Page 20 of Blocking Her Love

Maya dismisses their compliment. “Oh, she’ll be back before long. We’ve got a few tryouts scheduled with great, young players. She’ll surprise everyone how well she does with a new partner.”

Blaine shakes his head, making his shaggy, sun-blond hair dance. “Won’t be the same. Gonna come watch our match later?”

A blush tints Maya’s cheeks. “Getting around isn’t going to be easy. But if I can make it, I will.”

Brett nudges his partner. “We’ll make sure you’re there. And with the best seat. Where are you off to now?”

“Kids’ area,” Sean supplies.

“Great. No problem.” Blaine steps forward and asks, “Your permission?”

Confused, Maya glances at her brother, then me. I’ve got no help for her. “Um, okay?”

“Let me know if you’re uncomfortable or if I’m hurting you in any way,” Blaine says before carefully lifting her in his arms.

“What are you doing?” she sputters.

“Obviously, I’m carrying you to the beach.”

“Hey,” his teammate complains. “I was going to do that.”

“Next time. Maybe. I’ve got her now.”

Brett moves in front of them to clear a path. I hear Maya complain then at a soft comment from her transportation, she falls silent and her arm snakes over his shoulder and around his neck.

I elbow Sean. “Did you have something to do with this?”

Watching his sister disappear behind a small tent, he shakes his head. “Not a damn thing.”

eleven

Sean

The day has been great.Teaching kids of all ages about volleyball and how to improve their playing is fulfilling. The thank yous and compliments from parents have solidified an action I’ve been contemplating for a few months. I’d like to increase the time I spend volunteering at the volleyball camps. No, what I really want to do is look into forming my own camp. Or a year-round facility.

I’ll ask Maya to do some research on the subject while she’s rehabbing her knee. The more information I have, the easier it will be to make a decision when the time comes.

What about Ellie? There’s no way I’d ever consider leaving her without a coach. Earlier I watched her work with Olivia while her mom sat chatting with Maya. The bright smile on Ellie’s face matched the girl’s. I think Ellie was surprised at how much she enjoyed working with kids today. And the future volleyball players loved her, too.

She’s so at ease with the kids it's nearly impossible to squash the dream of having our own children. Raising them. Teaching them. Loving them. She’ll be a great parent.

The time arrives for when their first match had been scheduled. As though they sense they should be somewhere else, both Maya and Ellie turn toward the court they’d been assigned. From the sadness weighing down my chest, I can only imagine how they must feel. There’s a break in the kids’ schedule so I join Maya where she sits like a queen on her throne.

“You okay, baby sis?”

After a long moment her gaze locks with mine. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s hard not to think about what might have been though. Especially when I’ve let you and Ellie down.”

Dropping to the sand in front of the bench, Ellie shakes her head. “You haven’t let anyone down. Yeah, I sure as hell wish today was playing out differently. But you can’t help what happened. There’s no way you could have prevented the injury. I know that. Sean knows that. Andyouknow that. We play the hands we’re dealt.”

Maya crosses her arms. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Then she relaxes and rubs her knee. “Ice isn’t lasting long out here and I’m due for a session. Could you guys find me some relief? There’s an ice bag in my tote.”

“Want me to stay?” Ellie asks.

Glancing from her to me, Maya shakes her head. “Nah. And if you decide you need to recharge with some street tacos from the food truck over there… or a hot dog from that truck…” She points to indicate the food trucks lining the edge of a parking area. “Take your time. As long as you bring me food when you come back.”

“Hungry?” I ask.

“It’s hard work just sitting here watching the world go by on healthy knees. Takes a lot of energy.”

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