Chapter 42: Andi
After the most exhaustingthree days of my life, I’m finally back in Boston. I take the T back to my place where I promptly re-pack my bag and get in my car.
I feel like I’m in the moviePlanes, Trains, and Automobiles.
I cannot wait to see Brandon; to tell him everything that happened. James York didn’t want me saying anything until the official statements were released, not even to Brandon.
It’s been hard.
Never before, even when I was with Mike, have I ever had a desire to share with someone like this. I’m not made of glass when I’m around Brandon. That knowledge gave me the strength to stand up and be seen at the USSLRA headquarters.
Things are changing because of me.
The threat of a massive class action lawsuit alone was enough to get them to draw up a contract with all female referees, ensuring not only equal pay scales, but guaranteeing retroactive pay for the 18 percent differential. They are also increasing the rate for the WUSSL games to equal those of the MUSSL games. Moving forward, there will be one pay scale for all games, regardless of the gender of either the officials or the players. The ink’s not quite dry—because bureaucracy—but if they don’t come through, there’ll be hell to pay.
Additionally, the implementation of the video assistant referee next season will not only create 25 percent more jobs, but it will also be a viable option for women who are pregnant or postpartum to continue working and not lose progress on their way to promotion.
My name has officially been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the Seamus O’Malley–Brandon Nix fight. Both players will receive hefty fines and a two-game suspension. There is no call for Brandon to be expelled from the league.
He can keep playing.
I’ve disclosed my relationship with Brandon. If he continues playing, I’ll only be officiating games in the WUSSL.
He’s worth that trade-off.
Because of the aforementioned deal, it won’t be a pay cut for me, and I’ll still get to advance my career. Then I can go to watch the Boston Buzzards play as a WAG. It really is the perfect outcome.
Perfect until I get to Brandon’s place and it’s empty.
That’s disappointing.
In the few brief texts we’d exchanged over the past few days, he didn’t mention traveling. Maybe he’s at the grocery store?
My call goes directly to voicemail.
That’s not a good sign.
Not that we’ve called each other that much, but he’s never declined my call before. It’s after 9 p.m., so the options of where he could be are limited.
I’m sure he’ll be back soon.
