Come Closer

It was an amazing week in Toronto, got my wedding dress and have my bridal party all chosen. The only crappy thing was that my mom is not coming to my wedding.

Giselle and I just got home from a long 6 hour drive, I promised James that I would be home when he was but we were running late. When we finally got in James and Brandon were sitting on the couch having a beer and watching sport highlights.

“Well look who finally showed up.” James got up and kissed me.

“I can’t help it; Giselle was the one who had to go to the bathroom every half hour.” I said winking at her.

“Alright, I’ll let it slide this time.” He smiled.

“Hey Brandon, how is it going?” I said sitting down on the couch beside him.

“Good, long road trip though. Good to be home.” He also got up and kissed Giselle. James and I just stared at each other.

“How was your girls’ trip, anything exciting happen?” Giselle and I looked at each other and smiled.

“What does that look mean?” James stared at me while Giselle and I turned and looked at him.

“Nothing babe, I’ll tell you later.” Showing him a quick smile.

Giselle and Brandon stayed for a quick drink and went home. It was just James and I alone now.

“So what did you do in Toronto? Anything fun other than watching your old team suck?”

“JAMES!” I said hitting him in the arm.

“Well, they do, you even said so.” James said laughing. “What else did you do?”

“Well…I found my dress.” I said smiling.

“Really? What does it look like?” he pulled me close. “I mean you would look hot in a paper bag but just asking.”

“It’s white.”

“Well, that really narrows it down.” James said being sarcastic.

“I can’t tell you what it looks like, you will just have to wait.” I smiled at him.

“You are such a tease.”

“Yeah I know, I’m just so irresistible.”

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I was finally going to meet with Brad from the Pittsburgh Raiders about coaching. When I pulled into the parking lot of the Pittsburgh Volleyball Centre it brought back memories, practicing and being a part of a team.

I went up to the front desk and told them who I was and who I’m coming to see.

“His office is on the second floor, just go up the stairs and to the left.” The receptionist told me motioning her arm toward the stairs.

“Thanks so much.” As I walked toward the stairs there were a series of glass windows, there were 3 games that were going on including the team that I played when I came with the team to Pittsburgh the first time. I walked up the stairs toward his office. His door was already open so I knocked lightly and saw him look up from his papers.

“Meghan, how are you? I see you’re feeling better.” He got up and closed the door and motioned me to sit in the chair across from his desk.

“Doing a lot better, I can actually move my arm again without it hurting so it’s going well.”
“Awesome, well are you ready to get back into the volleyball world?” He asked me.

“Brad…I never left.” We both smiled at each other.

“Since the girls are coach-less they haven’t really been doing any practicing, just ran a few drills but not enough for the start of the club season.” He said. “They already know you’re coming and are super excited to have you.”

“I am so excited to be here, it feels like I’m home, when can I meet the girls?”

“They are just in the gym on the empty court; we walked out of his office and went back down the stairs and into the gym floor.

As we walked toward them I could see in all of them the love of volleyball.

“Girls, this is your new coach Meghan Fuller. She has just moved down to Pittsburgh from Ontario, she has not only won national titles but world championships and even an Olympic gold medal.”

“You are my role model, your last set in the Olympics was deadly.” One of the players said.
“You girls are in good hands.” And Brad walked back into his office. “Meghan come and see me after your practice so I can show you your office.”

“Sounds good Brad, see you in a bit.”

“Alright, so first I would like to get to know everyone, what are all your names and positions?” All of the girls and myself sat down on the gym floor in a circle an introduced themselves to me.

1.Jessica, Setter.
2.Brittney, Outside
3.Tiffany, Setter
4.Jordyn, Outside
5.Danielle, Middle
6.Jennifer, Outside
7.Bailey, Outside
8.Krista, Libero
9.Alex, Middle
10.Taylor, Libero

“Ok, awesome. Well ready to get going?” I asked the girls getting up.

“Let’s do this! Ok but first, let us see that ring on your finger.” Jennifer asked. So I stuck my hand out for all of them to see.

“Holy shit, that thing must have cost a fortune. Who is the lucky guy and when can we meet him?” Alex said looking at me smiling.

“James Neal, and you will meet him soon enough.”

“Ok, wait, wait, wait. The James Neal like Penguin hockey player?”

“Ha, yeah that James Neal.” I looked at the girls laughing.

“You lucky bitch.” Danielle starred at me and winked.

“Yeah I know” I said laughing. “Ok ladies lets go. 5 laps around the court. Chop chop.” I love these girls, I am so glad I took up this opportunity.

The girls and I did a ton of different drills. Hitting, serving, passing and rotations. The time flew by.

“Ok, that’s all for today girls, I have to pick up your new schedule now that you have a coach. For now I think practice will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, sound good?” I asked them.

“Sounds splendid and I think I can speak on behalf of all of us that we love ya and are excited about the new club season!” Alex said as all the girls grabbed their bags and went to change.

I walked back up to Brad’s office and he showed me to my office which was right beside his. Just as I was leaving I saw one of the cleaning men come over to the door with a silver plack and slid it into the slit on the door.

Meghan Fuller
Raiders Head Coach

I had the biggest smile on my face when I left the gym.

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“So how was it” James said to me as I walked in the door.

Omg James, coaching at team is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.” I went over to the couch and sat on his lap.

“I thought I was the best thing that has ever happened to you.” He smiled at me.

“Well maybe it is the 2nd best thing that has happened to me.” I kissed him. “I’m so glad everything is falling into place now.” I got up and went to the kitchen and made myself something to eat.

“Babe let me tell you something.” James said to me. “I am so happy that you are here, with me in Pittsburgh and finally starting a life together. I mean, this is what we have been waiting for. Next thing you know, we will be married and having kids.” He came over to the kitchen and kissed me.

“You know it!” I kissed him back.

I would not want to be anywhere else then here in Pittsburgh.

Notes