Matchpoint

Chapter 57:

There's a hush that settles over the court as Draper prepares for his first serve.

When the two boys had walked out onto the court, there was this thick tension that covered the arena. It was as if some words had been had between the two before their entrance. Not to mention, their handshake at the net was extremely frosty, and neither could plaster a smile on their faces for a picture.

My gaze flickers between Dom and his box. Mother hasn't made an entrance to this match, so it's just my father sitting there with Stack, Paul, and Philip. I wonder what has caused Mother to abandon the game. But when I look at Father, I can see the anger radiating from him, I just know they've had an argument.

I return my gaze back to Dom, his white shirt clinging to him, showcasing every muscle he could possibly have on show.

Finally, Draper brings his racquet to the ball, sending it flying over the net. And in an instant, the game has begun.

Dom comes alive instantaneously, as if the sound of the racquet hitting the ball turned a switch on within him.

His eyes are focused on nothing but the ball. I hope that whatever has happened with my parents or behind closed doors with Draper hasn't affected him.

This first rally is a long one. As if neither wants to give in, because to them, the first point means everything, it determines who is on top first, who's shown up ready to play. And in this case, it's clear they're both fighting for this.

Just when I'm thinking one of them is bound to tire, Dom finds himself up at the net, a dangerous place when playing against Draper. But somehow, he manages to shock Draper, tapping the ball lightly over the net, sending the smug faced player running to it.

And just like that, the two have met in the middle, Dom, with an unwavering grin, as he has just taken that first point. Snatched it from Draper right before his eyes.

The two face off, neither of them backing down from this showdown. Even from where I sit, I can see this smug smirk flourish across Dom's face. Those teeth flashing in the afternoon light.

Though it doesn't take much to wipe that look from his face. Draper seems to say something that cause Dom's knuckles to curl into a fist, and the crowd rumbles with curiosity.

"Players, please return to your baseline." The umpire speaks through the microphone, but neither of them move. "This will be a warning for both of you."

"Get back to the baseline," I mutter, wishing that Dom could hear me, that he'd walk away from whatever words Draper is whispering in his ear.

Dom turns away from Draper, leaving the brunette at the net, smirking at his commentary. But by the time Dom's reached the baseline, it's like he never heard a whisper. He inhales, shakes his arms out, and settles into his position. This act earns him an applause from the crowd. Six or so months ago, he would've been raising his fists at Draper, but not this Dom. He's keeping his cool. And it's a very good look on him.

"I think we owe that reaction to you," Jayce nudges me, a brief smirk breaking across his face.

Then, they're back to it, the back a fourth rally that seems to be never-ending. I'm on the edge of my seat, sunglass perched on the edge of my nose.

Dom wins a point, then Draper, then Dom, and so on it goes. I can even feel a pinch in my neck from the constant shift of gaze.

"Fuck, I need a cigarette, this is getting intense." Jayce huffs, leaning back on his chair. And it's not till I glance at him that I realise he's not even watching Dom's game. Instead, his eyes are glued to his phone, thumb, and index finger pinching at his bottom lip.