Chapter 3
three
Sean
It’s been three days and I can’t banish the memory of how Ellie felt in my arms. How much I really wanted her to kiss me. And to kiss her back. Three long, fucking days dreaming of the woman I want but can’t have.
The only remedy, besides solo time in the shower, is to stay busy. Really busy.
We’re settled in at our new rental. Even though they have to share a bedroom, they have their own bath. Makes it easier for me when I have the luxurious privacy of my own ensuite. The place is great and the entire city is welcoming and excited for the tournament. The public is knowledgeable and the team’s been recognized and celebrated. It’s been difficult to find places on the public beach to practice without people gathering to watch.
Ellie seems to be taking the fame in stride but for some reason my sister is having a difficult time with the notoriety. It’s starting to affect her game. Nothing major and nothing that most observers would notice. I’ll give her another day to get herself settled into the routine before I have to confront her.
Last night I discovered a local bar on the beach that’s off the radar of most nonresidents. They have a relatively private area of the beach already set up for the local volleyball leagues. Since they host local tournaments the courts are regulation and well maintained.
Why no other incoming pro team has contracted with them for practice time is nuts. Not that I’m going to spread the word. The longer we can keep our training relatively private, the better.
Barely after dawn, I pull into the nearly empty parking area. The only other vehicle belongs to the bar owner and she joins us as we unload our practice gear.
“Hey,” she says in greeting. “Welcome to the Sandy Sipper. I’m Nyla. Nice to meet you finally in person.”
I shake her outstretched hand. “Sean. This is the team, Maya and Ellie. Thanks for allowing us to use your sand for practice.”
She grins and gives a tiny wave to the girls. “No problem. Just keep us informed when you’re here and we’ll try to keep the crowds to a minimum. Once it becomes public knowledge you’re practicing here I’m sure the curious will show up. If it gets to be too much of a problem, my husband Paxton has some contacts in security he can call in.
“Bar’s closed today but we’re here working. Just come up to the deck if you need anything. If you show up around eleven thirty, we’ll treat you to lunch… I’m trying to figure out a couple specialty items to serve during the tournament. Umm, unless you have some training dietary restrictions or something.”
Carrying a net bag filled with balls, Ellie moves to my side. “That sounds fabulous. Thank you. Not having to go back into town and find a place to eat will give us more time on the sand.”
That’s my girl, always in training mode.
“Great,” Nyla says. “Feel free to order from the bar at any time we’re open. Our treat.”
Maya shakes her head. “We can’t take advantage of you like that. We’ll pay.”
Waving away the offer, Nyla says, “Having you using our little section of the beach is good publicity for the bar. Folks will come to watch your training and stay for a drink or food. That’s a win for us. So, we’re even, okay?”
Her fake glare makes me chuckle. “Okay. We’ll try not to cause too much uproar while we’re here.”
Staring toward the beach, Nyla shrugs. “I’m guessing that it’ll stay pretty quiet here for two or three days at least. From the talk I’ve heard, right now people are more interested in watching the tournament organizers bring in the sand and set up the main courts and bleachers.” She shakes her head. “All this good sand on the beach, and they bring in more.”
“It evens the playing field, so to speak.” I enjoy teaching others about the sport but try not to sound too much like I’m lecturing. “This way they can control the depth and uniformity of the sand. And the sand has to be the right size and shape for a safe playing surface. Have you ever noticed how the sand doesn’t really stick to the players? That’s because of the size of the grains. I can’t tell you the scientific reasons, but there you go.”
“Hmm, guess that makes sense. I’ve got to get busy. We all have things to do this morning, so get in a good practice. See you at lunch.”
“She’s nice,” Ellie says and hefts the carry straps of the ball bag to her shoulder. “Let’s get going.”
Maya and I follow Ellie at a more leisurely pace. The woman is gung ho to start training. You’d think it’s been more than just a couple of days since the last time she had her hands on a volleyball. I can’t complain. Most of the time it’s easier to coach someone who’s focused on the end result. Other times, when that athlete is hyper focused they need to be brought back to the real world.
Skill, training, and determination are essential. But so is balance. Right now Ellie is on a path that’s becoming too narrow. All work and no play doesn’t really make someone dull like the old saying goes. That intensity can however turn the athlete into little more than a rigid, performing, winning machine.
Ellie is so much more than that even if she doesn’t believe it.
“So, baby sis, how are you feeling about the tournament?”
She takes long enough to answer, I touch her arm and we stop walking. “Maya, what’s up?”
With a sigh, she shrugs. “Just not feeling it today. Whatever ‘it’ is. Ellie is so focused on making the Olympic team she’s changed somehow.”
“Great minds and all that. I was just thinking the same thing. She doesn’t have a proper work-life balance.”
“Balance? Maybe that’s it. I feel out of balance, too. Maybe. I don’t know. So what do we do about it, big bro?”
“Hey, come on you guys,” Ellie shouts from further out on the beach. “Sand’s waiting for us.”
“Be right there.” I wave and she nods then opens the bag and dumps the balls on the sand. Turning back to Maya, I say, “I’m going to keep our workout and training simple today. Some of the more fun stuff.”
She finally gives me a smile. “Fun stuff? You think there’s fun stuff in training?”
“If it isn’t already, we can make it so. Then, we’re going out dancing tonight.”
“Sean, I don’t?—”
“Coach’s orders. Pretty sure your teammate is going to balk at the idea as well, so you’ll have to help me convince her.”
Maya chuckles. “The only thing that might work is if you can somehow make it sound like training. Or… how about this? Dancing will help our endurance.”
“Brilliant.” We continue toward the beach. “Endurance and conditioning are the key words for today.”
When we reach Ellie, she’s marked out a half court sized square by drawing in the sand with her foot and lined the balls up along one side. She’s setting us up for either serving or passing practice. Maya glances at me then goes to stand beside her partner.
Ellie brushes sand from her hands. “Okay, Coach. What’s first?”
That’s easy. “Stretches. Then aerobics.” I set the cooler I’d brought from the truck on the sand and open it, grab two bottles of water and toss them to my team. “Hydrate. You know the routine. Get started.”
Looking ready to argue, Ellie uncaps her bottle and takes a long drink. Then her shoulders relax and she sets her water down and begins the choreographed stretch routine she’s used since college. As much as she wanted to get right into actual game time practice, she knows it’s dangerous without a proper warm up.
With upbeat music playing from my portable speaker, I join them for a stretching routine of my own. They aren’t the only ones who get a workout during practice.
I watch Ellie as she stretches, telling myself I need to make sure she’s not over extending or positioning herself in a manner that could cause injury. Each time my gaze travels to her, she’s watching me. Then her focus skitters away leaving me feeling strangely cold and disappointed.
The music slowly speeds up pushing us toward some aerobic arm swings and sand scattering kicks. My sister laughs and dances freely in a tight circle while Ellie’s expression is somber and determined, her movements more planned than spontaneous. She needs to relax.
Going out tonight is definitely a good idea.