Chapter 13 #4
Sitting up straighter, Sydney tried to imagine what that meant.
None of her prior brands had wanted to continue their relationship; they’d signed the termination paperwork weeks ago on those endorsement deals when her retirement had been finalized.
It was hard to sell a racket or a nutritional supplement when she wasn’t playing at the competitive level.
Still, her curiosity was piqued. “I assume you want me to ask what exactly those facets are?”
Sydney had enough money for a very comfortable life at this point, even if she never lifted a finger again, but sitting back and lounging all day wasn’t ever going to make her truly happy.
It was hard to envision a world where she didn’t have a purpose, something that made her excited to get up every morning.
“I got an interesting call last week, from The Tennis Network.” Sara paused, letting her words hang between them. “They wanted to discuss the possibility of you coming on board as a commentator.”
A flood of excitement rushed through Sydney, though it was battling fiercely with other less positive emotions. “Is there a formal offer? Or are we just discussing hypotheticals and gauging interest?”
“I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with the news, but they’ve had some scandal recently,” Sara said, lowering her voice even though they were alone. She was a professional through and through. “Dan Cody.”
Sydney already had an idea where this was going.
Cody was a player turned coach turned commentator who was a veritable energy generator for the rumor mill when it came to inappropriate relationships with the young female players whose careers he’d been helping to mold.
It was a disgusting abuse of power, and more common than it should have been.
“So it’s true then? About his relationships with players?” Sydney asked, a sickly feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t imagine, at fifteen or sixteen, having someone she trusted with her life—someone like Brian, who’d been a father figure to her—abuse that power.
“Unfortunately.” Sara’s voice was laced with contempt, and it seemed like this was neither of the women’s first point of exposure to the seedy underbelly of the tennis world. “Nothing can be done legally at this point, but he’s out, and the network has deemed him persona non grata.”
“Well, that’s good at least.”
“It’s a small step in the right direction, though whether the network has always known remains to be seen.”
Sydney had met Cody a few times at tournaments and social events over the years. She’d always gotten the feeling that he was smarmy, with his too-charming smile and offers to discuss her career and give her ‘pointers.’ Gross. She’d always stayed as far away from him as possible.
Good riddance. “So out with the old?—”
“And in with the you , if you’re interested,” Sara said before adding, “There are three US-based tournaments coming up in the next few months. They’d like to try you out as a guest commentator in D.C.
and Cleveland, and if all goes well, debut you on a wider scale at the US Open in September.
Depending on the feedback as well as your ongoing interest, they’d make a formal offer to join the commentary team for next season. ”
Sydney let out a whoosh of air. Commentating and coaching were both possible trajectories she’d considered, but until a few weeks ago, it had felt like she was treading water, trying to make it day to day.
“It’s a great offer, in my opinion. They love that you’ve been so recently in the mix, and you have an insider’s perspective on the current landscape.”
Sydney stood up and walked over to the window, staring out at the city and bay below. “When do you need an answer?”
“By the end of the week. I wanted to discuss the offer in person, but they need to get you prepped if you want to move forward. D.C. is coming up in less than three weeks.” She noted the surprise in Sara’s voice, that she wasn’t jumping all over the offer.
And, really, it was strange that she wasn’t. This was a dream job, dropped directly onto Sydney’s lap. A true silver lining, happening because of her injury and at the hands of a predator being exposed in the industry.
But she’d never done a great job, she was realizing, at balancing her professional and personal lives.
She thought she’d have more time to ease into something that felt right.
That she’d have more time with Reese, to see what was blossoming between them, and she wanted to be there for Hallie, as she navigated this transitional period in her life.
Let alone whatever was going on with her mom, which she still hadn’t pinned down.
She took one little year off from being an active participant in her own life, and now, it had come calling, rife with people and decisions and, for the first time in a long time, the need to chart her own path forward.
Her life was back in full swing, whether she felt ready for it or not. She unzipped her jacket, ready to do battle with the Miami heat. “I’ll let you know by Sunday.”