15. Sabrina
CHAPTER 15
SAbrINA
Tennis is considered a gentleman’s sport. That means there’s an assumed dress code. Leggings are a no-no, and I’ve gotten more than one side-eye for wearing my combat boots with a sundress. Due to inclement weather, the final had to be rescheduled from Sunday to Monday, so I used the extra time to sneak away and buy a few new outfits and shoes. I’ll never fit in with these people, and I don’t necessarily want to, but for Maddie’s sake and Noah’s, I need to look the part.
“Are you ready?” Maddie singsongs from the other side of the door.
With a grimace, I shimmy the dress up my hips. It’s short but heavy enough that it should stay in place, even on a windy day. The material is luxurious. It’s certainly the most expensive dress I’ve ever owned. I might’ve choked over my total when I checked out at the store. I picked up five dresses and three pairs of shoes, that’s it, but the price was staggering. With my generous salary and because almost all my expenses are paid, I can afford it, but it still wasn’t easy to part with that money.
“Just a minute, sweetie.” I struggle with the zipper, twisting and turning, for far too long before I give up and open the door. “Mads, can you help me with the zipper?”
The eight-year-old eagerly jumps off the couch and bounces over to the table, where I drop into a chair to give her better access.
“You’re not wearing a bra.” Her words are hushed and maybe a little scandalized.
With a laugh, I pull my hair out of her way. “It’s built into the dress.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that was a thing.” She works the zipper up all the way. “All done.”
I stand and press a kiss to the top of her head. Without even trying, this kid brings out the affectionate side of me.
“You look pretty.” She pinches the hem of my dress and rubs it between her fingers. “I like this color on you.”
“Thank you. Let me go put my shoes on and we can go.”
It takes me a moment to get the strappy heels on, then I double-check my makeup in the bathroom mirror. Five minutes later, we’re headed down to catch a car to the courts, our lanyards swinging around our necks.
“What should I do if Daddy loses?” Maddie adjusts her white sunglasses—a pair I picked up for her while I was shopping. We’re a little early, but we get settled in our seats and wait. “I don’t think a sticker will cheer him up.”
“Your cute face will be enough.” I give her a gentle hug. It’s the truth. All he needs is her, and I hope she can see that.
She flips her hair over her shoulder, striking a pose. “That’s true.” A heartbeat later, she sobers and slumps in her seat. “I just want him to be happy. He’s so sad without Mommy and tennis.”
When her head drops, so does my gut.
“Hey.” I tuck a strand of soft brown hair behind her ear. “You know you make him happy, right?”
“A little bit of happy doesn’t make up for a whole lot of sad.” She looks up and gives me a wobbly smile.
The expression is enough to make my heart crack open.
The words are so wise for someone so young. “Try not to worry about it, okay?” I run my fingers through her long hair, hoping to give her some measure of comfort.
“I’ll try.”
From the tense set of her posture and the way her knee bounces, it’s obvious the nerves haven’t dissipated. And the game isn’t even underway.
Noah’s up against Elias Johnson in the final. Though he hasn’t come out and said it, it’s clear the other man intimidates him. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s younger or if he really thinks he’s a better player.
“How long until my dad comes out?” Maddie asks as more spectators file in and find their seats. Neck craned, she surveys the court like she’s hoping to catch a glimpse of him, though we still have a bit of time before the match starts.
“I’m not sure.”
In front of us, the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen gracefully sits down. Her curls are similar to mine, in texture and pattern, but they’re quite a bit longer, falling almost to her breasts. Her pink dress is classy and only magnifies her beauty. I find myself looking down at the green dress I thought was exquisite only an hour ago, suddenly feeling inadequate. There’s no way I could ever look as put-together as she does.
She turns around then, probably sensing my stare, and smiles. “Hi. Noah’s family, right?”
“Uh, I-I’m the nanny… Sabrina,” I supply. “This is his daughter Maddie.”
She gives my little buddy a warm smile. “We’ve met before. How are you, Maddie?”
“My daddy’s going to beat your brother’s butt.”
“Maddie!” I chide, my face flaming. The mortification coursing through me slows my comprehension skills, so it takes a moment for her words to sink in.
Brother . That means the woman in front of me is Elias’s sister.
She holds her hand out to me. “I’m Ebba.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Sabrina. Ebba is a unique name.”
Her responding laugh is soft and tinkling. “My mother is Swedish. She told my father that since she had to carry twins, she was picking our names.” To Maddie, she grins and says, “I do hope he beats my brother. Elias needs to be knocked down a few pegs.” She peers over her shoulder, then leans in closer. “Don’t tell him I said that, though.”
Maddie giggles, bouncing slightly in her seat. “I won’t.”
“I haven’t seen you around the grounds.”
I tug on the hem of my dress, suddenly worried I’m showing off more skin than is appropriate. “We’ve only been coming for Noah’s matches.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” Voice lowered, she leans over the back of her seat. “How is he?”
Unbidden, my thoughts stray to our moment a few nights ago. We were fully dressed, yet it was the most incredible sexual experience of my life. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be skin to skin while he moved above me. Below me. Over me.
I clear my throat, wiping away those thoughts. “He’s doing okay. As well as he can be, anyway.”
She peers over her shoulder, then searches my face, her lips pressed together. “And Fisher? Do you know how he is?”
Confused, I frown. “He’s good.”
She nods and looks away. “Is he dating anyone?”
Hold on. Does Elias’s sister have a thing for Fisher?
“Not that I know of.”
With a long exhale, she plasters on a big smile. “Sorry for all the questions. I’m curious by nature.”
“It’s okay.” I dip my chin, though I’m not buying her excuse.
“We should hang out sometime. These tours are always such a dick fest. We need more women here. We’ll invite Elias’s assistant too. Whimsy is endearingly hilarious. She’ll be here soon.”
Nose scrunched, I huff a laugh. “Wait, her name is Whimsy ?”
Ebba lifts one slender shoulder. “Her parents are a little… out there.”
“Whimsy,” I repeat, testing it out. “Interesting.”
“Honestly, it suits her. Anything else would be too boring.”
“Excuse me, excuse me. Sorry. Coming through. Ugh, I’m terribly sorry, sir.”
With a shake of her head, Ebba laughs. “Speak of the devil.” She points at a petite blond descending the stairs. Her hair is pulled back in a tight ponytail and she’s got a large bag slung over one arm and an iPad clutched in her opposite hand. Her dress is about the same length as mine, which instantly makes me feel better. It’s light blue, with what I think is called a Peter Pan collar.
She’s huffing when she finally drops into her seat beside Ebba. “What I’d give to go back to bed right now. Your brother had me running all over the place this morning for toilet paper. He was out of his precious Charmin.”
Ebba giggles and thumbs over her shoulder. “This is Sabrina, Noah’s nanny, and you remember Maddie, right?”
Whimsy turns, her face lit up in a smile that nearly engulfs the entirety of her petite face. “Sabrina! Nice to meet you. Elias mentioned you a few weeks ago. I’m sorry I haven’t introduced myself. And Maddie Girl! How are you, princess?”
“I’m good.” She straightens her spine. “Just waiting for my dad to whoop Elias’s butt.”
Whimsy throws her head back with laugher. “If Elias loses, I’ll have to listen to him gripe about it for weeks.” She hums, her eyes drifting up and to one side. “It might be worth it, though.”
“You should get him a sticker to make him feel better. That’s what I do for my dad. Win or lose, he gets a sticker. Although,” her little lips drop into a frown, “a sticker probably won’t be good enough if he loses this time.”
Whimsy and Ebba exchange a look, then burst into laughter. “A sticker,” Ebba says between guffaws. “That’s perfect.”
“I’ll add them to my shopping list. Great idea, Maddie.” Whimsy pulls out her Apple Pencil and makes a note of it on her iPad.
Maddie beams at the praise and I find myself smiling right along with her. Sometimes she retreats into herself, weighed down by sadness and grief I don’t know how to banish. But in moments like this, the little girl shines through it all.
“Where are Mom and Dad?” Ebba asks as she turns to face the court.
“They’re coming,” Whimsy says. “You know your parents—they’ve never met a stranger.”
Ebba turns around again to face me. “My parents are something else. It’s a good thing that tennis spectators are expected to be quiet, otherwise they would be yammering on through the match and heckling Elias’s opponents.”
The smile that overtakes me is as surprising as it is genuine. It usually takes a while to warm up to new people, but I was drawn to Ebba before she even opened her mouth. Her friendly aura alone was enough to allow me to relax in her presence, but she only reeled me in farther when she started talking to me like we’re already best friends.
When her parents appear only minutes before the match is set to start, she introduces them quickly.
Her mother, Alvinia, is a strikingly tall woman with icy blond hair and vivid blue eyes, while Malcolm is African American and even taller than his wife. He’s handsome, with one of the kindest smiles I’ve seen.
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.