He abandoned her for one who moved with a more prestigious crowd, and Memphis mourned for John Calipari. She had pledged herself and remained devoted to him. She followed him and depended on him. Every word he said she took to heart. He was her one and only. Then, after he escorted her to the grand ball in March, after he defended her from those who ridiculed her circle of friends, Cal left.
Stunned at his desertion, Memphis sighed and cried. She ranted, raved, and accused him of infidelity. How could he do such a thing after nine years of success and happiness together? How could he leave without an explanation? It seems Kentucky was his first love, and he was flattered that she finally looked his way. Memphis held her head high. “I hope you’ll be very happy, Cal,” she said through her tears.
Determined not to sit and mope, Memphis polished her image and looked around for another shining star. Rejection after rejection ate away at her self esteem until her resilience was crushed. Nobody wanted her; everyone thought she was a has been or a never was. A shot of Calipari confidence was all she needed, but Cal had given that to Kentucky.
Wait, a glimmer of interest sparkled on the bench. Could it be? A replacement for the mercurial John Calipari so close at hand? The eager young face of Josh Pastner, obscured by Cal’s shadow, intrigued Memphis. A flirtation began. Josh was intelligent, likable, competent. Yes, he wanted Memphis, and she wanted him. Brushing aside her tears and hoping for a bright future with Josh Pastner, Memphis was bouncing back. She wondered what it will be like to waltz into next year’s ball, a confident winner, escorted by Josh Pastner.
