Another sigh. “Because that’s all that matters, right? Winning?”
“Yes.”
His eyes widen a smidge, but he doesn’t say anything.
“Ben, we’re athletes.”
“Yes, but, there are other things….”
“Like what?”
“Like … like friendship and helping people and being part of a team and….” he trails off again as I look up at the chandelier above our heads.
“Just because my family are wealthy doesn’t mean I don’t want to help people.”
“Actually, I think it’s even cooler you’re thinking about helping people from low-income families. You couldn’t be further from that reality.”
He stiffens. I didn’t mean to offend him, but obviously I have.
“I didn’t mean that as an insult,” I say.
He softens a little. “Sorry,” he says, running a hand over his face. “I guess I get a little defensive over these things. I’ve spent so long around people who have a similar life to mine, whenever I’m challenged by someone who didn’t, it makes me feel … I don’t know. I guess I’m a little ashamed of all of this.” He gestures around the room, his gaze finally landing on the chandelier.
I shrug. “It’s not like you don’t know it exists. That would be worse.”
He nods.
“And hey, right now, I’m glad your family are richer than Oprah.”
He snorts.
“How else would we play tennis while visiting them?”
He sidesteps that last comment and I’m glad. It only sounded intimate when it came out of my mouth. I am visiting a guy’s parents with him. I’m spending the night at another guy’s parents’ house. I’ve never done that before.
“My family arenotricher than Oprah.”
“Okay.” I laugh, punching him in the arm, coming into contact with an impressive bicep. “Can we stop stressing about what might happen in the future? I’m here right now, and that’s all that matters.”
He chews on his lip again before answering with a tentative nod.
13
BEN
Inviting Elias to come here doesn’t feel like a mistake until it’s time to stop practicing and dress for dinner.
Out on the courts, it was easy to forget where we were. We could have been on tennis courts anywhere. Sun beating down on our backs. Our focus on each point at a time.
Elias seems lighter as we step off the courts, drinking water and wiping sweat off the back of his neck with a towel.
“Do you need to borrow something to wear for dinner?” I ask.
The easy smile drops.
“What do you mean? I didn’t realize we had to dress up for dinner.”
My neck starts to get hot. Soon a blush will be engulfing my face.
