Matchpoint

Chapter 15:

By the time the team meeting rolls around, my annoyance for Ladley had only grown. It frustrates me that she's neglecting Dom's need for proper critiquing. I understand that it would feel awkward telling a ranked player that they need to fix something when you yourself are not ranked, but that's how coaching works.

We're all seated in the dining room, a notebook, and a calendar taking centre stage in the table as we discuss what Dom has coming up.

Ladley takes control of most of the writing and fills us in on what we are responsible for.

"So, we'll put Dom through some resistant training tomorrow, but then we're going to figure out accommodation for Monte Carlos. I'm asking everyone to meet here at twelve-ish so we can go through that together, please. Then, at three, Dom has a photoshoot." My eyes flicker across the table and watch as Dom's eyebrows dip in frustration at the thought of posing before a camera.

"I really wish you'd run PR stuff past me, Stacky. You know I hate the posed photography moments." Dom groans, placing his hand against his forehead.

Stack's fake eyelashes blink heavily as she looks at Dom. "That is exactly why I don't tell you the day before. That way, you can't pull out because it would be bad press. And what do we say about bad press?"

"What, a photo a day, keeps the press away?" Dom snorts at his own commentary.

"No, we play the press by playing the angels. They see you as the golden boy. Let's just keep it that way." Stack states seriously. "No scandals, you hear me, I know about your parties."

Stacks eyes also land on Jayce, who grins, shrugging innocently at her as he does so.

"Don't worry, Stacky," Dom chimes teasingly. "I'm not the scandalous type."

Stack's face flattens, but there's a mischievous glint in her eyes. "May I remind you of the sex scandal you were most recently involved in?"

This time, Dom's face falls, and his cheeks glow a deep red.

I remember his most recent sex scandal. It must be about over a year since it happened. Dom was seeing this chick, some tennis player who was known for this squeaky clean reputation. That was until it got leaked that the two were truly a three. Yep, the golden boy of tennis was involved in a bit of a threesome. Dom denied the accusations, and the PR covered it up pretty well.

"You know that was a lie. Shelton probably came up with the tale after I knocked him out of the Australian Open last year. Talk about a petty manchild." Dom is suddenly extremely defensive, his eyes briefly meeting mine as he argues the accusation.

I can't help but chuckle at how flustered Dom has gotten. Ladley jabs me in the ribs and gives me a stern look.

"We're all on your side, Dommy." Stack winks at him, and the two share a loving look.

Then we continue on with our discussion for tomorrow. There's not much to talk about, but it feels nice to sit with the group and laugh about different occurances.

Close to the end, though, the atmosphere shifts, and Dom turns his attention towards Ladley.

"Any feedback from today, coach?" He queries.

Ladley seems taken aback by Dom's sudden questioning. "Um, no, actually." She is quick to speak.

"Really?" Dom chuckles curiously.

"No, none. You're an exceptional player, the best I've ever coached." Ladley praises him, but the room is eerily quiet.

"Does anyone have any thoughts?" Dom opens up the floor, and I try not to cringe for Ladley's own sake. Lucky for her, though, no one says a word. Dom's eyes even lock with mine momentarily, but I instantly look away, knowing that if I held his gaze for too long, I would be compelled to be brutally honest.