Twenty-Nine Teagan
Twenty-Nine
Teagan
W illiams & Associates closed on two sales this week. Hallelujah! It’s been a rough few months, but we’re finally making headway. Maybe I can pay myself back for the country club membership, which severely ate into my pocketbook, but was it worth it? Yes. The contacts I’ve made gave the agency renewed energy. It’s either feast or famine in real estate. You have to save those big commissions for a rainy day when there’s slim pickings. I’m thrilled for my team, but that’s not the only thing making me happy these days.
Dominic Fletcher.
The man I’ve loved to hate for the past twelve years came sauntering back in my life as if he belonged there. It’s scary how easily we’ve reconnected. Not just on the court, where playing tennis has come back to me as naturally as breathing, but on a personal level. I never expected Dominic to invite me to his family dinner, but he showed me a side of himself that he often hid in the past. He shared his family’s flaws. I saw that he has issues with his mother like I do with my parents. His opening up to me meant so much. That’s why later, when we went for a drive, passion exploded and we made love in the car. It’s like he’s stripped away all my defenses, leaving me vulnerable, no place to hide. And no way to deny how I feel.
I love him.
I don’t know if I ever stopped loving him, which is why I’ve never been able to fully give myself to any other relationship. I want to cry and rail because I don’t know what to do with these feelings. They can’t go anywhere. Dominic is the GOAT. The most famous player in current tennis history. He’s still on the circuit and going back on tour, and everything will go back to how it was before. I’ll work as hard as I always do, determined to be the best in my own field, but I’ll be alone. This time, it’ll be harder to forget him because I don’t have the anger to hold on to. All I’ll have is this unrequited love.
Dominic wants me. Yes. Is he insatiable for me? Absolutely. But love? That’s no longer part of the equation, and I’m certainly not about to express how I feel. I have my pride. This relationship is only about closure, giving us the bookend we never had. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but there’s nowhere for this relationship to go.
We will win this tournament because that’s what we do, or at least it’s what Dominic does and what I used to do, but training with him has made me believe we can. After the tournament is over, he’ll leave and I won’t see him again. It’s how it has to be, right?
We have no future.
A knock sounds on my door and I glance up to see my mother standing in my office doorway.
“Mom?” I rise to my feet. “Is everything okay?” I don’t often see her outside the family home because Daddy keeps her on a tight leash.
She offers me a small smile. “Yes, all is well. I wanted to check on you. I didn’t like how things ended on Sunday.”
“Daddy didn’t leave me much choice.”
She turns and closes the door, giving us privacy. “No, your father has always been a man determined to have his way. And usually, I allow it.”
“But you didn’t. Why did you stand up to him for me ?”
“It was high time I did,” Mom responds softly. “I’ve never liked arguing with your father, but he has no place sticking his nose in your love life. If you and Dominic want to rekindle your relationship, more power to you.”
My nose scrunches. “You think so?” I would have thought she would be against us, same as Daddy.
“I always felt like you threw in the towel too quickly, Teagan. You both seemed so committed back then.”
I shake my head. “You’re wrong, Mom. He was my first love, and I thought the sun and moon hung on him, but I was just a passing phase for Dominic.”
“I disagree, but ultimately what I think doesn’t matter. It’s what you think. Do you want to be with him?”
“Yes, but he’s a hugely successful tennis champion. And me? Well, I’ve changed. We don’t move in the same circles anymore. I’m a pariah with the press.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t work. You might face some challenges, but surely you’re willing to put in the time for the someone you love?”
I wish I could believe her. I have seen love conquer all with the Gems and their relationships. I’ve seen them overcome misunderstandings, unplanned pregnancies and all kinds of hang-ups, but I don’t know, this feels different. It’s personal. I’m no longer on the outside offering my advice.
“I hear you, Mama. I do, but I also have to protect my heart. I don’t want to get hurt again.”
“I don’t want that for you either, sweetheart. I want you to be happy, Teagan, and if that’s with Dominic, then so be it.”
“Thank you.” I squeeze her hands. “And I want the same thing for you. You don’t have to take sides with me or Daddy.”
“Maybe not, but I needed to find my voice and not let your father have the last word.”
I’m stunned by her speech. I’ve always wanted her to speak up, but she always seemed content with the status quo. I think it’s why I’ve always been so direct and outspoken. Of course, it hasn’t always served me well.
“Good for you, Mama. Good for you.”
After she departs, I’m left to think about our conversation and wonder if she’s right. Did I give up too easily in the past and let the man I love get away? Am I giving up now? Should I fight for what I want? And how would Dominic feel if I did?
* * *
“We’re all set for the charity tournament,” Charity says at the committee meeting on Saturday. “I’m so proud of all your hard work, dedication and fundraising efforts. I want to thank you, Dominic, for your personal donation to help us meet our goal of two million dollars as well as those of your colleagues on the ATP tour. We’re nearly there.”
“My agent has been working on a cash cow and I’m just waiting for word on a big donation,” Dominic replies.
“That would be great,” Mitzi says.
Of course, Dominic knows people. That’s the world he lives in. A world I used to be a part of, but was unceremoniously kicked out of. The memory sinks in my belly like an anchor to the ocean floor.
Once the meeting is over, it’s time for Dominic and I to practice. I try not to let the bad taste from past memories disturb us because I’ve come to enjoy our banter on the court. It reminds me of who I used to be. However, before I can leave, Charity stops me.
“Teagan, don’t go.”
“What’s up?” I ask. My adrenaline is revving up for another match with Dom.
“I wanted to congratulate you on scoring another win for Real Estate Broker of the Year,” Charity responds. “It’s a high honor.”
My brows furrow together. “Thank you, but how did you find out?”
She shrugs. “Oh, a friend of mine sits on the board and mentioned it. Are you and Dominic going together?”
“Why would you think that?”
“C’mon, Teagan. I have eyes,” Charity responds. “The two of you have been quite cozy the last couple of months. I mean, yeah, there were fireworks in those first sessions, yet I can’t help but notice the antagonism between you is long gone. Am I right?”
I’m not about to spill the beans to Charity, who apparently is a gossip if she already knows about my award. “The camaraderie you sense is from two players who’ve learned to coexist in the same space, nothing more.”
Charity laughs. “All right, Teagan. Keep your secrets, but don’t think for a second I believe you and Dominic Fletcher are—” she uses her fingers as air quotes “—just friends.” With that, she sashays out of the room.
That’s when I notice Dominic was standing directly behind her. How long has he been there? Did he hear what I said about the award ceremony? Is the scowl on his face because I didn’t invite him? I haven’t integrated him into my world outside of the tennis arena. I suppose because it’s mine and it’s where I shine.
Is it so wrong to want the spotlight for myself?