Page 20

Leah runs with her eyes fixed on the ball racing at full speed down the right side of the court. She stretches her leg to stop while her right arm rises, ready to strike. Her foot skids a few inches before stopping exactly where she needs it, and her racket cuts through the air just in time to return a missile that crosses the court mere inches above the net.

Alison Young stands at the center of the court, prepared, and runs to position herself to return the cannon shot her coach just launched at her. Leah never loses sight of the ball or Alison's movements. She knows her student is ready to compete, and she feels proud to be her coach. The young woman returns the ball with a clean, short stroke that makes Leah run toward the net. She also touches the ball with a short hit that sends it to the side. It catches Alison off guard, but her agility and energy allow her to reach it in time to return it and send it back. Leah is already waiting and returns another missile. She's exhausted and not as focused as Alison. Her next training session is with Emily, and the lawyer hasn't arrived despite it being five minutes away. She already canceled the previous one, and Leah fears she'll cancel this one too.

She gets distracted for just an instant because she sees a shadow moving on the left court and needs it to be Emily. That distraction costs her as Alison returns another ball with all her strength, and it impacts like a bullet in Leah's stomach, leaving her doubled over and breathless for several seconds.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Alison says after crossing the court to approach her.

Leah still needs a few seconds for air to circulate through her lungs, and a few more for the pain to become bearable enough to straighten up.

"Don't worry," she says, trying to force a smile as she slowly stands up. "It was my fault. I got distracted."

Leah massages the area and then lifts her sweat-soaked shirt, revealing a perfect red circle next to her navel, the size of the ball.

"That's crazy," Alison says, impressed by the clarity of the circumference, leaning in to better see the mark. "It looks like a tattoo."

They both laugh, and Leah lowers her shirt, aware that the redness will soon change to a darker color.

"You played really well, Alison. Are you still thinking about competing professionally?" she asks as they walk toward the bench.

"Yes, though my dad doesn't want me to quit school, so he's looking for alternatives," she responds while drying her sweat with a towel.

"You shouldn't quit. There are alternatives; you can study with private tutors and take the exams. I can advise you about that. Tell your father to call the club and schedule an appointment. We should also think about finding you a coach."

Alison frowns.

"A coach? You're my coach," she protests with a huff.

"If you're going to compete, you need one full-time, Alison. I can't be that. You need to take the next step, and I can't teach you that here, although you can always come whenever you want, and we'll play matches so you can practice. I promise not to let you win," Leah winks at her.

Alison jumps on her and hugs her with the impetuosity typical of her age. Leah holds her breath; the stomach hit burns.

"Don't get dramatic," she says, laughing while returning the hug. "We still have to see each other many times."

After saying goodbye to the young woman, she enters the office and goes straight to her mothers.

"Did Emily cancel again?" she asks, though deep down, she already knows the answer.

"Yes, she called fifteen minutes ago," Anne responds.

Leah can't hide her disappointment and lets out a sigh while looking out the window toward the trees at the club entrance.

"Did something happen with Emily, Leah?" Natalie dares to ask, consumed by curiosity.

Her daughter turns to her and finds both her mothers watching her expectantly.

"I'm asking because this is the second lesson she's canceled, and well, it seems a bit strange considering how enthusiastic she always was," Natalie insists.

Leah considers telling them she has something to do and leaving, but she needs to let it out, so she grabs a chair, drags it behind the desk right next to her mothers, and drops into it, crossing one leg over the other.

"The night I went to Emily's house to tell her about Mia, she kissed me," she explains without preamble, and her mothers' jaws drop almost simultaneously.

The tennis player omits that first kiss the lawyer gave her on the court. Although it left her stunned, she considers it unimportant, just something born from Emily's excitement.

"I kissed her back," she continues, shivering at the memory. "I wasn't expecting it, and I liked it so much that my brain shut down. Then her phone rang, and I took advantage of her answering the call to go home."

"And you haven't talked about it?" asks Anne, very serious.

"I'm not finished," says Leah.

"Of course, honey, I'm sorry," her mother apologizes.

"She came to the next lesson, and we both acted like nothing had happened, but afterward, we went to my office because she had to discuss something about Mia's case, and it happened again. She kissed me again, and although my entire body begged me to continue, I stopped her and told her I was with Stella."

Leah clears her throat and massages her stomach right where Alison's ball hit her.

"I can't define what happened then. She seemed a bit stunned, but she didn't react badly or make a scene. She just said she had to leave, and that's all I know about her."

"She's canceled her lessons since then," Anne completes.

"Yes."

Silence falls between the three of them. Leah prefers it; she needs those seconds of mental peace while her mothers look at each other. Their long relationship allows them to communicate without needing words. Though it seems twisted, they're both delighted with the situation because neither approves of Leah's relationship with Stella. However, they've perceived the chemistry she has with Emily since day one.

"What are you going to do, Leah?" Natalie probes, affectionately placing a hand on her knee.

Leah looks directly into her eyes, and her mother feels proud seeing determination in them. Leah has always been very level-headed and correct, even in the most complicated moments.

"I need to talk to Stella. I mean, I'm going to break up with her. It's obvious that what we have doesn't work. I've always known that, but I was content with what we had because I didn't need more."

"But Emily has appeared," says Anne.

"Yes. And it doesn't matter that it's Emily, mom. It could have been another woman. The point is that it happened, and I don't want to deceive Stella. One thing is settling for something superficial, and another is this."

"Have you considered that Stella might be cheating on you?" asks Natalie, unable to contain her thoughts.

"Natalie," Anne scolds her.

"Let her, mom," Leah smiles. "Of course I've thought about it. In fact, sometimes I'm convinced of it. I know what it's like to travel constantly, going from tournament to tournament. Women approach you, you meet other colleagues, it's inevitable. And that makes this even worse because I've suspected it many times and don't care. I've always been indifferent to what Stella might do out there as long as I didn't find out. Anyway, that's not the issue. I'm going to leave her. As soon as she returns to Tennessee, I'll catch a flight and go talk to her."

"You know you have our support whatever you do," says Anne. "And with Emily? What do you plan to do?"

Leah sighs.

"Maybe you should go talk to her," suggests Natalie, seeing the doubt reflected in her daughter's expression.

"I don't think so," rebuts Anne. "If she canceled the lessons, there must be a reason. Maybe she needs her space, a little more time, or it could even be work-related, I don't know. In any case, I'm sure it wasn't pleasant for her to find out you have a girlfriend. It's obvious she likes you; she would have had expectations, would have gotten excited after that other kiss as any of us would have. Give her some space."

"I think I'll wait for the next lesson," says Leah. "If she cancels that one too, I'll figure out what to do."

"Of course," says Anne, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

"Hey," says Natalie with a narrowed gaze. "On a scale of one to ten, how much do you like Emily?"

"For God's sake, Natalie," exclaims Anne, but she can't help laughing when Leah lets out a laugh that echoes throughout the office.

"What? It's maternal curiosity," Natalie complains, frowning.

Leah leans forward and takes one hand from each of them.

"A twelve, mom," she whispers and winks at her, feeling her heart skip a beat when she acknowledges it out loud.