Chapter 15 #2
They’re genuine, like their daughter, if the softness in their eyes is any indication. Even though my attention should be on the game, I find myself watching the three of them more often than not.
Years ago, I stopped allowing myself to be envious of other people’s relationships with their parents. I can’t change my mom and dad, so there’s no point in pining over something I’ll never have.
That doesn’t stop me from finding the interactions in the row in front of us fascinating.
Ebba never stops to weigh her words before she speaks. It’s effortless, the way they quietly chat. When her mom touches her shoulder, Ebba doesn’t even bat an eye. If my mom did the same to me, I’d either shrug her off out of reflex or glower at her. Or both. Probably both.
Eventually I force myself to watch the match. The first set is close, but Noah ekes out a win. Hands clasped, I say a silent prayer that he can keep the momentum up. This win would be a big one for him, and he deserves it after the year he’s had.
Despite all my positive thoughts, Elias absolutely demolishes him during the second set. As he drags himself over to his towel to wipe the sweat from his face, his shoulders sag in defeat.
My chest tightens painfully at the sight. I worry he’s already given up, even though he still has time to turn things in his favor.
Beside me, Maddie bites at her thumbnail, her legs swinging back and forth. “I hope he doesn’t lose,” she whispers when she catches me watching her.
“I hope not either.”
Though this is only the second tournament of the season and my knowledge base is limited, I’d say he’s done well. But I understand the need to win, to prove to oneself and the world that it can be done. And sometimes it hurts more to be this close and fall short than to have flunked out earlier.
When the final set begins, it’s obvious that Noah’s head is in the wrong place. Shit. Fisher sits with the rest of the coaching staff, head shaking. If his tense shoulders and twisted lips are any indication, he’s pissed.
Noah’s falling apart, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
In the middle of the set, he rallies, but it’s a little too late and Elias pulls ahead, cinching the match point.
Cheers go up around us, his family the loudest of them all.
Maddie turns to me, bottom lip trembling. “He lost.”
“I know.” My heart sinks as I take in the tears welling in her eyes. “He’ll get it next time.”
Her frown deepens. “You don’t know that.”
No, I don’t, but I can hope, and positive thinking surely can’t hurt. “He’ll be okay.”
This loss is going to hurt—how could it not?—but it’s not the end of the season for him. He’s played well so far, and I’m certain a tournament win is around the corner.
Both players linger as a crew appears and quickly sets up a small stage for the trophy ceremony. Noah sits in his designated chair, slouched like he doesn’t have the energy to remain upright.
He might drive me insane most of the time, but I don’t like seeing him like this.
He’s the first to be called up onto the stage. He shakes hands with several people, then accepts his second-place trophy and steps up to the microphone.
He clears his throat and takes a deep breath.
“First, I want to congratulate Elias on a great game.” He finds his friend, who just happens to be his biggest opponent, and dips his chin.
“It’s always a challenge playing against you.
I hope we meet on the court again soon. I want to thank my incredible coaching team.
” He tips the small trophy toward Fisher and the other two coaches.
“You’ve been by my side for years. Thank you for not giving up on me, despite the challenges we’ve faced.
I also want to thank the ball kids. You guys are incredible.
” He straightens a bit, his shoulders a little less slouched.
“Last, I want to express how grateful I am to have made it this far. Thank you.” He waves to the crowd, and we all cheer.
He steps off to the side quickly so Elias can accept his trophy and speak.
I don’t hear a word the younger man says. I’m too busy watching Noah. Defeat clings to him like a second skin. Beside me, Maddie cranes her neck, her attention fixed on him too.
Eventually, Elias heads over to the media for interviews and Noah shrugs his bag over his shoulder and heads back down the tunnel.
“Come on.” I pat Maddie’s knee. “Let’s go find your dad.”
“And ice cream,” she chirps. “That’ll make him feel better. It always cheers me up when I’ve had a bad day.”
We find a bench near the athlete facilities, and the whole time we wait, Maddie stews. She shifts and grumbles and sighs, but she doesn’t say a word to me.
After a solid twenty minutes, she finally heaves out a long breath. “What’s taking him so long? It’s hot and I’m tired.”
I lift a shoulder and let it fall. “I’m not sure.”
Fisher steps out then, and I wave to get his attention.
As he approaches, I stand. “Is Noah okay?”
He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “I think he’s just taking his time.” He gives a subtle tip of his head in Maddie’s direction.
Ah. In other words, he doesn’t want Maddie to know how upset he is.
“I understand.”
“He shouldn’t be too much longer. You good, Mads?” He holds out his fist for a bump.
“Yeah.” She taps her knuckles against his. “But tell my dad to hurry up. He’s so slow.”
With a laugh, Fisher backs away. “I’ll be sure to let him know.”
“Want to head back to the hotel and wait for him there?” I pull out my phone, ready to click on a ride share app.
She shakes her head, hands tucked beneath her thighs and legs swinging again. “No, I want to wait here.”
Nodding, I plop down beside her. I get it, and I’m happy to hang tight.
Elias finally leaves the media tent, trailed by several people, including Whimsy, who is frantically typing on her iPad.
As he passes several feet away, Maddie calls out, “Hey, Elias.”
He stops, and a smile splits his face. I swear it’s impossible not to love this little girl.
“Hey, Maddie. How are you?”
“I’d be better if my dad won.”
He barks out a laugh, and even Whimsy giggles.
“I respect that. And how’s your nanny?” He looks me over from head to toe, wearing an expression of pure male appreciation. I sit up straighter, unable to deny how good it feels to be looked at like that.
“I don’t know. Ask her. She’s right there.” Maddie pokes my shoulder.
Elias presses his lips together, his shoulders shaking with silent laugher.
Eyes dancing from my charge to me, he says, “So … Nanny, how are you?”
“Sabrina,” I remind him. “And I’m good. How are you?”
He seems like a nice enough guy, despite the rivalry between him and Noah. He comes across as a tad cocky, always standing tall, commanding attention, but the constant sparkle in his eye is boyish and soft.
“Feeling like a winner, beautiful. I’d feel even better if you’d join me for dinner tonight.”
My heart lodges itself in my throat, but I play it cool, looking him up and down. “Dinner?”
“Yeah, the third meal of the day,” he teases, his lips kicking up on one side. “Usually includes a main and at least two side dishes. Sometimes accompanied by wine and a gorgeous date.”
Whimsy looks from him to me and back again. “Should I make reservations?”
“I…”
I’m taken aback, frankly, and caught off guard.
“She has a job to do, and it doesn’t involve kissing your ass.”
I’ve been so focused on the young guy in front of me that I didn’t even notice Noah’s approach.
Elias grins, amused by my boss’s attitude. “I don’t need my ass kissed. But dinner with a beautiful woman? No man would turn that down. Right?” He playfully elbows Noah like they’re old friends.
Bristling, Noah steps away, which puts him closer to me.
“Sure, but find another beautiful woman. Not mine.”
I … what did he say?
My brain takes a moment to reboot, and my heart has taken off at a sprint.
Noah’s eyes go wide, and he shakes his head, his damp waves swishing with the gesture.
As if I imagined the whole scenario, he squats in front of Maddie and smiles. “Hop on.”
With a grin, she does, and then the two of them head away from me.
Maybe I really was hallucinating. Is this heat stroke?
No, this is Noah being Noah. Rather than acknowledge that comment, he’s going to pretend it never happened.
Figures.
Quickly, I get to my feet and brush off the back of my dress. “Nice chatting with you guys, but I better catch up with my boss.”
Elias’s eyes crinkle at the corners, his lips quirked in amusement. “You do that.”
Despite how desperately I want to speed walk away from them, I keep my composure and my steps sure and steady.
It isn’t until we get to the pickup area that I finally catch up with them.
“What was that about?” I hiss now that Maddie has dismounted and is admiring the flowers nearby.
His jaw ticks. “Nothing.” The word is a gruff exhale.
I shake my head, annoyance coursing through my veins. “And men think women are complicated.” I blow out a breath, hands clenched into fists at my sides. “When you’ve found your words, Noah, then come find me. I’m not going to communicate with someone who only speaks in caveman grunts.”
I turn around and stride away.
“Where are you going?” His words are rushed, panicked.
Without stopping, I call over my shoulder, “To see if Elias is still up for a date.”
“You’re working,” he yells after me.
I turn around and tap my watch-free wrist. “Check the time. I’m off for the evening. I’ll see you later, Maddie.” I scurry over to her and scoop her up in a hug. “Be good for your dad.”
I press a kiss to her cheek and squeeze her once more, hoping she understands that though her dad might’ve annoyed me, I’m not upset with her.
Satisfied that I’ve gotten the last word, I walk away, this time with an extra sway in my hips.