When she returned, the boys were gone but the car was still parked out front. She peeked in the cottage window and saw socks and pants strewed about the place. She quickly carried her groceries into her house. There, slipped under the door, she saw a scribbled note:
Dear Mrs. Kincaid,
Thank you for letting us stay. We’ve gone to the beach.
Be back later,
The Boys
Milly smiled. It felt quite nice to have someone care enough to leave a note. She rolled up her sleeves and quickly got to work. She only had a few hours before the children would be home from school.
The next day, during her lesson with Robbie and Sylvia, Milly felt as inept as she did the first time around. She couldn’t keep the ball in play, and a mounting sense of disappointment consumed her. When Robbie stood behind her and adjusted her grip on the racket, moving her arm to replicate the swing, she was not fooled by his intentions and shequickly assured him that she understood and stepped aside. When the lesson was over, she was relieved.
“Should we stay and try to play a little?” Sylvia asked. “I’ve got a few minutes.”
“I don’t think so,” Milly said. “I might be a lost cause, and I think someone wants to use the court.”
“Oh,” Sylvia said to a woman standing at the gate. “I didn’t realize you were waiting.” But the woman didn’t respond, just opened the gate and walked on. As she approached, Milly realized it was Adele.
“I’m not waiting for the court,” Adele said. “I’m waiting to speak with you, Mrs. Johnson.”
“Me?” Sylvia asked.
“I looked for Mr. Johnson but he was not available. His secretary said I could find you here.”
“We just finished a lesson. How can I help you?”
“I’m Adele Lambert.”
“I know who you are, Miss Lambert,” Sylvia said.
“I would like you to hire me,” she said. “To work here.”
Sylvia looked confused. “Don’t you work at the Fun Zone?”
“Not anymore,” she said, glaring at Milly.
“Oh no, did something happen?” Milly asked, feeling somehow to blame. “Did the ride malfunction cost you your job? That doesn’t seem fair.”
“It doesn’t matter now.” Adele returned her attention to Sylvia. “I’d like to work as a tennis coach,” Adele said.
“Goodness.” Sylvia almost started to laugh. “I’m sorry we don’t have any lady coaches.” She picked up her pocketbook and put it on her shoulder.
“Maybe you should,” Adele said.
“The coaches here are all male. Same as at any other club.” Sylvia said. “Do you even play?”
“Yes,” Adele said. “She has seen me.” She looked pointedly at Milly.
“It’s true, I did,” Milly said. “In the alley behind my house. She’s very good. Excellent, actually.”
“I could beat any of the coaches here,” Adele said.
“Ha!” Sylvia laughed. “Good for you.”
“And every single man.”
“You’re very confident,” Sylvia said, beginning to step away.
