For 24-year-old tennis player Naya Morgan, all that glittered certainly wasn't gold. In her relentless pursuit of victory, she had strayed far from the joy of simply playing the game she loved.
Naya's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses p...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I'm thinking too much," Naya sighed as she looked through her closet for something to wear to dinner later with Jude.
At most, he was probably inviting her to dinner out of courtesy. They went to dinner after she won her tournament. But still, the idea of being alone with him in an intimate setting both scared and excited her.
Although she was grateful for the opportunity to train in Spain with some of the best coaches, she missed the companionship of her friends and family.
Had she been back in Atlanta, at the very least, she'd have her sister or best friend at her side. It was times like these that Naya longed to have her family and friends with her.
She missed their laughter, their support, and their presence. But she knew that this journey was important for her career, and she couldn't let her longing for home distract her from her goals.
Taking a deep breath, Naya finally settled on a simple yet cute outfit for dinner with Jude. She reminded herself that she needed to focus on the present moment and make the most of this opportunity. As she got ready, she couldn't shake off the nervous flutter in her stomach, wondering what the evening with Jude would bring.
Would they just talk about tennis and training, or would there be more to their conversation? Naya tried to push away her doubts and insecurities, reminding herself that she was a strong and independent woman who deserved to enjoy herself.
As she put on her favorite earrings and applied a touch of perfume, Naya couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within her. Maybe this dinner with Jude would be a chance for them to connect on a personal level, outside the sporting world.
With a final glance in the mirror to ensure she looked presentable, Naya grabbed her purse and headed out the door, ready to face whatever the evening had in store for her.
Upon searching the steakhouse that Jude decided on, Naya found that it was one of the most renowned in Spain.
Her heels clicked against the cobblestone streets as she made her way inside, where she spotted Jude waiting at a corner table, a warm smile on his face. Naya couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement at the thought of spending the evening with him in such a beautiful setting.
As they settled in and started chatting, Naya was pleasantly surprised to find that their conversation flowed effortlessly.
"I have an older sister and a younger brother, I'm the middle child," Naya smiled warmly as she thought about her siblings. "What about you?" She asked Jude, her eyes meeting his from across the table.
"I have a younger brother, he plays football back home in England," Jude explained as he lifted his phone, holding it up to Naya so she could see the picture of his family on his screensaver.
"You are your mothers twin," Naya laughed softly. "But you do share similarities with your dad. Your parents must be so proud of you."
"Thanks, I hope so," Jude murmured. "Your parents must be proud of you too, it's clear you're an amazing tennis player."
