Page 59 of Double Fault

Cheers go up around us, his family the loudest of them all.

Maddie turns to me, bottom lip trembling. “He lost.”

“I know.” My heart sinks as I take in the tears welling in her eyes. “He’ll get it next time.”

Her frown deepens. “You don’t know that.”

No, I don’t, but I can hope, and positive thinking surely can’t hurt. “He’ll be okay.”

This loss is going to hurt—how could it not?—but it’s not the end of the season for him. He’s played well so far, and I’m certain a tournament win is around the corner.

Both players linger as a crew appears and quickly sets up a small stage for the trophy ceremony. Noah sits in his designated chair, slouched like he doesn’t have the energy to remain upright.

He might drive me insane most of the time, but I don’t like seeing him like this.

He’s the first to be called up onto the stage. He shakes hands with several people, then accepts his second-place trophy and steps up to the microphone.

He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. “First, I want to congratulate Elias on a great game.” He finds his friend, who just happens to be his biggest opponent, and dips his chin. “It’s always a challenge playing against you. I hope we meet on the court again soon. I want to thank my incredible coaching team.” He tips the small trophy toward Fisher and the other two coaches. “You’ve been by my side for years. Thank you for notgiving up on me, despite the challenges we’ve faced. I also want to thank the ball kids. You guys are incredible.” He straightens a bit, his shoulders a little less slouched. “Last, I want to express how grateful I am to have made it this far. Thank you.” He waves to the crowd, and we all cheer.

He steps off to the side quickly so Elias can accept his trophy and speak.

I don’t hear a word the younger man says. I’m too busy watching Noah. Defeat clings to him like a second skin. Beside me, Maddie cranes her neck, her attention fixed on him too.

Eventually, Elias heads over to the media for interviews and Noah shrugs his bag over his shoulder and heads back down the tunnel.

“Come on.” I pat Maddie’s knee. “Let’s go find your dad.”

“And ice cream,” she chirps. “That’ll make him feel better. It always cheers me up when I’ve had a bad day.”

We find a bench near the athlete facilities, and the whole time we wait, Maddie stews. She shifts and grumbles and sighs, but she doesn’t say a word to me.

After a solid twenty minutes, she finally heaves out a long breath. “What’s taking him so long? It’s hot and I’m tired.”

I lift a shoulder and let it fall. “I’m not sure.”

Fisher steps out then, and I wave to get his attention.

As he approaches, I stand. “Is Noah okay?”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “I think he’s just taking his time.” He gives a subtle tip of his head in Maddie’s direction.

Ah. In other words, he doesn’t want Maddie to know how upset he is.

“I understand.”

“He shouldn’t be too much longer. You good, Mads?” He holds out his fist for a bump.

“Yeah.” She taps her knuckles against his. “But tell my dad to hurry up. He’ssoslow.”

With a laugh, Fisher backs away. “I’ll be sure to let him know.”

“Want to head back to the hotel and wait for him there?” I pull out my phone, ready to click on a ride share app.

She shakes her head, hands tucked beneath her thighs and legs swinging again. “No, I want to wait here.”

Nodding, I plop down beside her. I get it, and I’m happy to hang tight.

Elias finally leaves the media tent, trailed by several people, including Whimsy, who is frantically typing on her iPad.

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