Matchpoint

Chapter 30:

If we're not training, we're making out. It's a dangerously fine line.

So much so that I find myself ending training early just so we can go back to his place and enjoy eachothers company.

And the other day, Dom had a press conference. He wouldn't stop glancing over at me and cracking a grin. It's worrying, he promised no wandering looks. In his defence, I'm finding I'm no better. I'm so paranoid, I'm rewathing interviews, noticing how my eyes wander over to Dom and how I just watch every word leaving his mouth like it's my oxygen tank.

I just hope no one else notices the tension between us. Holly keeps telling me that it's not that obvious, but even she seems borderline concerned.

Jayce, on the other hand, keeps encouraging us to grasp at any moment.  He's being a bit of a space invader.

But I'm trying to ignore all of that for the time being. The French Open, Roland Garros, is just around the corner. Less than a week, and we're back on the court.

The French Open is held at Strade Roland Garros, on the borderline of Bois de Boulonge.

I wish I could say I was most excited about the tennis, but Bois de Boulonge is just so beautiful and known for its serene gardens.

I've already told my parents I'll be travelling out to France earlier. I'm not doing a repeat of the last tournament, but most of all, I just want to be a tourist and view all the wonders there are to see.

"You're playing the French Open?" I ask, my mind suddenly taking in the conversation being had before me.

Holly is sitting opposite me at Dom's kitchen table, a smoothie sitting before her. It's been our little hang out spot whilst Dom finishes up his warm down with Paul, an 800m run.

Jayce is sitting on the couch, listening to Holly talk at us about her week and preparations.

"Yeah, I talked to your parents, and they signed off on it." Holly beams.

"Who's your coach?" I haven't really been asking Holly these questions since I got busy coaching Dom. I used to see her all the time when Ladley and I worked with her. We were her team, but now she's no longer mine to work with.

Holly's face falls slightly, as if she's hesitating to tell me something that she thinks will hurt my feelings. "Um, well, I had a substitute coach the past month whilst Ladley's been out, but she's come back to coach me for this tournament and hopefully others."

"Oh, I didn't realise she was making a return." I consider. It's a weird feeling. Ladley and I have been friends for years, but Dom really caused us troubles.

Holly tilts her head and takes a long sip from her smoothie before speaking. "Your parents didn't tell you?" She questions.

I shake my head slowly. "They haven't really been talking to me much." I shrug because my parents are never the talkative ones. "Dad's just scared I'm going to ruin his career along with Dom's."

"Your dad sounds like a dick." Jayce calls from the couch, and Holly shoots him a look to tell him that his comment was unhelpful.

"He can be." I shrug, and Holly's eyes dart back towards me in shock. "How do you feel about going to the French Open? It's a clay court."

Holly shrugs in response. "Not too worried about the clay, just that it'll make my shoes gross, but I'm more disappointed that you're not my coach."

"Ladley's good." I give Holly a stern look, not liking her reluctance to work with Ladley.

Holly frowns slightly. "I know that, but everyone wants you, now that Dom's doing better."

"Ladley and Dom just weren't a good match. It doesn't mean she isn't a good coach." I explain, and Holly nods in understanding.