The Assistant, The Quaterback, and The Professor

In Flight Progressing

Richard Lacroft was a pioneer in the oil industry. He fought for regulated standards and improved working conditions in refineries and coal mines. H e saw oil as big business in the twenties. The twenty-one year old Lacroft left France for America. He married and had five children. Upon his death, my mom was his sole heir. She inherited a billion dollars. My mother donated 900 million to aid organizations around the world under the Lacroft foundation. Dad and mom met while at undergrad at Florida. Dad, a third year Architecture student, and mom was a Public Health major. After graduation in 1993, my father got a job here and relocated the family. He developed prostate cancer eight years ago. He soon after quit his job and built the mansion he promised my mother in undergrad. My dad died for years ago. My mama never mentioned her inheritance and everyday she regrets that. I don't want any regrets baby, that's why I'm telling you all of this right out the gate. At 16, I got 50 million and bought: a condo in Orlando, the BMW 745i I drive now, and well...the plan we're flying in."

"You own the plane."

I just sat there for a moment. I guess AM didn't want me to dwell extra long so he interjected in my silence, "so what do you want to do with your first million?"

"My first million?"

"Yeah, don't worry. I got plenty. In three years, I'll get 50 million and when I'm thirty, I'll get 150 million."

"Wait, that don't add up."

"Oh my bad. "

"My mom inherited two billion. She gave away 900 billion, raise us 1 million, and invested the other. Let's just say, my mom should have been an economist. Now she's back at one billion which she divided among my brother, my sister, and me."

Nervously, I laughed, "oh okay...that makes since."

You could have literally sliced my anxiety in me. AM saw it. He hurried across to my side. "I promise you that we won't change. Money doesn't make us. I love you and you love me. Don't worry."

His soft kisses traced my neck and all other thoughts left me. This fine man knew how to steal my attention. What a relief that I am no longer his teacher. Could you imagine delivering a lecture while he stares at you? How could I address the needs of my students when my eyes are undressing him? How could I administer assessments while my thoughts relieve moments of ecstasy. Thank the Lord for Christmas Break.

We arrived in Orlando, an hour before kickoff. Henry dropped me off at our condo and AJ to the stadium. Pacing around our empty home didn't help the loneliness. I had to get out. in. My old college friend Sheila was having a few friends over to watch the game. Even though I have rather be alone to settle my thoughts, I knew staying at the condo alone would be far worse than the crowd. I just about to the grabbed the door when Henry walked.

"Milady, are you need of my assistance?"

"No, I'm going over a friend's house. She lives about ten minutes away from the stadium. I guess I'll call a cab."

"A cab, nonsense, I'll meet you downstairs." Before I could utter a word, he grabbed his hat and was out the door. The drive was longer that I thought with the mob of fans blocking the street.

I could hear the crowd from outside Sheila's door. "Sheila, a 'few friends?'"

"Girl, you know how that goes. I invite someone then they invite someone."

Before I could respond, Sheila's loud little brother, Stephan came over. "I guess it's true. All the good ones are taken. Look at this hardware little Miss Lady sporting."

"You're engaged!" She shriked. "Who's the mystery man?"

"Maybe later, when less ears are listening."

She gave me a little pout, but she knew not to pester me. "We have plenty food, help yourself."

The game was real grudge match as I predicted. I hoped Allen Michael was okay. I know he's been in several games before but none was like the Outback. It was the last quarter. LSU was down by six points and Florida had the ball. We needed an interception and enough time to call for one special play. In a flash, a Florida running back fumbled and LSU recovered. I was on my feet. Come on baby. It was only two minutes left. LSU emerged from the huddle. There was fake and another and another. Florida guards were ready. Allen Michael sacked but with just enough time to get the ball in the air. Two running backs were in the endzone. The ball was heading inwards. One back fell the other jumped over him. He tucked in and roll safely to the ground.

"Does he have the ball?" I said.

The house was quiet. The stadium was quiet, both teams silent on the field. The back got up with the ball in his left hand. LSU won.

"We won. We won." I shouted at the top of my lungs. Amist my celebration, I noticed something strange. The back who scored the winning touchdown for LSU wasn't a back at all it was Allen Michael.

"Allen Michael? Yea it's Allen Michael."

Fox news was first out onto the field. "Allen Michael, you just scored the winning touchdown for LSU and you're MVP of Outback Bowl, any thoughts?"