Love, Set, Match

four

𝟸𝟶𝟶𝟼

The party had dwindled down to a few stragglers, and the once lively chatter had turned into a soft hum. Patrick, Art, and Marissa found a spot away from the main crowd, under the twinkling fairy lights strung up in the trees. Patrick leaned back on a bench, a cigarette between his fingers, while Marissa sat casually on his lap, her fingers fiddling with a string bracelet. Art stood nearby, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the area.

"You guys really want to wait for her to come back?" Marissa asked, not hiding her reluctance.

"Yeah, she seemed pretty cool," Art replied. "Plus, it's not every day you meet someone who's going to Stanford with you."

Patrick took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled slowly, the smoke curling up into the night air. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to, Marissa."

She sighed, her fingers still playing with the bracelet. "No, it's fine. I don't really feel like going back to my hotel room anyway."

Art glanced at her, a hint of concern in his eyes. "You sure you're okay?"

Marissa shrugged. "Just tired. Long day."

Patrick gave her a gentle squeeze, trying to offer some comfort. "We'll head out soon. Just want to catch Tashi one more time."

Marissa leaned back slightly, resting her head against Patrick's shoulder. "Yeah, I get it. She was impressive today."

Art nodded. "Beyond impressive. Did you see the way she handled Anna? Flawless."

Marissa chuckled softly. "Yeah, well, Anna had it coming. She's always been a bit of a nightmare."

The conversation lulled, the three of them settling into a comfortable silence. The music from the party played softly in the background, mingling with the distant sound of laughter. Patrick finished his cigarette, stubbing it out on the bench before wrapping his arms around Marissa's waist.

"You still messing with that bracelet?" he asked, looking down at her hands.

"Yeah," Marissa admitted. "It's a habit. Helps me think."

Art leaned against a nearby tree, his gaze drifting over the remnants of the party. "You ever think about going pro, Marissa?"

She paused, considering the question. "Sometimes. But I don't know if it's really what I want."

Patrick nodded in understanding. "It's a big commitment. And a lot of pressure."

"Yeah," Marissa agreed. "A lot of pressure."

As they sat there, the sound of footsteps approaching caught their attention. They looked up to see Tashi walking back towards them, her father nowhere in sight. She looked surprised but pleased to see them still there.

"Hey," Tashi greeted, a smile spreading across her face. "You guys didn't leave."

Patrick smiled back. "We wanted to say goodbye properly."

Tashi glanced at Marissa, then back at Patrick and Art. "Well, I'm glad you stayed. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you earlier."

Art grinned. "We're not in a rush. Got time for a chat?"

Tashi nodded, taking a seat on the bench next to them. "Definitely."

𝟸𝟶𝟷4

The streets of New York City bustled with the usual energy of a Friday evening. Marissa walked hand-in-hand with her fiancé, Derek, enjoying the crisp autumn air. They had just left a cozy little café where they spent the afternoon chatting and planning their wedding.

"I can't believe how beautiful the city is in the fall," Derek said, squeezing her hand gently.

"Yeah, it's my favorite time of year," Marissa replied, smiling up at him.

As they turned a corner, Marissa's smile froze. Standing by a street vendor, examining a rack of vintage records, was a familiar figure. Patrick. She hadn't seen him since 2011, when she had abruptly left him without a word of explanation.

"Marissa?" Patrick's voice was tinged with surprise and something else—hurt, maybe?—as he recognized her.

"Patrick," Marissa said, stopping in her tracks. She felt Derek's curious gaze on her and forced herself to breathe. "Hi."

Derek looked between them, clearly sensing the tension. "Hi, I'm Derek," he said, offering his hand to Patrick.

Patrick took Derek's hand, shaking it firmly. "Patrick. Nice to meet you."

"Derek is my fiancé," Marissa explained, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions inside her.

Patrick nodded, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "Congratulations. That's wonderful news."

"Thanks," Derek said, smiling warmly. "How do you two know each other?"

"We used to... we were close a few years ago," Marissa said, choosing her words carefully. "Back when I was playing more competitive tennis."

Patrick's eyes softened, a hint of nostalgia creeping in. "Yeah, we had some good times."

Marissa nodded, feeling the weight of unsaid words between them. "How have you been?"

"I've been good. Busy with work and all," Patrick replied. "And you? Still playing?"

"Not as much," Marissa admitted. "Life took me in a different direction."

Patrick looked at Derek, then back at Marissa. "It seems like you're happy. That's good to see."

"I am," Marissa said, her hand squeezing Derek's. "Really happy."

There was an awkward pause before Derek, ever the diplomat, broke the silence. "Would you like to join us for a coffee, Patrick? We were just about to find another spot to sit down for a bit."

Patrick hesitated, glancing at Marissa. "I appreciate the offer, but I have some errands to run. Maybe another time."

"Of course," Derek said easily. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too," Patrick replied. He looked at Marissa one last time, a sad smile on his face. "Take care, Marissa."

"You too, Patrick," Marissa said softly.

As they walked away, Marissa felt a mixture of relief and sadness. Derek glanced at her, concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Marissa said, taking a deep breath. "Just...unexpected."

Derek nodded, understanding without needing more words. "I'm here if you want to talk about it."

Marissa smiled up at him, grateful for his support. "I know. Thank you."

They continued walking, the city lights beginning to twinkle as evening turned to night, leaving the past behind them as they moved forward together.