Chapter 5
five
Sean
As Nyla predicted, we had a few days before people discovered our practice sessions. Then as word spreads, more and more curious onlookers show up every day. Most of them are respectful of the time and space we need and observe from a distance. There have been a few times though, I’ve been glad Nyla’s husband and his brother have been around to control rowdy onlookers.
Business at the Sandy Sipper has been fantastic according to Boots, one of the waitresses. Her grin when she mentioned the extra tips made my day. The arrangement has been good all the way around.
The only dark spot has been Karol showing up every day. Not one of the respectful fans, she brazenly brings a folding beach chair and plops herself down close to where we’re working. Says she’s looking for a new partner so she can get back on the beach circuit. I haven’t seen or heard anyone mention her hanging around other teams though.
She’s been all compliments and supportive to Ellie and me. But she ignores or makes snide comments about Maya’s play or appearance. Always making a point of being extra loud when Maya is close enough to hear her. My sister acts like it doesn’t bother her. I know it does. I’ve asked Karol nicely to leave. To stop with the bullying. My efforts have had no effect. Since she’s well behaved otherwise, I don’t know what else to do.
Ellie is steamed over her presence and it’s starting to affect practices. From what Maya’s told me about Karol in college, she’s an expert at underhanded tactics to get what she wants. Or believes she deserves. Pretty sure it wouldn’t take much for me to encourage Ellie to go after her and the situation would be taken care of. Even though Karol acts tough, I think she’s afraid of my girl.
My girl. I really need to stop thinking about Ellie as mine. One day those words are going to slip out and there’s not going to be a way for me to hide my feelings. Ellie is my girl. Mine, damn it.
“Oh, Seansy.”
Fuck, that’s another thing. Karol has taken to calling me Seansy. What kind of name is that? I’ve tried ignoring her, but then it only gets worse. Louder. How do I get rid of this crazy-ass woman?
“Stop calling him that.” Fists clenched at her sides, Maya stomps toward Karol. “Show some respect. You sound like you’re calling for a six year old. It’s a shame you haven’t learned any manners over the years. Now, if you don’t mind, I want you to leave.”
“I do mind. This is a public beach.”
Carrying a tote with water bottles dripping condensation in the heat, Nyla joins the conversation. “Actually, this beach belongs to the Sandy Sipper. It belong to me . If I believe you’re trespassing on my property it’s my right to ask you to leave.”
Karol crosses her arms, plumping her bikini covered, augmented boobs. “And if I refuse?”
Nyla’s husband moves behind her. “Then I will be forced to escort you from the property.”
Karol’s eyes light up as she scans Paxton from head to toe. I’ll give it to him, he doesn’t flinch under her blatant scrutiny. Somehow she lifts her boobs even higher. “Well, hello there, handsome.”
Paxton rests his hand at Nyla’s waist and she leans against him. “And this is my husband. No trespassers allowed. I suggest you leave.”
“Now.” Paxton’s tone is bored and dismissive. I could learn a few things from him when it comes to unwanted attention. When Karol doesn’t move, he simply arches his brows.
“Okay, fine. Whatever.” Karol gives me what I imagine she thinks is a sexy wave. “Don’t be a stranger, Seansy.”
Dragging her beach chair and with an exaggerated sway to her hips, she stomps away. Half way back to the building a couple of young men join her, one grabbing her folded chair and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Her giggles carry back to us and Maya gives a derisive snort.
“She hasn’t changed. If she doesn’t have a man—or two on the hook, she’s not happy. Maybe now she’ll leave you alone, big bro.”
“Hope so, but I’m not going to hold my breath.” I turn to Nyla and Paxton. “Thanks for the timely interruption.”
Her lips twitch. “No problem. I was bringing out water to you anyway. We’ll let you get back to practice.”
When I turn Ellie’s glaring at Karol’s retreating back. “That bitch,” she mumbles under her breath. “That fucking bitch.” She gives herself a shake and moves to take Maya’s hand. “I’m so sorry she’s such a mean, vindictive person.”
My sister rolls her eyes but there’s a ton of sadness there when her gaze returns to Ellie’s. “You have nothing to be sorry for. It’s not like you make her say that stuff. And she’s right. I’ve gotten… soft. And that affects how I play.”
Damn it. I’ve been so wrapped up in daydreaming about Ellie I haven’t noticed my sister’s mood. She’s always had issues with body image. Yes, even though she’s shorter than many volleyball players, her skill shines through marking her as an elite player. Her waist may not dip in above her hips like Ellie’s, and thank god she’s not augmented like Karol, but Maya’s all woman. A beautiful woman. I’d think so even if I wasn’t her brother.
Ellie’s words intrude on my musings, echoing my thoughts. “You just need to pick your self-confidence up off the sand, sweetie. I know that’s difficult sometimes. Hell, even I?—”
“Don’t give me that bullshit.” Maya straightens her shoulders. “You’ve always been confident. Known what you want and how to go about getting it. Most of the time anyway.”
She gives me a pointed look then repeats that look at Ellie. Does my sister think there’s something going on? Have I said anything or acted differently around Ellie? Has Ellie? Shit. Maya’s observant. I need to watch myself. We don’t need my feelings messing up the team dynamics.
A heavy lump settles in my stomach. Telling Ellie how I feel has to wait until after the season. Anything that disrupts training, matches, and the team’s rise in the standings needs to be put aside. The focus is forward toward the Olympics. The ache in my cock will have to wait.
Time to switch up training. We’ve veered away from some of our early methods and that might be affecting performance. All training is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun. While we hydrate, I lay out the plan for the next hour.
“How about we give our audience a little show?”
“What do you mean?” Ellie asks.
I counter with another question. “What was your favorite solo practice activity?”
She thinks for a moment then grins. “The one arm touch pokey.”
Maya adds, “I like the tomahawk.”
“Great. Let’s start with the one arm touch.”
They each grab a ball then face the people lining the beach. “Go,” I call then grab a ball to join them. I haven’t been keeping up with my own skills as much as I should and this is an easy way to get back into that mindset. Before I start I watch them with a critical eye.
Ellie tosses her ball in the air. When it comes down, she hits it up with one arm. Then repeats with the other arm, ending with using both outstretched arms. It doesn’t take long for her to settle into a rhythm. A couple times the ball goes a little wide but she adjusts and keeps the ball in the air. Maya’s reactions and repetitions are a tiny bit slower and I make a mental note to have her work on speed.
Before long we have our balls moving in near synchronization and the crowd is clapping with each hit. Both women are wearing smiles and seem to be enjoying the moment.
“Add pokeys,” I say.
After the double armed platform touch, they use flexed knuckles to punch the ball upward into the sky. Those get a cheer from the crowd and Ellie starts hitting the ball a little higher and then posing for the onlookers. Soon Maya joins her and my mission is accomplished. We’re having fun while working on our skills.
After a couple more ‘exhibition’ type drills, we take a break and answer questions from the crowd. As usual Ellie is front and center while my sister hovers in the background. I need to spend more time with her. Not as her coach. As her brother.
People wander off as it gets closer to lunch time and there’s only a few stragglers who promise to cheer for the team remaining when we end our on the sand practice. This afternoon is weight training and yoga. The evening is for relaxing and real life.
My real life dream would be time alone on this beautiful beach with Ellie in my arms watching the sun set. Kissing her. Loving her. Fuck, nothing but dreams.