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Mac nodded. “Let’s do it.”

They jogged down the steep stairs and started their run to Randall’s Island. As they watched the brick buildings pass by them, turning onto the bridge to the Island, Mac wondered if she’d be able to make a run like this next season.Will the paps leave me alone or will I be followed like Taylor?

She couldn’t possibly know. For now, she had a small amount of anonymity left.

The run went quickly, the early August humidity warming up their joints.

Before they knew it, Mac and Jazz were slowing down just outside the center. Babs waited outside, stretching as she sipped her coffee.

Jazz and Mac parted ways and Babs led Mac inside. They took up the rubber court they’d booked up and got to warming up. Mac left the sound on her phone at full volume, just in case Taylor happened to text her.

Every few volleys, Mac would run to the bench and check. So far, nothing.

“You’re addicted to that thing.” Babs rolled her eyes.

Mac shrugged. “Sorry, just waiting for a message.”

Babs nodded and muttered under her breath, “Clearly.”

They continued like that for a good couple hours, Mac trying to absorb her coach’s notes but not being able to get Taylor’s face out of her mind.

But as a ball came flying at Mac from across the court, the phone finally gave its familiarding. Mac missed the shot, instead running to her bag.

“Seriously?” Babs groaned.

Mac waved her off as she opened the text from Taylor.

Here. Locker room is empty if you have a second.

Swallowing her nerves, Mac set down her racket. “Babs, I have to pee. I’ll be right back.”

“TMI.” Babs crossed her arms, immediately suspicious.

Mac shoved open the swinging doors to the hallway. She was basically running toward the locker room. USing her shoulder, Mac pushed past the locker room door.

She started peeking down each aisle, looking for Taylor.

“Down here.” Taylor called from the last row, recognizing Mac’s steps.

When Mac turned the corner, Taylor smiled. But something about the look made Mac’s heart drop. “What’s wrong?” Mac gotcloser, her heart pounding in her chest. She put her arm around Taylor’s waist.

Taylor shook her head, trying to shake the thoughts racing in her mind. “Nothing, Kim’s just relentless. She’s been up my ass about seeing you.”

Mac nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything.” Taylor smoothed her hair.

Scanning her face, Mac could see how exhausted she was. “Are you sleeping?”

Taylor shrugged. “Not well.” She pulled away and fidgeted with her bag.

Mac watched her move for a minute. “Can I ask you something?”

Taking a deep breath in, Taylor nodded. She looked up from her bag, her blue eyes turning a light pink.

“Were you serious aboutnevercoming out?” Mac forced the words out of her mouth. It was a question she had avoided asking. But now, she’d seen what Taylor was like when she could be herself. That night, at The Box, it was all Mac needed to feel to know where she really stood.

Taylor looked up at the ceiling, her cheeks filling with air. “I don’t know. Even just the rumors are relentless. The comments are…”