Owen handed the shirt and envelope to Howard first and gave him a firm handshake. I swallowed hard as he took a half step and ended up in front of me.
“Congratulations,” he said, poker-faced. “I knew you could do it, B.”
I held my breath, waiting for him to pivot away abruptly. I was so focused on the fact that he was really right in front of me and not in my dreams that I didn’t notice the shirt and envelope he was offering to me.
“These are for you,” he said softly, giving my prizes a shake so I’d see them.
“Thank you,” I finally managed as I took them.
“Hold for a quick photo,” mic guy said as a woman with a real camera appeared in front of us.
I couldn’t do anythingbuthold, which meant that I’d be immortalized in an official tournament photo on the Parks website wide-eyed and awkward, stiff-arming the shirt out in front of me and clutching the envelope so hard that it nearly bent in half despite the gift card inside.
“Okay, thanks, folks! Next group,” mic guy said. “Group seven, report to the winner’s circle, please.”
Howard, Owen, and I moved away from the crowd. I was happy to have my octogenarian buffer, because how could Owen walk away from my cheery partner? He’d have to at least chat for a little while, so he wouldn’t come across as rude.
I’d just lap up those precious minutes like a hungry kitten, drinking in every nuance of Owen’s responses so I could decipher what was going on behind his placid expression.
“Did you see this one today?” Howard asked Owen proudly, clasping my shoulder. “What a star!”
Owen’s face was softer than I’d seen it look in a while. I’d gotten too used to the cutting eyes and clenched jaw, so I allowed myself to feel a little bit of hope as I waited for him to respond.
“Ididsee her. I watched every second of your matches.”
His eyes met mine, and I had to look away quickly, because I didn’t want to cry. I still didn’t know the chicken or the egg scenario with the CPA sponsorship of the event, so I didn’t allow myself to get too excited. Maybe the club marketing person had signed on to do it, and Owen was forced into showing up?
“You two are quite a team,” Owen continued. “I was just as impressed with you, Howard.”
“Why, thank you.” He bowed his head at Owen. “I certainly gave it my all. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my Susan in this mess,” Howard said as he peered around the crowd. “Brooke, I’m not sure if we’ll be playing here or at Jimmie next, but let’s get back out there soon.”
We hugged each other, and he disappeared into the crowd. I was about to manufacture questions about the tournament so Owen would stay and talk when Meredith and Colton crashed into me.
“Hey, you,congrats!” She shot me a look heavy with subtext.
My parents were right behind her, which meant the awkwardness with Owen would now be incalculable.
“Oh, honey, you were so good!” my mom cheered as she pulled me to her. “I had no idea.”
“I did,” my dad said. “She’smydaughter.”
He joined the hug.
“Guys, this is Owen,” I said when I finally untangled myselffrom my parents. “My coach.Formercoach,” I added quickly. “These are my parents, David and Kay.”
I was positive that Owen wasn’t expecting to meet my parents, and I held my breath to see how put out he’d be by the onslaught of cheerful Murphys.
“Hello! Wes told us all about you.” My mom beamed at him as she shook his hand in both of hers. “He said he wants to be your best friend.”
Owen coughed out a surprised laugh. “Seriously? The feeling’s mutual.”
His eyes darted to me.
“So what did you think about Brooke’s performance?” my dad asked him. “Professionally speaking. Because I was justawestruckby her athleticism. Did she tell you that she used to hate sports?”
“Dad.”I groaned like I’d reverted to my easily mortified thirteen-year-old self. “Let’s not.”
“Brooke did share that with me.” Owen ignored my protest. “Turns out she’s a natural.”
