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...
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"So much for a break," Maria smirked knowingly as she walked into her office to find Naya sitting and watching Jude's live television interview on Madrid's top morning show.
"He's still my boyfriend," Naya pointed out. "We just needed some time apart to figure things out for ourselves."
After a rather emotional tennis session in the days that followed her and Jude's temporary separation, Naya had confided in her coach about their problems.
Although Maria was a mother to two teenage boys, she herself had once been a young tennis player, trying to navigate the challenging waters of her career, fame, and love.
"Can I be honest with you?" Maria asked as she took a seat at her desk.
"You always are," Naya replied, turning her attention away from the television screen to look at Maria with curiosity.
"It may still be new, and you guys are still ever growing and changing as people, but it's obvious that what you and Jude have is real and true." Maria said after a few moments of silence.
"Do you think so?" Naya asked, her heart skipping a beat as Maria nodded, a soft smile on her face.
"Absolutely. Love is not always easy, Naya. It requires work, understanding, and in my case two marriages. But it's clear as day that you both care deeply for each other."
"He's taking me out to dinner later," Naya blushed as she explained to her coach. "After training, I met up with him and we spoke for hours."
"Just spoke?" Maria asked teasingly.
"We kissed when he dropped me off at my apartment," Naya revealed.
Maria chuckled softly. "Well, that's a good sign, isn't it?"
Naya couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I guess it is."
As Maria leaned back in her chair, she gave Naya a reassuring look. "Just remember, communication is key. Be honest with each other, listen, and support one another. You might have to beat up one of his ex's, but you'll cross that bridge when or if you ever have to."
Naya couldn't help but to laugh as she listened to the older woman talk, grateful for her insight.
Grabbing the documents Maria had come into the office to retrieve, she made her way towards the door before turning back to find Naya hanging on to every word that left Jude's mouth as he sat for the interview.
"Once you're done in here, come and find me on the tennis court," Maria said before leaving Naya alone again.
The interviewer's questions began to stray away from sports and more on Jude as a person.
Naya couldn't tear her eyes away from the screen, watching with a mix of pride and nervousness as Jude answered each question with charm and wit.
"Are you single? The fans want to know," the interviewer asked, making Jude blush as he looked away from the camera and cleared his throat.
