Lupe and Selina Play Through the Storm

“Well, that’s just great. If I don’t leave in a few minutes, the bank will close, and I’ll miss another day of getting my mom’s loan application filed. Then, everyone will blame me.” Lupe picked up her mitt and threw it against the door, then told her intern, “I’m a lousy example of how to handle stress, aren’t I? My apologies. We need something big—a big win to raise the team’s profile and get some respect on campus. I’m sick of Derek sucking up all the glory.” She looked down at the pile of memos Bonnie had sorted. “Save any of those tournament invitations. We need a plan to get us over this hump. You girls deserve that.” Lupe bent down to pick up her glove and tried not to grimace as she straightened up. On top of everything else, her legs were killing her.

“Here’s a tournament in 2010, only it’s in Mexico.” Bonnie waved the invitation in the air.

“I’m too busy to review it now. I’m off to do some banking. I appreciate you holding down the fort. I will be back.” Who would have thought overseeing the athletics department would turn out like this? Give me a ball and bat any day. Did Bonnie mention the tournament was in Mexico?

Water dripped from Lupe’s jacket onto the floor of the bank as she stood in front of the loan officer. He mopped up damp spots on her application with his handkerchief and slowly looked her over from her drippy head to her muddy shoes.