Page 45 of From the Courtroom to the Court
Eveline Mitchell takes several notes while nodding, pleased. Some patients take months, even years to take that step. Others, like Emily, need just a couple of sessions to gain the strength they need to start facing their demons.
"I'm very proud of you, Emily," she congratulates her, closes her notebook and crosses one leg. "I wanted to end the session with this question because I want you to leave knowing how well you're doing. After spending part of your life keeping your feelings hidden, letting them flow is an interesting journey. There will be people who won't like you standing up to them, but you'll also get good rewards, like that day."
Emily broadens that radiant smile, her usual one, that lights up the entire office.
"Coming to therapy has been one of the best decisions I've made," the lawyer responds, getting up from the couch; they've gone a few minutes over the hour. "See you next week?"
"I'll be waiting," Dr. Mitchell politely says goodbye and walks her to the door.
Emily Harris leaves the office with renewed spirits. She stops on the street and breathes in Charleston's humid air. It's hot, but the lawyer feels so connected to nature that she doesn't mind at all that, when she starts walking toward her car, her neck is already drenched in sweat. She gets into her vehicle and drives calmly to the Walker Elite Sport Club. She's nervous. After that conversation with Leah and the tennis player's confession, Emily will find it hard not to approach her and kiss those lips that taste like mint and salt.
"Hello," Leah surprises her as soon as Emily parks and gets out of her car at the club.
Emily jumps and drops the gym bag she had just picked up.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Leah apologizes, trying to hide a smile. Emily's face shows total drama.
"I wasn't expecting to find you here," says the lawyer who, after picking up the bag, gives Leah a somewhat brazen once-over. The tennis player wears navy blue shorts and a tight white t-shirt.
"I had gone out and just got back for your class," Leah explains as they both start walking. "How are you?"
Both suddenly seem very young, almost teenagers. They appear calm, although inside they're trembling like a pair of custards on a tray. Emily hasn't felt this excited about someone in a long time, and Leah has spent too much time with a person she doesn't feel what she should. So every time they're together, there are butterflies, vibrations, and hearts beating strongly.
"Eager to train," Emily resolves. "And you?"
"I want to be lying on the couch watching a series I'm hooked on."
Both women burst into refreshing laughter and walk through the locker room doors.
"Bad news for business," Emily winks at her. "You can do that on the weekend; it's not far off."
Leah twists her expression. Her lips move to one side while she raises both eyebrows.
"Saturday I'm flying to see Stella," Leah explains, opening the locker where she keeps her things and taking out some wristbands. Although it's a topic that concerns them both, she feels uncomfortable talking about the woman who is still her girlfriend. "I'm going to talk to her, like I told you."
Emily notices that Leah omits telling her she's going to see her girlfriend to break up with her. She should be jumping for joy, but she's not. The lawyer knows that, although their relationship isn't working, as she understands it, they've been together for some time, and a breakup is never comfortable.
"I hope everything goes well, as well as these things can go," Emily approaches the tennis player, squeezes her arm gently, and leaves a caress that's meant to be affectionate, but for them is pure fire.
Leah mentally debates whether she should grab Emily by the legs, lift her to her waist and make love to her right there against a locker, or run out to start training.
"I'll wait for you outside," Leah decides on the latter. She doesn't want to start anything with Emily without closing her chapter with Stella.
"Good, Emily, you're doing great," Leah says from across the court. "Stay focused on the ball and don't stop watching it."
They've been on the court for more than half an hour; Leah is rallying with her, making the lawyer go from side to side returning the ball. Emily has improved so much that she masters simple plays. She's still clumsy, slipping on any occasion and losing focus if things happen around her, but even so, she's starting to have good control, and that makes Leah proud.
"Leah," the tennis player stops the serve she was about to do because a very distressed Anne appears on the court.
"What's wrong, mom?" the tennis player asks nervously and approaches her.
"They've been calling Mia, she's not picking up, so Elena Morris called the club. Aaron has run away," the woman says in a tone of lament.
Leah closes her eyes for a second and twists her neck to look for her friend. She knows she's on court three with a maintenance guy changing the net. She sees her there laughing while checking something on one of the metal posts, and the tennis player's heart sinks.
"I'll go talk to her," Leah summarizes and notices that Emily is standing a few steps away from her. "I have to..."
"I'll come with you," Emily responds and walks toward her. "It's not pleasant news and, unfortunately, I've had to deliver it before."
