Chapter 8 #2
Callum glanced across the court. Geoffrey was perched in the second row of the bleachers.
His usual hangout when he watched Brielle play.
“Not in his best interests. Now that Brielle’s back in the public eye, she needs a bodyguard.
” Callum nodded toward Geoffrey in his straw hat and polyester track suit with a large “G” obnoxiously embroidered on the front.
“He doesn’t look much like somebody who would intimidate a stalker to me. ”
“Look, all kidding aside, I’m glad you’re still here. These practices are starting to draw a bit of a crowd. The press has even tried to get in.”
Callum nodded. “I was waiting for that to happen.” He scanned the fence, reminding himself that her attacker could be among them right now.
“You’re armed, right?”
“Always. I’ve been walking around every few minutes just to scope the place, but if you see something suspicious let me know.”
“Sure thing. Who knew a NASCAR hero would turn out to be a tennis fan.” Vitalie winked then slapped him on the back. “Keep up the good work, Harrison.”
“Thanks, Anston.”
Callum’s smile faded when he heard the familiar voice of Big Frank Riley behind him. He turned around, spying a group of four or five men all dressed in black suits looking more like undertakers than spectators at a sporting event.
Shit.
“A little early for you isn’t it, Frank?” Callum greeted, as he reluctantly approached. “It’s only eight in the morning.”
“Cal!” Frank grabbed his shoulder and offered his hand to shake. “Eight a.m., hell. You know I never miss an important social event.”
“Very true.”
“Jesus, who knew a practice session would be such a big draw. Especially in this heat.” He took a look around before patting his glowing brow with a handkerchief. “I heard Brielle was playing this morning and I wanted to check it out. So, how does she look out there?”
Callum scratched his temple “Good, I guess. Looks to me like she swings harder and harder every day. She’s definitely happier.”
“That’s good. I want my girl to be happy.” His voice trailed off, his focus now fixed on the court. “She looks good. Even more impressive in person, huh?”
Heads turned in syncopated motion as the ball flew over the net.
Suddenly, Brielle jumped up in the air, slamming the ball in the righthand corner of the court with an unforgiving overhand.
“She’s amazing!” Frank blurted as the crowd applauded.
Turning around, he called to his cronies behind him.
“Hey boys! Get over here and watch my daughter!”
“Shhh.” Callum warned with his finger over his lips.
“Oh, yeah, right. This isn’t the track.” He straightened the line of his jacket. “Have you seen Geoffrey around here? I heard he was back in town and I wanted to give him something.”
“He’s over there.” Callum pointed across the court.
Frank looked at Geoffrey and his body shook in silent laughter. “Nice hat.” He smirked. “He looks like a frickin’ scarecrow.”
“I think he hurt himself.” Callum answered. “His face is pretty bruised up. Brielle says he doesn’t want people to see him like that, but I can give him a message if you want.”
“Yeah.” He pulled an envelope from his jacket and handed it to Callum.
“Tell him I rented out the penthouse at the Pelican Landing Resort for tonight. I thought he and Brielle would enjoy some time, just the two of them. He’s been out of town so I thought they could catch up.
Plus, you could probably use the night off. ”
Callum took the envelope from him, then stuffed it in his shorts pocket. “No problem, I’ll see he gets it.”
“By the way, Leslie said something about going through mail you gave her. Don’t be surprised if she drops by. I told her you would have some time to kill.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He said flatly, his gaze turned back toward the court. “She’s got my number.”
“I think she’d like a lot more, if ya know what I mean.” He slapped him on the back, his deep bellowing laugh drawing stares from nearby spectators. “See you later, Harrison.”
“Later,” Callum said absently and smiled as Brielle reached in the ice bucket again.
“What the hell was my father doing here?” Brielle asked hoping the answer wouldn’t ruin a good day. “I saw him and I nearly dropped my racquet.”
“You looked pretty focused to me.” Callum picked up her bag and closed the court gate behind her. “I thought you didn’t notice anything besides the ball when you were playing.”
“Kind of hard to miss. He strolls in here looking like he walked out of a Blues Brothers movie. What was he thinking?”
“Well, I guess some people aren’t as fashion conscious as others.”
“Like yourself, of course.” She smiled, admiring how delicious Callum looked in his new tennis attire. “You look like an ad in Tennis Magazine. I told you sportswear would do wonders for you.”
“You think so?” He popped the collar on his shirt and pulled his sunglasses over his eyes. “You know you’re not the only one around here who’s done some modeling, Blondie.”
She rolled her eyes as they headed toward the locker room. “What did my dad want?”
“To see you play,” he said. “He seemed really into it.”
“Yeah, right. He’s only interested in a sporting event if it means a real estate investment. Watching for mere enjoyment is something he saves for the strip clubs.”
“Speaking of recreation.” Callum reached into his shorts pocket and produced a golden envelope. “What the hell is a Pelican Landing?”
“Only the hottest spa in South Florida and a golden envelope means a weekend package in their five thousand dollar a night penthouse.” She pulled out the contents and scanned the itinerary. “This must be a perk Geoffrey arranged for Nila and I for playing in the Citrus match he set up.”
“Citrus match?” Callum repeated. “What are you talking about?”
“Once again, a great practice, My darling!” Geoffrey came up behind Callum and planted a peck on Brielle’s cheek. “Better and better every day.”
“And just think, in three weeks at the Citrus Tournament, I’ll be amazing.” She couldn’t hold it in. If she did, she’d explode. News about the Citrus Tournament was too big and there was no way she was going to give him a chance to change his mind.
“I guess good new travels fast,” Geoffrey said. “I was planning on keeping it quiet for a while.”
“Too late. Nila told me all about it. I’m so excited and I’m more than ready.
I should probably start double practice sessions Monday, don’t you think?
After a good weekend of rest at the Pelican, I’ll be ready for the overtime.
This is so wonderful Geoffrey!” She threw her arms around his shoulders, knocking his straw hat clear to the ground.
“Wait a minute,” Callum said. “What’s a Citrus Tournament and why is this the first time I’m hearing about it?”
“It’s a tournament like anything else,” she explained. “Except all the money goes to players’ charities. What do you guys think? Should I play for children with cancer or what about Autism?”
Callum didn’t look happy, which was inexplicable, because this was good news. The best. She expected a hug, at the very least a “Congratulations.” But all she got was a scowl, and a grunt while he scratched his chin.
Geoffrey replaced his hat over his bandaged head and rested his hand on Brielle’s shoulder.
“Well, I’ll leave that to you to decide, but now the good news is out I have some work to do.
Planning your comeback is a full-time job.
” Geoffrey’s eyes were fixed on Callum. “You know I’m always looking out for you. ”
“I know,” Brielle smiled. “You’re the best.”
“I’ll call you this evening and see how your arm is holding up. I’m sure Callum here will take good care of you.”
“I sure will.” Callum placed a hand on her shoulder.
Geoffrey waved and blew her a kiss before disappearing back to the courts. Callum stood beside her with a crooked smile pulling at his lips. “What?” she asked him.
“Nothing. I just probably should have told you the golden envelope you’re holding was from your father for you and Geoffrey to use this weekend. I would have if you weren’t going so crazy about this whole citrus thing.”
“Oh well…too late now.” She gazed back in Geoffrey’s direction but in truth, she didn’t look very hard.
A weekend alone with Geoffrey at a place like the Pelican was not something she was up for.
She cringed at the image of his pasty face on the pillow next to hers, leaving drool stains on the fine linens.
“Hey Callum, want to go to Pelican Landing?”
He made a face. “It sounds like a retirement home.”
“Best food around. My dad is paying and if you want a good time, I can’t think of anything better than to waste his money.” She waved the envelope in front of his face. “Come on. Just dinner. Saves you the trouble of dialing a phone.”
Callum eyes twinkled. “Well, if you put it that way.” He snatched the envelope from her hand. “You’re on, baby. I was thinking I could use a night on the town.”