I notice Maya purses her lips together, trying to hold in a smirk.
Roger pipes up again. “Well, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, onto business. Eddie, Maya will be your resort host for the week.”
Maya nods with a smile. Seeing her face light up triggers a tightness in my chest.
At that moment, I register what Roger said. I narrow my eyes and cross my arms in front of my chest. “Wait,host…What exactly does that mean?”
Maya clasps her hands together in front of her waist. “As your Mynt Peak Resort host, I am available for anything you need. I will escort you to and from your events and show you around our amazing venue. I’ve compiled a list of activities in the beautiful city of Winterbrook that you might enjoy. Anything you’d like to do, I’ll make it happen.”
I don’t want to do any extra activities. I don’t want to do any of the things listed on the itinerary this week. I was planning to skip as many as possible.
My muscles tense. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
I notice Maya’s expression fall momentarily. In the next instant, her smile returns. She opens her mouth to respond, when I hear Roger’s voice. “Eddie, can I talk to you for a moment?” Roger grasps my shoulder and pushes me toward the bedroom. “We’ll be right back, Maya.”
When we’re in the bedroom, Roger points his finger at me. “Maya seems like a sweet young woman. She’s just doing her job, which is to accompany you to Mynt to Make a Difference events. Reach deep down inside that steel heart of yours and findsome holiday spirit.” Then he drops his finger and says, “Please, Eddie. For the sponsorship.”
I run a hand through my hair. It’s rare for Roger to use his tough love persona. It’s the jolt I need though. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This is just…not easy for me.”
“I know.” Roger grips my shoulder. “But you love tennis, and if you want to continue your career, we need this. If it helps, don’t think of it as a vacation, but as a part of training. PR training. Social skills training…with a holiday theme.”
I sigh. “I do love training.”
“That’s the spirit! Come on now, let’s go mingle and jingle!”
This is happening. I’ve got to pull it together. Be a professional. As much as I hate to admit it, PR is a part of the job. Not one I’ve ever excelled at, but maybe this is an area I could try to improve in this week.
Sponsorship. Training.I repeat to myself.Focus on the big picture. Keep your why in mind.Then, I think of my dad’s words to me when I would complain about conditioning or doing my school work. He’d always say,If you want to be a champion, you’ve got to put in the work on and off the court.
I need to succeed in tennis, which means I need to do my best this week. Not just for myself, not for Roger, but for my family too.
Chapter 6
Maya
Wellthatcouldnothave gone worse. Holly is gonna lose it when I tell her I’ve already seen Eddie in his underwear. On second thought, I should probably leave that part out.
Now, I’m stuck in an elevator with Eddie and Roger. No one speaks. My guess is that I’m not the only one decompressing after that interaction.
I’m doing all I can to avoid eye contact with Eddie. Mostly because I keep picturing him in his Cheez-Its underwear. I have a lot of questions…Number one: why does he own such undies? Number two: why is he actually wearing them? Number three: does he own boxer briefs displaying other snacks?
Seeing Eddie in his skivvies is definitely up there with the most awkward guest introductions I’ve ever had. But, now that it’s over, I can also appreciate that it was hilarious…and intriguing. That man’s abs should be studied. I swear he had a fourteen pack. I feel my cheeks heating up, and I bite my lip to avoid smirking.
When the elevator finally beeps, I let out the breath I had inadvertently been holding and allow my smile to return. Timeto put on my professional game face. “Here we are.” I motion for them to exit the elevator. “The Mingle and Jingle event is right this way.” Leading them through the lobby, we quickly make it to the ballroom.
The doors are open as other guests file into the magnificent space. I’ve always loved the grandeur of the ballroom. Countless weddings have been hosted here, under the sparkling lights of the chandeliers. Today, the tables will be filled with professional athletes and giddy fans.
After checking the table assignments, I lead Roger and Eddie to table 5, which is at the end of the first row. “The event should start in about ten minutes. I'll be right over there.” I point to the outer wall of the ballroom. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Eddie nods while Roger gives a hearty, “Thank you!”
As I head toward my spot, I see Holly waving me over. She mouths,he’s so hot, as I walk toward her. I pray Roger and Eddie aren’t looking in this direction. You don’t need to be a professional lip reader to understand Holly with her giant expressions. I scold her silently with a head shake. She just smiles bigger.
“I have so many questions!” Holly whispers. “But, I really need your help. The VIP ticket holders are entering soon, and we need more staff to help them find their tables. Mr. Mynt wants the event to start right on time, and I’m afraid it will be chaos if people try to engage with their favorite athletes as they come in.”
I glance over at Eddie to make sure he looks like he’s doing okay. Notice how I didn’t say I was making sure he was having a good time? Yeah, that might be impossible. I have lowered my goal this week to him being physically present where and when needed. Enjoying himself is asking a little much. I think I might actually faint if he cracks a real smile.
My annoyance turns into curiosity as I see Eddie staring down at the napkin in his hands. Are his eyes glossy? No, it can’t be. It’s probably just the lighting.
