“But that’s not a big deal, right?” he said.
“Yeah, of course,” I snapped too quickly, showing my hand and revealing far too much. “It’s nothing.”
His eyebrows bunched together. “Is there... is there something going on?” His head lowered, his eyes finding mine.
Exhaling a deep breath, I began, “Inés is...” I trailed off, realizing I wasn’t quite sure how to describe our relationship. “We’re... something.”
His eyes narrowed. “Definesomething.”
“Am I still speaking to the sibling version of you?” I asked, his demand not sounding too brotherly to my ear.
“I’ll rephrase,” he said. “What does she mean toyou? Is she only a teammate? Rival? Friend?” He grimaced at the next word. I was definitely still talking to Brother Calvin. “Lover?”
“All four? It’s complicated.”
He rolled his eyes, slumping against the wall. “It’s definitely that.”
I lost his attention there, Coach Calvin clearly taking over and immediately going into overdrive thinking of the implications of my dating Inés.
“I’m sorry,” I said, slumping next to him.
“Don’t be sorry,” he said softly. “These last few weeks, it’s the happiest I’ve ever seen you.” I pulled him into a hug as he continued speaking. “It’s complicated professionally, but I’m really happy for you. I think the two of you will be so good together.”
“Thanks,” I answered.
“So, can I ask how long?” Calvin said. “Since it’sactuallyreal and not something Dani told you to do for PR behind my back. The more we know, the better we can control the narrative.”
I forced an awkward smile. “Toronto?”
“The airport hotel?” he asked, his tone surprised. His hand pushed through his hair. “I knew that room was a problem.”
“I wouldn’t quite describe it that way.” I smiled softly at him, just wanting to go home, back to the hotel, back to her. Take off these damn shoes and let her help me out of this dress.
“Is this something you both wanted to keep under wraps?” he asked, curiosity crinkling his features. “If the press is asking questions, then there’s obviously chatter. We will need to talk to Dani about it.”
“I want it private, but that does not mean it’s a secret.” I swallowed, thinking back to the interview. “The journalist, she asked me if I’m more of a brand than a player.”
“I should have never let her talk to you.” Calvin turned, as if he was ready to go back and hunt her down, but with a hand on his arm, I pulled him back.
“It’s fine. I survived.” I shrugged his concerns away. “But it helped me understand. I’m not a brand, not more than a tennis player. But I do understand that my career is funded by brands, who use my name and image to sell things, and that makes me a commodity.” I took a deep breath, needing a moment to let my own realization sink in.When I spoke again, my words were clear, my tone serious. “However, my life isnotfor public consumption. My relationships are not for sale.”
Calvin nodded. “I wouldn’t ever ask you to do that.”
“I know,” I said with the same seriousness. “I doubt you’d even pitch the idea if it ever came to you. That’s why I like our working relationship.”
“I’m glad you know that.”
I smiled at him, trying to relax the serious atmosphere around us. “We should probably get back out there. Do I need to do more interviews?”
“No.” He shook his head, my relief instant. “Maybe some photos, but don’t talk to anyone else until we figure this out. I don’t want you to suffer through more questions. If anyone has a problem with it, I’ll take the heat.”
“My hero.”
“You’re welcome.”
We both headed back into the main space, Dani catching us and pulling me over to take some photos with the sneakers I’d apparently helped design.
And as I stood there, forcing a smile and interest, all I could think about was Inés.
