the last time | t. lasso

000

My palms were coated in sweat as I was sitting outside of the Dean's office. When I checked my email this morning, all I saw was that he wanted to have a meeting with me at noon today. Graduation was in two days and I don't think I would be able to handle getting kicked out of school. I don't even know why I would be getting kicked out. Now I'm just overthinking it.

"Ms. Watson, you may enter," the dean's secretary gave me permission. I took a deep breath and entered the office. There sat the dean of Wichita State University, Professor Reeves.

"Lacy Watson, please take a seat." Professor Reeves motioned to the seat directly across from his desk.

"Thank you so much for coming on such short notice," he apologized.

"No worries. What can I do for you?" I wanted to get right to the point.

"So as you know, graduation is in two days. Out of all the students we had in our journalism program, you are the one that showed the most promise."

"Well, thank you. I've worked very hard. Even after..." No. I'm not going to talk about that. "Yes. I've worked very hard."

"I hope you don't mind, but we brought your name into discussion for a unique job opportunity."

"What kind of job?" I inquired. This was totally not the way I was expecting this conversation to go.

"Do you know Coach Lasso and Coach Beard?" Professor Reeves asked.

"Um... My ex-boyfriend played football so I used to see them at games. I might've met them a few times. May I asked what they have-"

"A football club in Richmond, England has offered Coach Lasso and Coach Beard a job coaching for their club. The club owner just called back and asked if we have any sports journalists that may be interested in joining their team, as well."

All of a sudden, my mouth had become incredibly dry. They wanted me to travel overseas to work with two middle aged men I've met once?

"What did you tell them?" I asked.

"I told them that you would be honored. Ms. Watson, I know you've had a rough year. You've dealt with so much and you've still come out on top. I've talked to Coach Lasso and Coach Beard and they both agree that you'd be a wonderful addition." Professor Reeves pushed a piece of paper across the table. My diploma. "So you don't have to worry about not having it. You've earned it."

"Thank you."

"I'll give you Coach Lasso's phone number. There's already a plane ticket with your name on it and the club owner already paid for apartment in England for you. But if you don't want to go, you don't have to."

I took Coach Lasso's phone number and slipped it into my pocket so I could shake the Dean's hand. "Thank you for everything, Professor."

***

I laid in my bed and stared up at my ceiling fan for an hour straight, trying to straighten out all the thoughts in my head. This was such a great opportunity, and the Dean was right. So much has happened to me this year. I have nothing left for me here. My hand slipped into my pocket to feel the piece of paper the Dean had given to me earlier with Coach Lasso's phone number. My fingers dialed the numbers that were written on the paper and I took a deep breath in as I hit the green dial button.

"Hello?" A man's voice answered on the other end.

"Hi, is this Ted Lasso?" I asked. Duh, of course it is. That man has such a recognizable voice.

"Why yes it is. How can I help you?" Why was he so charming?

"Hey, Coach Lasso. This is Lacy Watson. Professor Reeves talked to me earlier today about the sports journalism opportunity in Richmond."

"Hiya Lacy! So what's the word? Coach Beard and I are having a slumber party tonight because we are so gosh darn excited about this whole thing. Well, also because our flight leaves at five in the morning. Coach, say hi to Lacy."

"Hi to Lacy," Beard mumbled in the background. I rolled my eyes.

"Send me the address. I'm on my way."