“Oh?”
“Yeah, and no I’m not telling you what we talked about.”
“I wasn’t asking!” I cried. “I was just surprised. And pleased, if I’m honest. I’d like you to be friends.”
She tilted her head, theatrically considering. “Hmm, I think we can manage it. He did bring me a lot of sushi after all.”
“He did.”
“And he’s good for you. And makes you happy.”
“He really does.”
Aware that I could probably talk about Miles all day, I changed the subject before my afternoon with Katie devolved into nothing but me gushing about my boyfriend. “How are you feeling about the Open?” I asked as we fetched racquets.
“Good.”
I set a hand on my hip and gave her a look, while around us the thwack of balls and the squeak of shoes was the endless music of our lives.
“Good, really, just . . . a forced sort of good,” she admitted. “Because I’m determined rather than because I think I can really do it. Last season was my best though, so I’m just going to go for it and hope to make this one even better. That’s how it works for mere mortals like me, right?”
“Are you saying I’mnota mere mortal?”
She pressed her smile flat. “Well, your career has really taken off, hasn’t it? You’re making finals and winning titles—”
“Title, singular.”
“—and beating world number threes on centre court at grand slams. That one is plural.”
“Unfortunately. But . . . Katie, you know better than anyone what a mess I am. And I still am! I had a whole meltdown at Miles the night before the final. Turns out fear and doubt don’t magically go away when you’re playing well. I still have to force myself to believe. Although, I admit having someone who believes in you when you can’t believe in yourself makes a big difference.”
She nodded, shrugging. “That does sound nice. But until I find myself a Miles, or rather a Milesina, I’m just going to have to believe in myself.”
“While I’m absolutely second best to this as-yet unknown Milesina, you’ve still got me. So, you’ve got this. What do you want to work on today?”
Scrunchie
Hey, what’s your schedule like tomorrow?
pretty light, i think, except for practice?
i have that exhibition match in the evening though. why?
Nico’s practising with the juniors in the afternoon, so Tomas and I are spending the morning working with him. He’s still not sure he has what it takes for a pro career, and since no one reads tennis like you, I thought you might come along
You super don’t have to though. I know you’re busy
sounds great. something something we owe it to those who came before us to help those who come after us something something
You really are amazing, you know
i’m just out here trying to score points with my boyfriend
Oh, well then do you want to join me and Katie for breakfast, too?
hey, NOW you’re pushing it
MILES WAS ALWAYS busy with media appearances amid his match prep before grand slams – something I’d often envied in a general way. With my flashy rise up the rankings, I’d had a steady increase in requests during tournaments, but because this was the Australian slam, we were inundated.
