Thirty-Four Dominic
Thirty-Four
Dominic
I ’m done with tennis, and I’m done with you.
Teagan’s words echo inside my head as if they’re on repeat. I watch her pass the crowd of reporters and climb into the waiting car. They know not to enter because there are signs that state this is private property. I dare one of them to attempt it. I’ll have them arrested so fast their heads will spin. None try, so I turn back inside and slam the door.
Damn that woman!
Why must she always think the worst of me?
Is it ingrained in her DNA that I somehow have it out for her?
Clearly she didn’t listen to my entire conversation with Scott. Otherwise, she would have heard me tell him in no uncertain terms that the tournament will remain doubles. I’m not playing without Teagan. I told him to go back to the sponsor and either they participate or they don’t. I’m prepared to make up the difference to ensure the committee reaches their goal. But Teagan didn’t stay or listen to my side of the story because she has this narrative in her head that I’m a selfish jerk who left her to pursue my own dreams and ambitions.
She’s only partly right.
I had dreams of being the best. A champion. But I didn’t do it at her expense. I continued my career to help support me and my family. Teagan doesn’t want to hear that, though. It’s easier for her to paint me as the villain. Then she doesn’t have to go out on a limb and acknowledge what’s between us. I know what I saw, what I felt, last night.
The look of pure joy on her face when she realized I was still at the award ceremony was real. Egypt was right. She wanted me there despite her reservations. The way she flung herself into my arms in the crowded room told me she was in this with me.
How could we spend such an incredible night together and the next morning she thinks I would betray her and cast her aside for money? I have enough money for several lifetimes. No, her reaction stems from her innate lack of faith in me. It angers and hurts me that no matter what I do, the past still haunts us. If I told her the truth about what happened twelve years ago, maybe then she could see what we could be.
Or she could hate me for having kept it from her for so long.
It’s a no-win situation. I lose her every time.
My mind is going round and round when I hear my cell phone ring. I find it in the kitchen where I left it when Scott and I spoke earlier. I swipe right. “Hello?”
“Dom? Have you seen the photos of you and Teagan?” It’s Justice.
“Hey, bro,” I say. “What photos?”
“They’re all over the internet. You two hugged up at some party and then she’s looking disheveled leaving your house and you bare chested.”
I laugh because what can I do? The entire situation is crazy.
“What’s so funny?”
“All of it,” I say. “Reporters were waiting for Teagan outside my house this morning, so I’m not surprised. Those bastards are fast—I have to hand it to them.”
“You don’t care?” Justice asks.
“Right now, I couldn’t care less. Teagan and I argued and she stormed off. Said she was done with me and with tennis.”
“But you guys have the doubles tournament coming up.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” I ask testily, and then sigh. “I’m sorry, Justice. It’s not you I’m angry at.”
“It’s all right. I’m happy to be a sounding board,” Justice responds. “I was hoping you and Tee were going to make it work this time.”
“I was hoping so too, but now I wonder if we’ll ever get over the past. There might be too much water under the bridge.”
“I don’t believe that for a second, Dom. Whenever you want something, you go get it. Why is Teagan any different? Didn’t you say you always regretted letting her get away? Don’t let it happen again. Make her see who you really are. Show her the Dominic Fletcher who has supported and lifted up this family. Show her the man who’s helping me fulfill my dreams. Show her the philanthropist who supports various charitable causes and organizations.”
Wow. I’m blown away by Justice’s impassioned plea. I never realized what an impact I had on my little brother. Neither one of us knew our father so I’ve tried to be an example and a good influence in his life. I’m happy to see I achieved the mark.
“Thanks, Justice. I’ll take everything you’ve said to heart.”
And I will.
The question is whether Teagan will even listen to me. She’s so hung up on past fears and hurts. Can I make her see all that we could be together ?