Chapter 2
two
Ellie
Leaning back in my seat I close my eyes and fight a grin. Those two have good natured bickering about money down to a fine art. To listen to them, you’d never know that money isn’t really an issue. They’re trust fund babies, although they won’t receive the bulk of that inheritance until they get married. A really archaic decree from their grandparents in my opinion. After their parents died a few years ago, they’ve been making it on their own without touching the extra funds.
My family and I always had to struggle to make ends meet. Thank goodness for the sports scholarships volleyball provided. Added to my academic grants and part time jobs, I made it through college with no student loans. Going without still comes naturally to me so Maya’s strict control over our team’s finances doesn’t cause me any stress.
Except I really would like at least some new shorts or leggings soon. We’re looking a little tattered on the sand, which isn’t good for maintaining a successful team image. It’s not just our playing being evaluated. We get enough backlash for making the decision to wear tight shorts or leggings instead of bikini bottoms. Completely within the rules, but guys complain.
I’ve often said once the male players start wearing Speedos, I’ll consider going back to the bikini. Fair’s fair.
Sean parks in the drive of the tiny house we’re renting. The short term lease is up at the same time we’re heading to the Love Beach Invitational so I figure we’ll be packing up this afternoon rather than getting our nails done like Sean suggests. Most of my personal belongings are stored in my folk’s attic so I travel light. It won’t take me long to get ready for another move. During the season we’re seldom in a place long enough to do more than unpack one suitcase and our gear.
Fine by me. It gives me more time to train.
Maya and I are a great team and this is our chance, our time to prove ourselves. We’ve even made enough of an impact that some of the fans and broadcasters have given us a team nickname that combines our names. MayEl. It’s silly but if that’s what it takes to continue to stand out in the pre-Olympics discussion, then MayEl it is.
I stifle a groan as I slip from the high seat of Sean’s truck. I could use a leg massage to ease the muscles I didn’t cool down properly after training. Sean worked us hard today.
Along with being an excellent coach, he handles many varied team manager duties. Except for the finances. Maya keeps a tight fist on how our money is spent.
“So.” Before we enter the house, Maya stands in front of her brother with her arms crossed. “Have you locked down where we’re staying during the tournament?”
He taps her nose. Their easy way together has always intrigued me. Love wasn’t expressed in a physical manner when I was a kid. I know my folks love me, but hugs or even just a pat on the back were few and far between.
“You know it’s spring break so a lot of college kids hit the beach. Add that to the folks coming in early for the tournament and that makes the choices really slim.”
Maya groans. “How much more do you need?”
Shaking his head, Sean grins. I’ve always adored that cocky expression of his. “Don’t worry, sis. I was able to make a deal that keeps us within budget. I found a newly listed vacation rental. And it’s not far from the beach.”
He glances at me and there’s something I don’t recognize in his eyes. Then he blinks and it’s gone. “And for you, Ellie, far enough away to provide quiet and privacy.”
“In other words,” I say, “it’s just right.”
“More or less. Still only two bedrooms so you’ll need to share but the square footage is larger than this place, giving us more room to spread out.” His gaze dances back and forth between Maya and me. “There’s a bonus to this place I think you’ll like.”
“What?” we say in unison then laugh. “Jinx.”
“Maybe I should wait and just let you find out when we get there.”
Even though I’m curious, I give an ‘I don’t care’ shrug. Maya lifts her fist. “Talk.”
He holds up both hands. “Alright. Back off Maya. The place is above a store in the Old Town area. They sell something you both love.” A long pause. “Handmade chocolate.”
One of my worst weaknesses. Without thinking I rush forward to hug him. “Thank you. I could kiss you.”
He freezes except for where his hands have landed at my waist. His fingers twitch and tighten. It’s almost like he’s pulling me closer. A muscle ticks along his jaw.
Before I can pull away, Maya joins us, her arms around us both. “That’s a wonderful surprise, Sean. Guess that means you’re going to be putting us through extra reps to work off the bon bons. I don’t care. If the chocolate is good, it’s worth it.”
At the same time we each take a step back. Sean’s hand lingers against my side a moment before he clears his throat. “I’ve been assured it’s the best. Family owned, got the recipes from a great grandmother or something like that.”
“Ooh.” Grinning, Maya claps her hands. “Maybe there’ll be a welcome basket when we check in. Or chocolates on our pillows.” Her serious expression returns. “That might be dangerous, though.”
Sean takes another step back and strides toward the house while speaking over his shoulder. “Then I probably shouldn’t tell you that there’s also an artisan cheese store next door.”
“Chicken,” she calls after him then takes my hand. “Come on, let’s eat. All this talk of food…”
I let her drag me inside then go through the motions of reheating leftovers. But my mind is stuck on Sean’s reaction to my hug, and mine to how nice his hand felt. I don’t understand. It’s not like we never touch. Why was this time different?
Every time I glance toward him, his gaze skitters away. He’s watching me and there’s that something hidden in his eyes that I’ve noticed before. Maybe if I had the time to study his expression, I could figure it out. He looks away too quickly or focuses on something else so I never have the opportunity.
All these unknowns leave me jittery. It’s not like pre-match nerves. More like I’m expecting something. I wish I had some idea what that might be.
Wishes don’t make things happen. Hard work does. Once we’re settled and preparing for the tournament, I’ll push my training. Work harder. Maybe longer if needed. Banish those questions and focus only on the game.
I can’t think of anything more important right now than winning.