Anticipation

Chapter 1

Monday, September 13

Jayd Clarke stands upright and watches the basketball player sauntering through the door. She mutters to no one in particular, Damn.

Lissa's head jerks up, What?

The girl points with her chin, Who's that?

Glancing over her shoulder, Lissa doesn't recognize the girl right off, I honestly don't know right off the top of my head. Facing Jayd again, But I can tell you that she's too old for you. She's probably eighteen and you're sixteen. She stops the girl before she can protest, I know it's only two years, but to a college kid, that's a decade or more. Don't get your heart set on getting that close to a chick on this team.

The teenager huffs and her gaze falls to the floor, I just wanted to know her name.

Lissa makes note of the player's height and physical features. At least six feet tall, she has long brown hair, a swagger as noticeable as her broad smile, toned and tanned arms, and strong legs. She wears her baseball cap backwards, a tank top over a sports bra, and basketball shorts. I bet she's got some socks and shoes in that bag because she won't be playing in those sandals. By process of elimination, she conjures a name, I think that's Julie Whitney, the new point guard. She's a freshman from Texas.

Isn't she too tall to be a point guard?

No. Since Jayd took this internship to learn, Lissa feels she should teach whatever and whenever she can, Yes, typically point guards are shorter than that. But really, it all depends on their ability to lead a team and to see what's happening on the floor. Being able to read people is more important than a player's height. Water begins dripping on Lissa's shoes, but she laughs when she gasps, "Jayd! Come on, pay attention!"

Oh God, I'm sorry Coach!

The assistant watches for a moment as the team assembles on the bleachers, noticing how individual they are. From their height to their race, they are a conglomeration of backgrounds, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. But she knows they're different in other ways. Their thoughts, feelings, dreams, and contributions are just as varied as their hair styles, clothing choices, and voices. But there is one thing every player is here for: to win. The illusive NCAA championship is their common goal, their joint task. And as she analyzes faces and bodies on the bleachers, she's certain that if anyone in the country has a chance at a ring this year, it's the team she's been given the privilege to help coach.

She turns back to Jayd, Alright, we need to put out the towels and fill the water bottles. When they throw them down, and they will throw them down, they won't hand them back to you; you pick them up and just drape them over the chair. Most of them will say 'Please' and 'Thank you', but don't be surprised if they don't… especially during games. But remember what I told you? This is a thankless job and there aren't a lot of perks. And I know you love women's basketball just as much as I do, and I know you're going to love being a part of the team. I just hope you remember that there are no small roles on this team, only small players. And let me tell you, I appreciate you, I swear I do. She recognizes the instant look of fear because it mirrors her own, I know you're nervous, this being your first day and all, but you'll be fine.

Someone interrupts by calling her name. She waves a hand at Coach Allen before turning back to Jayd, Alright, I'm up. She smiles and gently touches Jayd's arm, I'll introduce you to the players individually later. I have to learn them all first!

Jayd nods with a nervous smile, No problem. Good luck!

She mumbles to herself as she walks away, Luck has nothing to do with it!

Lissa Norman is in her first year as assistant coach of the Whalen University Women's Basketball team. At the age of twenty-seven, she knows she's blessed to have this opportunity. She paid her dues by working as a program coordinator for her alma mater, Carmen High School, in Alabama. Then she spent another three years in Tennessee. She's come a long way, but knows that you never stop learning. That's why she's looking forward to learning everything Coach Allen has to teach her.

Whalen University has been to the Division 1 NCAA Tournament eight years in a row under Coach Taylor Allen's direction. He's been with the school for nine years and feels that this is the best team he's had since he took over the job. They've just never been able to get to the Final Four. As Lissa approaches the team on the bench, she hopes that this year is different.

Coach Allen puts his hand on the woman's shoulder, This is Lissa Norman, ladies. Very few of you were able to meet her before today. She's our newest assistant coach and she's here to foster team unity and all of the girly, touchy-feely things I know nothing about. Ignoring the chuckles he smiles at Lissa, She's a great person to know and I'm as delighted as I can be that she agreed to work with me. I think she's crazy, but I'm glad. Now, she's going to go through a few things with you and then we'll get started on the hard part!

The team groans and Lissa allows them to wallow a few moments in exaggerated dread before addressing them, Well first of all, let me just say that I'm thrilled to be here and to have the chance to work with each of you. I think it's going to be a great season and I'm looking forward to it. I'm here to make sure everything runs smoothly for you and please don't hesitate to come to me if you need something.

She opens her notebook and checks the roster, Alright, because I didn't get to meet all of you before today, I'd like to run down the roster and put a face to these names I've been staring at, okay?

Thank goodness they're being cooperative. I've been typing and retyping this list for months! Now I get faces, too! Putting a face with the name is the best way for her to learn. For her, they're not just basketball players. They're not just college students. They're young women who have no clue what they're doing. And although she doesn't think she's qualified to do so, she's the one they're supposed to come to when they need help figuring out life. Starting at the top of the roster, she calls out the first name, Gayle Andrews?

Gayle raises her hand, That’s me.

Lissa looks up and smiles, Hello, Gayle. It’s nice to meet you.

You too, the girl beams.

She reads the names off one by one: Cindy Atkins, Jackie Baits, Beth Eddy, Mandy Halpen, Jenny Moers, Stephanie Moody, Laura Moran, Linda Nyers, Gretchen Paine, Tammy Sherman, and Jana Temple.

Finally she recognizes a name off the list, Well look at this! Dana Tess! You're a freshman just out of Nelson High School.

How did you know? The girl acts surprised and giggles.

Oh, I don't know, she plays along, I'm sure it's not because I coached you for three years.

Nah, Dana waves her hand, You're probably just psychic. She laughs with the other girls and that brings Lissa to the last name on the roster.

Julie Whitney?

Julie stands abruptly on the bottom bleacher and salutes, Julie Whitney, six foot-one freshman guard from Planco, Texas, reporting for duty, ma'am.

I knew it was her. She's so commanding with that tall, lanky frame. But she's got muscles, too. When the older woman looks up, she notices that the girl's at least a half a foot taller than her own 5'7" frame. But her breath catches when she looks into Julie's eyes. Oh hell, she's got blue eyes. The kind of blue you see on postcards. Lissa blinks several times to jump start her frozen brain, Do people call you Julie, Jules, or something else?

They call me Whit, usually. Her eyes twinkle and there's a slight tremor in her eyebrows when she murmurs, But you can call me whatever you want. Like baby, honey, sweetheart, fuck buddy..ya know...pick one.

Is that a privilege you give everyone or just me? She smiles and the girl just winks back. She's going to be a handful. Thank you for being so enthusiastic, Whit. I appreciate that in a player.

Julie relaxes and sits back down. Ah...she thinks she can outwit me. We'll see. She looks at Lissa's hand and notices there is no ring, So when do we get to find out about you?

Having been caught off guard, she stutters, Um, I...what do you want to know?

Julie looks up at challengingly, You know… the basics. For instance, are you married?

She grins, No.

Got a boyfriend?

No, she replies, clutching the roster to her chest.

Julie nods, Alright, good.

And you?

Julie's eyes widen, Me? What about me?

Are you married or have a boyfriend? And we have squirming, ladies and gentlemen.

Uh, no, ma'am, I don't have a husband or a boyfriend.

Jackie Baits, obviously Julie's new best buddy, elbows her in the side, And why not, Whit?

Julie gives Jackie dagger eyes, wrapped in a smile. I'm going to kill you. A voice comes from behind the two girls, Coach, she's not exactly dating material. Jenny Moers, a sophomore from a local high school, shoots the evil eye at the back of Julie's head.

When Lissa looks back into those blue eyes, there's anger simmering there. Searching for a way to diffuse the tension, the coach smiles at Jenny, Well, I don't think that's true. She looks over Julie's body appreciatively, She looks plenty healthy and fine to me. Any guy should be honored to have her on his arm. And I'm not dating material, either. I'm forever material. Not really the love 'em and leave 'em type.

Jenny scoffs, Well, Whit has no problem just up and leaving people. See, I think Whit's--

I will tear your fucking head off! Julie whirls around on the bleachers and growls, the venom in her voice tangible to everyone within earshot, Just leave me alone, Jenny. No one gives a damn what you think, least of all me.

Whoa, Lissa puts her hands up, halting further comments. You all have been together most of the summer, so you've got a head start on knowing each other and I'm the clueless one here. Apparently there's something going on here that I'm not clued in on. So why don't we just drop this for now, hmm?

The rest of the team nods as Julie turns to face forward again, resting her elbows on her knees and not looking up. Lissa hands out a packet of information to each girl, leaving Julie for last. When she holds the packet out to Julie, she doesn't let go when the girl tries to take it. Julie looks up at her questioningly. She winks at her and Julie smiles a quick smile back, "You'll have plenty of time to get to know more than you'll ever want to know about me. But Coach Allen didn't give me a whole lot of time with you today, so let's continue, shall we? This is a packet of information. It's short, sweet, and to some people, it's funny. I want you to take it and read it. You'll notice that there seems to be a lot of rules in here. That's intentional. Every rule in here is a rule of mine. These are not necessarily the rules of the school, the staff, or the university. These are my rules. I'm like the den mother and yes, these are rules you must abide by if you plan on staying on this team."

As the girls flip quickly through the pages, they begin to whisper. The woman ignores them for the moment, You'll find curfew rules, clothing rules, eating and sleeping rules, and all kinds of other things. The mumbling is now a full-fledged conversation and Lissa turns, Is there something wrong, Steph?

Stephanie blushes, Well, um, I haven't really had time to look at it, but it seems you left one very important rule out.

I did?

Yeah, Mandy pipes up, you don't have a rule about lesbians.

Lissa stops flipping in her copy, What are you talking about?

Having memorized the terminology well, Gayle speaks, There will be no homosexual activity of any kind between members of the team.

She doesn't hide her shock, That's a rule?

Mandy nods, It used to be. It wasn't a university rule, either, but Coach P adopted that philosophy. You left it out.

This ain't Penn State. I didn't leave it out. And in case you haven't noticed, I'm not Coach P. Her jaw clenches through the smile, I have a policy that I adhere to very strictly: If it affects your play, it's out. Until then, it's your life. So until your... uh... 'homosexual activity' affects your playing on this team, I don't care where or who or how much. If you're old enough to do it, you're old enough to choose who to do it with. I just ask you to act responsibly and be safe, no matter what gender you prefer to date. That's all I expect from you, but I won't take anything less. And if someone has a problem with lesbians, they need to come to me and we'll find a university who will accept their transfer request. Understood?

Mandy points at Lissa with a huge grin on her face, You rock!

The rest of the team voices their appreciation as well and Lissa revels in it for only a moment, Indeed, I do. She smiles a big smile, Thank you. I'm sure this topic will come up again, and we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I want to make it clear that if any of you need to talk to me about anything, I'm here for you. This is the part of the speech she rehearsed a thousand times, I'm your best friend when your world's falling apart and you just got dumped. I'm your mom when you're sick and need someone to rub Vick's on your nose. I'm your sister when you need someone to gossip with. And I'm your grandma when you need advice. I'm here for you, each and every one of you. Every week we're going to have a date, and we're the only ones invited. We might go for pizza, eat at my place, go to a movie, or we might have a night where we all go to the library and you study for finals. But I expect every single one of you to be there.

Jana's hand shoots up, Uh, where do you live?

On the back page of your packet is my contact information. You've got every phone number I have, my home address, my office address, and my email. There is no excuse for not getting in touch with me, okay?

Mandy gasps, Oh man, you live in a swanky neighborhood!

I do? Having moved to town a mere four weeks ago, she's unaware of the good and bad sections of town.

Yeah, those apartments are the best. Do you have a city view?

No, actually, I face the ocean. She was willing to pay the extra money per month for a view of the ocean. What could be better for morning yoga? Or, in her case, for when you're scrambling to find a clean polo shirt for work.

Mandy ribs her a little, So that means that when we need a place to party, your door is always open, right?

Only if you get lucky and I give you a key, she says sweetly.

And what could we do to earn a key? Julie, having been silent for too long, asks with a wry smile.

To her credit, she tenses only slightly, Hmm, you just do everything I tell you to and we'll work on the reward system later, okay, Whit?

Oohh, man! She's quick! Julie nods, smiling, and looks back down at the packet in her hands, Bring it on, coach.

Lissa doesn't miss that remark; she just chooses to ignore it for now. With a clap of her hands, she dismisses them, All right, you're free. Julie, can I see you a second, though?

Jackie grabs her gym bag to leave. She pats Julie on the head, It's alright, frosh, I'm sure she'll be gentle. She grins when she adds, Unless, of course, you like it rough. She winks at her new best friend and trots away.

Julie shoots the girl a nasty look as she stands to address the coach, Yes, ma'am?

Lowering her voice and stepping up to the girl, she offers her ear, I just want to tell you that if you need anything, don't think twice about coming to me. She throws a look over her shoulder at Jenny, I don't know what that's all about, but if it gets to be too much, tell me, okay?

Julie gives her a lop-sided grin, I can handle her, coach. She leans down, her face only a couple of inches from Lissa's, But if it makes you feel better, I agree to come to you if she needs punishment other than the cold shoulder or her ass kicked. She winks and adds, But thanks for the concern, and, of course, for the other.

Confused, she asks, For what other?

For letting us make our own choices and treating us like adults instead of super-tall children. She begins walking away, brushing her shoulder against Lissa as she passes. Then she stops and turns around to add, And Coach?

Smirking, Lissa turns, Yeah?

If you're a forever type, is that what you're looking for, another forever type?

Yeah. That would be ideal. Testing the girl's bravado she asks, Got anyone in mind you'd like to hook me up with?

Hell yeah I got someone in mind. But I'm gonna take my time with you. Julie raises an eyebrow and slowly begins to back away, I'll keep my eyes open for ya. She turns and struts to the bench.

Oh lord, I'm gonna have my work cut out for me with that one. Lissa shakes her head and mumbles to herself, Those blue eyes are going to kill me.

Chapter 2

Friday, September 17

Jana closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, Oh God, I could get used to this.

Jackie props her legs up on the balcony railing, slides down in her chair, and lays her head back, Me too. Coach Norman is one lucky woman, huh?

Jana turns to lean against the railing facing Jackie, Yeah, she sure is. Her face lights up a little as she watches through the sliding glass door of Lissa's apartment, Don't look now, but Mandy just let Julie in.

Jackie doesn't move, I can't believe I beat her. Hell, I thought she'd be the first one at the door!

Dana giggles from her spot on the lounger, Don't tell her, but I saw her make at least twenty trips around the parking lot!

The girls share a laugh, but stop abruptly when Julie's face pokes around the edge of the sliding glass door, What's up, y'all? She greets each girl with a nod, Wow, she breathes, look at that view!

Jackie smirks and closes her eyes, You like that view? You should see coach.

Though her interest is piqued she tries to act casual, Why? Oh God, please don't let her be wearing a bikini.

Whew, damn, Whit. Jana fans her face dramatically, She's in a tank top and denim cut-offs. Can you say 'legs for miles'?

Without thinking, Julie puts a hand over her chest, Really? She's not wearing one of those stuffy polo shirts?

Jackie shakes her head, Nope. She doesn't even have makeup on.

And her hair is in a ponytail, Dana chimes in. She's really very pretty when she's not playing the role of coach. You should see her all dressed up.

You mean she's pretty hot! Jackie laughs.

Julie smiles at Jackie's joke and stares out at the ocean view, I don't know if the woman could look any other way.

Smiling, Jackie speaks up after a moment of silence, Me either, Whit. They let the conversation drop, allowing Julie time to slow her pulse and prepare for the night ahead.

Moments pass before Lissa pokes her head through the door, Come on, ladies, let's gather in here and get this thing off the ground. Julie spins around and faces the woman, causing Lissa to smile in return, Hi, Whit! It's about time you got here!

Jackie whispers to Julie, See? I told you she's hot.

Julie raises her eyebrows, Yeah, she is.

Leaning closer, You should go after her. I can tell you want her.

Julie tries to fake surprise, What? She shakes her head and turns away, You're crazy.

Jackie smirks, "Right. That must be it. Clearly I'm completely unbalanced." She rolls her eyes and drops the topic.

Once everyone is seated around her living room, Lissa takes her place before them, Welcome to my humble little home. She looks around the sparsely decorated apartment, "I know it's not much, but it's mine. At least it is for this month! This is not going to be a formal thing. We're not even going to talk about basketball while we're here… not in detail, at least. This is just a night to hang out, laugh, talk, play around, listen to some music, and breathe. No pressure, no coaches… well, at least, no coaching. We're just a bunch of chicks chillin'. So ask questions, open up, don't be shy, and please, please, I beg of you, eat all the chocolate before I get my hands on it! Now, she takes a seat on the floor and notices that Julie's feet are mere inches from her own, let me tell you as much about myself as I can, and if I don't answer your question, you can ask when I'm done."

Jackie smiles, Start with the vitals, coach.

Call me Lissa for tonight, ok? She gives the girl a beaming smile and begins to rattle off random information about herself, I'm from Carmen, Alabama. It's on the east border of the state, right next to Georgia. I'd say it's a four or five hour drive from here. If I'm driving, it's four. If my mom's driving, it's five, but who doesn't drive faster than their mom, right? Good, laughing is good, I'm twenty-seven and the younger of two girls. My parents are still married and currently have only a cat living with them. My sister, Sherry, is married and lives in Atlanta with her husband and kids. She's three years older than I am, but you wouldn't know it by some of the choices she makes! This is easier than I thought, After I graduated from college I got a job working for my old high school. I was there a year before I got offered a position in Tennessee at Nelson High School. She points to Dana, That's how I know Miss Dana, here. She was a sophomore when I got there and, well, she manages a bit of drama, "I was just so attached to her that I couldn't bear the thought of her leaving me behind! So I followed her, stalker style, from high school to college. Everyone is laughing, and she likes knowing she's keeping them happy. She winks at Dana, who blushes bright red, I'm kidding, of course. I got offered this job and since it was a step up, I took it. Having the ocean in my back yard doesn't hurt, either. I'm single, no kids or pets, though I might like to have at least one of each someday. I live alone obviously, and I can make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You'll taste my spaghetti soon." What else, what else? Um, this is my natural hair color, I detest working out, and I wear glasses when I read, although I hate them. I love chocolate and potato chips, though, not together. My favorite drink is Pepsi. I had a four point GPA in college and a three point eight in high school. Trig kicked my butt, ya know? Let's see, I don't drink alcohol often, I don't smoke, but I have been known to drop an 'F bomb' or two… or three. Realizing she's lying through her teeth, she laughs, Who am I kidding? I have a potty mouth when I'm not minding my manners! Anything else y'all want to know?

You're a good looking woman, coach. I mean, damn, you're hot! Jackie points out, Why do you live alone? I mean, you must get offers left and right!

Oh goodness, Jackie! Lissa blushes and laughs in spite of herself, I don't know. Just…, her throat tightens and she can't continue. Once she swallows, she tries again, I have bad luck, I guess.

Further proof that men are stupid, Jackie shakes her head in disbelief, just damned stupid.

Well, thank you, Jackie, but it's really more of a personal choice. I'd rather be alone right now than in a relationship with someone I don't love.

You ever tried women? Jackie counters, gauging her reaction.

A loud, nervous laugh erupts from nowhere in Lissa's body and then she covers her mouth to hide the smile, I, not quite sure how to respond, she goes a different route. Is that something you think I should give some thought to, Jackie?

Jackie nudges Julie, who speaks up, Oh, yeah, definitely, coach. She studies the woman's face for a reaction, "If you want, we could hook you up with someone who would be more than willing to devote every hour of the day to coaching you in that arena." Pick me! Pick me!

Really? She cocks her head to the side, wanting to see how far Julie will go with this angle, And what makes you think I'd need to be taught how to please a woman?

Only slightly caught off guard by the response, Julie counters, I'm not saying that you do. I'm just saying that if you're open to it, there are people who would… Julie pauses, "just love to show you all the benefits of being with the softer sex."

The group is peppered with soft laughter, but she will not be made a fool of in her own house, "Well thank you, Whit, but I know plenty about how to please a woman. And, just so you know, it would take more than just a phone call to find a woman in this town who could take me on and have the strength to talk about it after. I'm a coach, remember? No one has to teach me a thing, but there's plenty I could teach someone else, sweetheart. Even you."

Julie's mouth, gaping from shock, moves but makes no sound.

Her response makes Jackie laugh loudly, Damn! Whit, she just handed you your own ass!! Would you like a bag with that?

Julie doesn't utter a sound. Lissa's a little afraid the girl might have lost her vocal chords with that hard gulp. She continues and gives her a moment to compose herself, Any other questions?

Like nails on a chalkboard, Jenny pipes up, Well that's all very interesting, but could we please change the subject? Have you ever played basketball?

Before Lissa can respond, Dana answers, Yes! She jumps up and grabs a book off the bookshelf, And I can prove it!

Oh God, we don't have to go there, do we? I knew she'd get me back for the stalker thing.

Julie, very interested at this new information, insists, Yes, we do. What's that, Dana?

This, Dana says, holding up the book, is coach's junior yearbook from high school. She shoots a sweet smile at Lissa. Softly she coos, "You see, ladies, our Coach Norman was an all-star point guard in high school. For four years straight she held the assist record in Alabama. Her voice falters just a bit, But in her junior year she suffered a leg injury that ended her career."

Everyone turns to look at their new coach. Her downcast eyes give her emotions away, Acute ACL injury.

But she left her mark, that's for sure. Her sophomore year was her best year and she still holds the assist record in Alabama, she beams, "for any gender of basketball player in high school or college! She flips through the pages and finds the picture she's looking for, This is her!"

Everyone except Julie gathers excitedly to look at the picture. Instead, she turns to Lissa, You didn't play as a senior?

Memories flood her brain like a tidal wave, Nope.

Confused, Julie asks, But then, how did you play for four years?

Dana speaks up again, She was a starter on the varsity team in the eighth grade!

Julie's eyes widen, Damn!

Holy shit! Jackie exclaims, "You started in the eighth grade?"

Yes, she nods sadly, the memories still hurt, I did. And when I got hurt, they kept me on the team for moral support. I was heavily recruited by Alabama, Tennessee, Connecticut, and others, but the doctors told me that if I even tried doing more than my rehab, I'd screw my knee up so badly I might not be able to walk, much less play ball. Biting her lip she takes a deep breath, So I quit ball for good. I decided that if I couldn't play, I'd coach. Shaking the emotion off and spreading her arms, And so y'all have me now!

Julie motions for the book and when she looks at the picture, she smiles, You look pretty good on the court. You'd look better naked and off it, though. She looks up, Can you play at all?

Yeah, once in a while I'll get on the court and do a little one on one play with a few friends of mine.

Like a freight train you can't slow down, Dana breaks in again, "Coach knows a lot of WNBA players. I've seen her kick the asses of some major stars! She's friends with a bunch of people whose names you'll recognize."

Excitedly Jackie asks, Who?

Dana runs off a list, Yolanda Yarburough, Gail Weatherly, and Haddey Ozment to name a few. But the absolute biggest name she knows is her second best friend, she pauses for dramatic effect, Deedra Tatum.

Jackie, flabbergasted, turns to Lissa excitedly, You know Deedra Tatum?

She laughs. Oh, if you only knew how well I know Deedra, Yes. I know Deedra from a long way back. We went to clinics together as kids. And through the years we kept running across each other. Then, the summer before I got hurt, we became the best of friends. We've stayed in touch all through her college career. And we touched all through college, too.

She's got her cell number in her phone and she had pictures of them all over the place in her other apartment in Tennessee. Dana turns to Lissa now, Where are those pictures, anyway?

I haven't had time to put them up. Plus, I don't have a ladder. Maybe I could recruit a couple of you tall ladies to help me hang them later?

Dana scoffs, Coach, you know all you need to do is ask. She's a good recruiter, Tammy and I will do them.

Thanks, ladies. That would be wonderful. It'll be good to have those pictures up again. She's been feeling a little homesick without them. The place doesn't feel like it's hers.

Julie shakes her head and sounds almost hurt, You played ball and you didn't tell us?

Whit, I didn't think it mattered, honestly. She reaches out and puts a hand on the girl's foot, "I mean, you don't have