Since there were no young children, we had decided to gather for breakfast and gift giving at 9:30. This meant Geoff and I could enjoy each other for a long slow time before we emerged—this time wearing matching red Ferrari print pj bottoms and tees (gifts from Val) and red Santa’s caps (gifts from Matt). I think everyone knew we had just put them on after our shower. The day was filled with great food, gift-giving beyond anything I could have imagined, and a feeling of a loving family that I had never experienced. I would always remember it. Geoff and I had agreed to hold our gifts until after the Miami meet. We presented Brett and Val with a chef’s kitchen dinner at the fabulous La Dolcissima Vita in Austin. Matt got an authentic RCC jersey, shorts and helmet. We had heard that he was receiving a racing bike from his parents, and I had agreed to coach.
The day after Christmas, we needed to make our too-early farewells. I had only two more days with the team before the great season finale in Miami. Doc and Val embraced us like the children of theirs we now were. I couldn’t express my feelings without choking up. “This has been the best Christmas ever. Thank you.”
Val quickly responded, “We are looking forward to many more—perhaps even with grandchildren some day.”
A few hours later, we were back in Houston. En route, I got the Franchise Draft txt. Las Vegas had drafted me with a generous financial offer. Reg was drafted by LA. My offer was a good one. I would clearly be treated as a star in the City that Never Tells, but I realized immediately that the compensation would not support a split residency in Houston and Las Vegas unless Geoff picked up all the Houston expenses—and even then, it would mean we would be apart for about half of each year until his studies ended—and I would need to live a lie. I expected Geoff to be sullen, but I think he had already accepted the fact that any draft would raise the issue of living apart. Perhaps I was a bit disappointed not to get the golden LA bid, but I realized it probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway. At least air connections between Houston and Vegas were many and easy. And we had six months before any of this actualized.
There was no time to celebrate—or even to discuss these options with Geoff. Two days later we flew to Miami. Geoff had decided to go as well since he had no classes, but he carefully took a room in a nearby hotel. This was an off year for bowls in Miami and the Super Bowl bid had gone to Vegas that year, so the tourist authority was in full swing. Although UMiami was technically the host, the MTDA made all the arrangements. They laid out an imaginative course: all teams were bused to the Everglades National Park (Shark Valley) about 50 miles west of Miami. The course would head east to Ft. Lauderdale and then make a dogleg and wind through a dozen tourist meccas en route to the finish in magnificent Coral Gables. Police escorts would be required throughout. Stands had been erected in several locations—including the route of the famous Orange Bowl Parade which we would follow for a short distance. All the potential SCC conference champs had been invited: UMiami, Dallas, UT-Austin and RCC. It was to be a free for all start with a lotteried placement. We drew a center slot.
There was excitement in the air, but a thin crowd, at the National Park which was some distance from civilization. We again used our fast break strategy which was less successful because of our post position, but the strength of our front line—Jean Marc, Reg, Chet and myself made it clear almost within the first five miles that we were the team to beat. We were ahead, but not by much as we road through the tourist streets of the Atlantic beach communities to more cheering crowds than we had ever before seen. It actually gave us the taste of pro cycling. We were challenged again and again, but RCC prevailed and protected its perfect season. My point riders were exhausted from those challenges, but they generously pushed me to the winner’s box with a time just about equal to my overall best. Reg and Jean Marc were second and third. Chet tied for fourth with the Dallas captain, producing the best time he had ever cycled.
There were speeches, photographs, an al fresco lunch near the Westin pool, and it was over. Recognizing that many of our team members might want to stay in Miami to greet the New Year, I had agreed to permit everyone to purchase his own air for reimbursement. Managers collected the bikes and equipment for transport back to Houston. Then, many who had dates began to wander off. I headed back to the hotel with the van, secured my bike for the return to Houston, and went up to the room to shower and change.
Minutes later Geoff showed up in a rented car and we headed for the Keys. He had arranged a “surprise” vacation for us as his Christmas present. It was an all-inclusive resort, on an island reached by a hydro-foil launch from Islamorada. The resort was barely in Florida, out in the Gulf Stream, toward The Bahamas. It was described as ultra-chic, small, clothing optional and gay friendly.
As we left Coral Gables, I pulled out my cell and realized that I had received a text from Coach Neal. “Please call ASAP concerning developments. Reg has accepted LA draft and has notified us that he is leaving Rice immediately, finishing up his courses by internet. Joe has removed his name from coach selection—he is going to LA as manager and trainer for Reg.” I guess this wasn’t totally unexpected, but I had thought that Reg would at least wait until the end of the academic year. I guess money talked louder than I had imagined. But, I had no cell service until we reached Islamorada.
While Geoff made arrangements to park the car and move our small amount of luggage to the launch, I called Neal who was apparently still in Miami.
“This is Chet, returning your call.”
“I hope you’re sitting down and have a few minutes. This is a bit complicated. You obviously got my text about Reg and Joe. I must say Reg’s decision is not a surprise and of course we had already discussed reopening the coach search. So, I’ve been busy. I’ve spoken to the AD and to the Dean. We are together on this.”
“We are pleased to offer you the chief coach position when you graduate. The compensation will include a salary reflecting part-time coaching responsibilities, typical Rice perks, and admission to and full tuition at the Jones School of Business Administration for your MBA. The appointment would be for two years. Your thesis advisor has told us that you are one of the most talented financial students he has ever taught—and we certainly all know your cycling skills, your team leadership, and your ability to attract support for RCC. We think this could be a win-win.”
“Wow. This is off the wall unexpected. Thank you for the vote of confidence. Can I think about this for a few days?” Then, I paused, took a deep breath and continued, “One more thing, Coach Neal, I need to tell you that I am gay. If that is an issue, it needs to be on the table now.”