Matchpoint

Chapter 64:

1 Month Later:
There's almost not enough room to fit everyone into the house, but it'll do.

When we got the news that Dom's old coach, Peter, was getting his verdict today, we knew we'd all have to come together. We knew it meant standing with Stack and Dom in hopes for a justified outcome.

As I peer around the room, I see all the faces of those who mean the most to us. Dom's parents and Zara, my mother, Jayce and Holly, Ladley, Stack, Paul, and Philip.

Peter is definitely going to get time. The question is for how long. A year, two, maybe five.

Everyone's just mingling around the room. Confirmation will be given to Dom and Stack through their lawyer, an individual who has been fighting for them the whole time.

"I'm so nervous." Dom whispers, leaning against the kitchen counter, eyes hardly even able to focus on me. I steady him, reaching my hand out and squeezing on it tightly.

"I know, but whatever the result, whatever the time, he deserves it. And Dom, everyone will know the truth. They'll know the kind of person he is." I brush his cheek with my free hand, finally catching his attention. His eyes fall into mine, just as green as the day I met him.

"Everyone's going to know." Dom sighs anxiously, a small shiver passing briefly through his body.

"I'm here. We all are." I gesture to our support around us. I spy mum talking to Dom's mum. The two have hit it off since the Wimbeldon final.

And when Dom and I officially signed new contracts with mum, his family came to Queensland to celebrate.

Dom and I talked about the decision through multiple times. At one point, we were at a solid no. We were uncertain about how we felt putting ourselves back into a place that hurt us in the first place, which forced us into secret. But after many conversations, the confirmation that father would be taking leave, Dom and I ultimately chose to take the deal. But it wasn't with negotiation.

"I want my family to be able to visit whenever they'd like, free of charge. Stack and I are the deciders of what I say and do. Jayce gets a granny flat and proper payment for being part of my official team." Those were Dom's terms, and surprisingly, Mother agreed to all and anything else Dom may think of.

Me, I got permission to get my coaching qualifications and to travel with Dom and be seen with him wherever  whenever.

Father was wary of all of these decisions, but he had no voice in this conversation. Ultimately, he accepted that, even went as far as apologising to me. Though a single apology will never make up for all the things he has done and said to me, it's a start. And now that he's promised to get some help, I see much change in his future.

Speak of the devil, I watch him slip into the room, a bottle of win in hand. Mother greets him with a soft kiss on the cheek, and he smiles at her with eyes that sparkle. I haven't seen them look at each other like that in a long time. Maybe it was the work. The stress. Maybe it changed what their loved looked like. This whole time, I thought that I was getting affected the most by dads behaviour. But now, now I see it's strained my parents relationship. And he'll be rebuilding it just as much as he rebuilds his relationship with me. I know he'll get there. It'll take him some time and patience.

Dom walks with me over to her father, who gives me a strong hug.

"Any news yet?" Father asks Dom, who responds with a small shake of the head. "Ah, well, I bought some wine because even though we are yet to know the outcome, I know we'll be celebrating justice."

Dom smiles. They've been rebuilding their relationship as well. "Thanks,
Mr Dunn." Dom shakes my dads hand.

Dad chuckles, "Alistor, son, and you're welcome. It's the least I can do." The two share a knowing look before Holly slides in and grabs the alcohol.