Chapter 315: Coach's Office

Tuesday, January 31st, Afternoon

After the school day ended, Ashlyn locked her office and headed towards the field house. The coach's office was empty when Ashlyn got there. She took a seat behind the desk and opened up a file that sat on the desk. Slowly, Ashlyn moved through her notes for tonight's game.

Ashlyn sighed and closed the file; Coach Scott liked his hard copies. She leaned back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling. The paint is the old-style textured paint; for a minute or two, Ashlyn made patterns of the bumps with her mind. Finally, she closed her eyes and let her mind drift.

Fifteen years ago, most people would say simpler times; some would say better times. Ashlyn knew that was bunk. Back then, Ashlyn's life was just as complex, and it didn't seem to get easier. Long ago, Ashlyn tried to put her behind in her past, Lion King, which has been her source of wisdom for a while.

"Where's Coach?" a voice asked from the door.

Ashlyn looked up and saw Devyn standing at the door. Smiling, Ashlyn straightened up in the seat. "He's being interviewed or some sort of press. All and all, just a distraction," Ashlyn said.

"I can tell; you look exhausted," Devyn said.

"It's been one of those weeks, Dev," Ashlyn said.

Devyn took a seat in the chair across the desk from Ashlyn. She canted her head. "I can't imagine what's going on with all this crap," Devyn said.

"Yeah, imagine being Coach," Ashlyn said.

"Yeah, well, crazy," Devyn said.

"What brings you out of that big house of yours so early?" Ashlyn asked.

"It's not that big; your place is a nice size as well," Devyn said.

"Mine's a mess, a modern addition to a classic house; yours is just classic," Ashlyn said.

Devyn smiled and nodded, "Well, I came in early to see everyone," she said, "Before the chaos."

Ashlyn nodded, "Who's here now?" she asked.

"Mack and Cara from the team," Devyn said, "So far."

"So far?" Ashlyn asked.

"It's still early," Devyn said.

"I guess," Ashlyn said, "Cara is a surprise this early."

"Bigger surprise is players from other teams are showing up," Devyn said.

"That's something I didn't expect," Ashlyn said.

"Well, I guess we both underestimated how much of an impact Coach, and, well, Coach, have made on all the past players and other coaches," Devyn said.

Ashlyn shrugged, "I guess, never thought about it," she said.

"I didn't until I stopped living it," Devyn said.

"What do you mean?" Ashlyn asked.

"Stop living the days that have passed. Since I got married and had a family," Devyn said, shrugged, and gestured around the room, "This, it has been great for me, but it doesn't need to be me. That last game in March when I was a senior in college was enough for me."

Ashlyn nodded, "I can't escape this whole thing," she said.

"Yes, you can, if you want to," Devyn said.

Ashlyn shrugged, "Maybe someday," she said.

"Someday?" Devyn asked.

"Not everyone could just walk away; others are forced," Ashlyn said.

Devyn shrugged, "You've got to be excited, with Brett going to Norte Dame," she said.

Ashlyn pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at Devyn. Ashlyn nodded, "Yes, she picked a school she wanted to attend; the only problem is it's so far," she said.

"It will be good for you and her," Devyn said.

"It's, I don't know, just different, always had Brett around," Ashlyn said.

"Well, you always wanted Brett not to be involved with basketball; now she is moving on," Devyn said.

"Yeah," Ashlyn said.

"So, spend time with Maeghan and the boys," Devyn said.

Ashlyn nodded and looked around the room. "Yeah," she said.

"Why do you keep looking around the office?" Devyn asked.

"Just something I was told," Ashlyn said.

"What would that be?" Devyn asked.

"Coach wants me to take over when he and Coach Sinclair retire," Ashlyn said.

Devyn canted her head, "You?" she asked.

Ashlyn nodded, "I think it's just because I'm on the staff now," she said.

"What makes you say that?" Devyn asked.

"Because the rumor is he said the same about Cara when she was on staff," Ashlyn said.

"I think everyone wants to know that their legacy is secure," Devyn said, "It is something he's worried about, especially considering the recent years."

Ashlyn nodded, "Yeah, those times sucked," she said.

Devyn nodded, "Why have you been so down?" she asked.

Ashlyn shrugged, "Life, I think," she said, "Maybe, it's missing James, hell, it could be just seeing Brett play."

Devyn nodded, "Ash, we played together for two years, and you were one of the best small forward I've played with," she said.

"The problem was I was a shooting guard," Ashlyn said.

"Angela?" Devyn asked.

"Angela," Ashlyn said.

"I'm surprised Coach didn't run three-guard more," Devyn said.

"He's a traditionalist at heart, I would guess," Ashlyn said.

Devyn nodded, "You know who I saw hanging around?" she asked.

"Who was hanging around?" Ashlyn asked.

"Skillz Taylor," Devyn said.

"Wow, all the big guns are here," Ashlyn said.

"Where are the girls?" Devyn asked.

"In the locker room, getting ready for the game," Ashlyn said and gestured to the closed door.

The door to the hallway opened, and Coaches Scott and Sinclair walked in. They looked at the two women sitting at the desk.

"Devyn," Coach Sinclair said.

"Hello, Devyn," Coach Scott said.

"Coach, Coach," Devyn said.

"This place is crawling with ex-players," Coach Sinclair said.

"Well, it's a big night for both of Y'all," Devyn said.

"And you as well, Devyn," Coach Sinclair said.

"It's a thing," Devyn said.

"Will your family be in the stands?" Coach Sinclair asked.

"Even my brothers," Devyn said.

"That's good," Coach Sinclair said.

"Considering I'm only one of them that will ever be immortalized," Devyn said.

"Devyn, we have to get the team ready," Coach Scott said.

Devyn nodded, "Yes, of course, I'll see you at the ceremony," Devyn said, stood up, and left the office.

Ashlyn stood up and left from behind the desk. Coach Scott took his seat behind the desk and looked at his two assistants. Coach Scott nodded.

"She's always been a special one," Coach Sinclair said.

"Devyn is Devyn," Ashlyn said.

Coach Scott nodded again, "Check on the girls, both of y'all; we have a game to win tonight," Coach Scott said.

"Yes, Coach," Ashlyn said.

"Yes, Lucas," Coach Sinclair said.

The two women went through the locker room door, leaving Coach Scott alone at his desk.