I notice Roger swallow as he rubs his hands together, staring at the floor. Finally, he meets my gaze with a shrug and a smile. “Mr. Mynt, the CEO, said he loves a comeback story.”
I blink as I try to absorb the information. “Wait, the CEO reached out to you himself?”
Roger nods with a reassuring smile, that does not, in fact, reassure me at all.
I furrow my brow in response. “He loves a…comeback story. So, he pities me?”
“No…hebelievesin you.”
I pick up a ball and hit it high into the air, exhaling. The CEO of Mynt wanting to sponsor me because he loves a comeback story and believes in me should be encouraging, but it feels like a trap.
Roger walks up beside me and places his hand on my shoulder. “Do not overthink this. Why can’t you just accept it for the goodnews that it is. For once in your life, don’t ruin a good thing because of your skepticism. We need this. I need this.”
I look up at him. His eyes look tired. Behind the facade of his chipper personality, I might actually be exhausting Roger. He’s been my agent since I made the pro tour when I was 19. It has not been an easy ride for either of us. But, admittedly, I’m to blame for putting him through the wringer. I’m not always the easiest to deal with. So, for Roger’s sake, I swallow down my disdain at the possibility of being a pity case. I will attempt to roll with it.
Even saying that to myself is hard, but Roger’s right. We could use some good news. My nagging injuries and lack of a major title is straining my team financially. A new sponsor will really help. Especially with my rehab, coaching and travel expenses.
I look up at Roger and force a thin smile. “Okay.”
“Okay, like you’re good with it?” he asks hesitantly.
“Yeah, it sounds like a…” I try to find a positive word, “timely opportunity.”
“That’s because it is! I’ll let Mynt know right away.” Roger wraps his arms around me in a tight hug.
I feel like I’m in a straight jacket. I am not a hugger, and Roger knows this. The fact that he went for it anyway tells me we might have needed this deal more than I even realized. I want to ask him if he’s not telling me something, but he whispers, “Pack your bags, we’re going to Winterbrook.”
I pry him off me. “What?”
“We’re, uh…going to Winterbrook,” he says again, this time with a little more volume.
“What’s in Winterbrook? Isn’t that in Colorado?” Definitely not an ideal training location in December. We’re in Florida, the best option for winter tennis training in the States. Snow and tennis do not mix.
Roger takes a few steps away from me in the direction of the court exit before he stops. “As a member of the Mynt family, you are required to attend their Christmas charity event at Mynt Peak Resort.”
I’m frozen in place, but I notice Roger is speed walking out of the gate. When he’s safely on the other side of the fence, he yells. “We leave in one week.”
I grunt. “Roger!”
“You already agreed.” Now he’s walking to the exit. “Think of it as a much-needed vacation. You could use a break…No, youneeda break.”
“I’m not going!” I know I sound like a spoiled kid, but this…this is my nightmare.
“Yes, you are!” I hear Roger call back. “It’s gonna be great!” Chipper Roger is back.
“No,” I groan, mostly to myself. A fire feels like it’s beginning to burn in my chest.
I hate rest. I hate charity. Most of all, I hate Christmas.
Chapter 2
Maya
“IloveChristmas!”Ising while happily decorating the best place in the world, Mynt Peak Resort.
As a 22-year-old college student, I really can’t think of a better job than working on staff at Mynt Peak. The large but cozy resort is situated in a small Colorado mountain town called Winterbrook. It’s the real world version of Whoville at Christmas—except more luxurious.
My best friend and coworker, Holly, shakes her head at me. “I love Christmas too, but I’d rather be enjoying the perks of the resort rather than waiting on patrons,” she says as she struggles to untangle a ball of Christmas lights. “Don’t you think a ritzy place like this would hire professionals to decorate?”
