach

Liam

After meeting with the athletic department at the high school, I was concerned that they had no plans for the basketball team. Plus, Seniors had scouts looking at them and it would be a shame to watch all the work they've put in the last 3 years crumble.

While it was short notice, I felt like a coaching team could be put together. While I'm out here giving suggestions and offering assistance, they insisted I take the position. I'd have a salary, not that I cared, but I could then build the team and staff how I saw fit. I told them I'd think about it and let them know, but they'd have a coach by the end of the week.

Once I told Harlow they had asked me, she just smiled.

"So, did you tell them yes already?" she asked.

"No, I didn't. I wanted to talk to you first. You know, see how you felt about it. I have an ESPN deal on the table as well, again, nothing set in stone."

"Really, ESPN? That's a big deal dad."

"Yeah, they talked about bringing me in for the playoffs or potentially doing something with the Spurs. I'd have to travel, but again, nothing set. If I were to coach here, ESPN would be off the table. I wouldn't be committing to both. I give my all to what I'm doing and I'm not going to say yes to this team and then ditch them at the end of the season."

"I get that. Well, it's your choice. As you tell me, balls in your court."

"What do you think?"

"I think you know what you already want to do."

"If you don't want me to do it..."

"Dad, stop. I appreciate you being considerate of my feelings, but I know you miss basketball. You've been away from it for 5 years. You're bored playing 2K at this point. You've always talked about coaching, you help Jace with his game all the time. Zayn is becoming obsessed with basketball to the point where he's leaving baseball behind. That's because of you, his Uncle Liam. You are great at what you do and if you can give back to the new generation that wants to get to the next level, go for it. This could be the purpose you've been searching for."

"Purpose?"

"You know, life after basketball. Yeah, you had me to take care of when you retired, but I'm pretty self-sufficient. Do what makes you happy. Didn't we just talk about this yesterday?"

I laughed.

"See, that's how I feel talking to you sometimes. Alright, I get your point. Still trying to pull together a team and staff when the season starts in less than a month is an uphill battle, baby girl."

"Yeah, but if anyone could do it, it's you. Dad, you wouldn't have brought it up if you weren't considering it."

"There's just a lot of things to consider, Harlow."

"Like what?"

"For starters, I need an assistant coach. Again, this is last minute."

"Just ask Mr. Colt. You two are friends. He played basketball in high school and D1 in college. He knows the sport just like you do. Plus, a lot of the kids already know them from the gym. A lot of the students know Mr. Colt, Mr. Cody, and Mr. Drew. Mr. Drew always gives the students free food, just asks that they leave a tip. Mr. Cody gives a 40% discount to students and staff and hires Juniors and Seniors to work part-time. Mr. Colt lets the students workout for free and helps them with tips on conditioning. The girls pretty much go to yoga classes and the guys will work on weights and stuff. Those that take it seriously, that is."

"Wow, I didn't know all that."

"Yeah. To think they're a part of our family now. They're really great people. Anyways, I'm sure Mr. Colt will say yes."