Page 100 of Risky Match
We wander toward the stage, chatting with more players, coaches, and VIPs along the way. Finally reaching our table, our parents are smiling and talking while Josh and Martina chat with coaches at a nearby table.
We greet our parents and take our seats beside each other for the dinner and program. I keep stealing glances at Bri, enamored with her poise and beauty.
When they call our names, we go forward to receive our honorary memberships to the All England Club. Bri is beaming. I’ve been so focused on surprising Bri that I forgot about the cherished memberships. Bri will never again have to feel bad about using the members’ locker room. She’ll be entitled to use it whenever she plays here.
After all the winners are recognized, the men’s singles champion dances with the women’s singles champion. It’s tradition.
My palms start to sweat in anticipation of what comes next.
I quickly dry them on my napkin as the emcee announces, “Please welcome the mixed doubles champions to the dance floor.”
Bri turns her head and smiles as our eyes meet.
The audience applauds loudly as I stand, reaching for Bri’s hand. The anticipation of holding her in my arms is killing me. I want to jog to the dance floor but know better. Instead, I wrap an arm around her waist, giving her a light squeeze as we walk.
As we step on the dance floor, the music slows, and I turn to embrace Bri.
“What’s going on? What happened to the fast music?” she asks in a whisper.
“I requested a slow song for our dance. I wanted a chance to talk,” I say, gazing into her eyes with hope. This is it. I have to convince her that she’s everything to me. Failure isn’t an option.
“Why here? Why now?” She searches my face for answers.
Brushing a lock of hair from her cheek, I’m mesmerized by her. “Because this is where it all started for us two years ago. I’ve thought of you so many times since. Then we reconnected here, and I fantasized about the future with you. When things went sideways, I was devastated. Then I was mad at myself and lashed out. I should have listened when you tried to explain. I’ve been miserable since the day we fought. I’m so sorry for everything.”
She looks away, sadness clouding her eyes. With a slight tremble in her voice, she says “It’s okay. I understand how you could have misconstrued the situation.”
Gently turning her face back to mine, I shake my head. “That’s not an excuse for my behavior. You’ve taught me so much about myself. Some things I didn’t like very much and will work to change. As for the other things, I’m still sorting them out. There is one thing that I know for certain though. I need you in my life. I play better when you’re around. You make me happyand calm. Our chemistry is in the stratosphere. I don’t want to live without you. I love you. I can only hope you feel the same.”
“You love me?” she asks, uncertain.
“I do.”
“Do you still believe that I slept with you as part of the mission?”
Clearly, my accusation crushed her. How could I have been such a tosser? I need to explain.
“No. I know your job was to investigate me. And I looked guilty. Two of my own team memberswereguilty. I was just hurt that you suspected me. But then I jumped to conclusions about you. It’s ironic that I was mad at you for doubting me when I didn’t give you the benefit of the doubt either.”
“When I first heard you were a suspect, I couldn’t believe it. Then the evidence started adding up, and I questioned my judgment. I’m sorry I doubted you.”
“In your position, I would have doubted me too, but somehow you still fought for me.”
“I did. And I’ve regretted that I didn’t have the chance to tell you how I felt. You’re the only person who has ever sent chills down my spine, making me want to be with you every chance I could. I also thought of you for the last two years. You’re the only man I’ve ever truly wanted. I love you too. It’s destroying me to think I ruined our chances.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Bri.”
“What does that mean for us?”
“I have a proposal.”
She gasps, covering her mouth with both hands. She manages to softly say, “Please Blake, don’t propose. I love you, but it’s too soon.”
“Oh! I’m messing this up. I didn’t mean that type of proposal.”
“What did you mean?”
“Please hear me out before you answer.”
