Matchpoint

Chapter 8:

As soon as he enters the room, with a fresh set of tennis clothes and his hair washed and dried, the shutters on the cameras spring to life. Lights flash almost around the room, and it takes a big deal of determination to not squeeze my eyes shut.

Dom's lanky figure makes its way over to the conference table, which is set up in front of a crowd of journalists. I am seated at the end of the long bench beside Ladley, who is on the left of Dom. Beside Dom on the right is Philip and Stack. Philip, I learned, is Dom's nutritionist and health specialist whilst Stack or Stacy is his PR manager and personal assistant. My further investigating led me to learn that Jayce isn't just Dom's best friend. In fact, he runs a bunch of Dom's accounts and assists with branding and sponsorships.  Jayce said that my parents are in another room doing an interview, and they will join shortly, but in the meantime, Dom is to state his new team and discuss his standpoint on being here. I don't mind Jayce. He is calmer than Dom and has a more orderly fashion.

As Dom sits and nods his head, a bunch of journalists begin raising their hands, all fighting for Dom's attention. Dom doesn't give them much of an impression on how he's feeling. Instead,  he keeps a calm face plastered to his skin, I can just tell he's done this a million times before. He points at one of the many journalists in the sea of people, and they rise to their feet, notebook in hand.

"Rose Everton, Daily Press, Dominic, could you please introduce your team? We're all eager to see hear about your decisions." The small lady with a mousey face and blond hair squeaks out.

"Certainly," Dom grants them his first brilliant smile, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that it is indeed angelic. "So, there were many coaches that were worth looking at here, I can honestly understand why players would come here to be coached, but ultimately, I had to go with my gut."

Dom looks down the table and briefly makes eye contact with me before gesturing to Ladely. "I've chosen a Ladley, she is quite well known in this institute and she's got a fresh outlook on the playing field, especially being a past player herself. I have a lot of respect for Ladley, and for the way she handled herself, there's nothing braver than coming back from an injury and supporting other tennis players to achieve their goals. I have no doubt that with Ladley's help, I can make the top three."

He pauses, and the crowd claps in recognition of Ladley's great battle with her injury, and Ladley smiles up at them, squeezing Dom's hand gratefully.

"With Ladley comes her counterpart, Clove Dunn, daughter of Mr and Mrs Dunn. She's my hitting partner, and trust me when I tell you she really knows how to push my limits. I'm pumped to get to work with her more, I hear she's got quite a good tennis reputation, even if she never went professional." Dom's eyes land on me, and we seem to just stare at each other. It's as if the rest of the room simply fades into non-existence. Dom's eyebrows furrow slightly, and he shifts his jaw from side to side.

"Are there any concerns around Clove's inexperience? You need to be training with the best of the best." A voice speaks up from the crowd, but Dom and I don't break eye contact. It's as if he's trying to convey something to me without outwardly speaking it.

"No, Clove is the best of the best. In fact, I had no idea who she was, and when I showed up here, I was just watching her play, and she was...fucking fantastic, I thought she ought to be a rising star." The crowd laughs at his crudeness, and that finally breaks the eye contact, causing Dom to turn back and grin at the crowd. "I mean, how foolish I am for not recognising the most talented tennis couples daughter."

The crowd continues to laugh at Dom's charm, but I am transfixed by his words.

"And Clove, how are you feeling about getting to work with a professional for the first time? It means we'll be seeing you hanging around a few more tournaments." Someone asks me, but my vision is blurred as the cameras continue to go off.