Page 74 of Risky Match
“Okay, but you better hurry if you want any more garlic bread,” I call after her.
This is the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about Blake’s doctor, so I ask, “Natalie, do you work for Blake full time?”
“Yes, at least for now. He’s hired me to be available full time though Wimbledon. I’m not sure what he’ll need afterward.”
“It’s wonderful that you were able to do that for him. Did you have to refer your other clients to other doctors?”
“I typically only work with one player at a time. It allows me to give them the best experience.”
“Oh. That’s interesting. Is that common?”
“More common than you would think. Most of us who work with top-level players only have one to three players at a time.”
“I didn’t realize that. You and Josh make a good team for Blake. Have you worked together before?”
“Not really. I’ve worked with Thomas before, and Josh is good friends with his coach. That’s how we met.”
“It’s a small world, isn’t it?
“Definitely.”
“It seems that Noah is well connected. Blake is lucky to have him too.”
“Hopefully, Blake appreciates him. They’ve been butting heads lately, so I’m not sure.”
“Really. Why’s that?”
“Who knows. You’ve seen how testy Blake is. He’s stressed.”
“Don’t I know that. He was annoyed I showed up at the hospital this morning. What’s up with that?”
“As a doctor, I can’t share what he’s dealing with. I just hope he doesn’t introduce more change into his life.”
“Do you mean like hiring a new manager?”
“I do. He’s under enough pressure without making major changes in his team. In my professional opinion, that wouldn’t be healthy for him.”
“Change can be difficult, particularly if one already has stress,” I agree.
“It can. I told him that. If you have any influence with Blake, maybe you can help steer him in a steady direction. Sometimes advice is more convincing when it comes from a friend.”
“We’ll see.”
Erin returns just as Fausto starts plating dinner. We’re all starving, so we decide to eat at the kitchen island.
While we wait, I think about what Natalie said. I understand her hesitation about Blake making changes while under stress. But didn’t Blake say she recommended changing his Wimbledon routine this year to calm his fear that something bad would happen? Why is changing managers different?
As soon as Fausto places a bowl of pasta in front of me, I twirl a forkful of spaghetti and raise it to my lips.
The tangy tomato sauce and perfectlyal dentenoodles nearly make me moan. Pasta has always been my comfort food—and that’s exactly what I need tonight.
We’re enjoying the calm quietness that accompanies a satisfying meal.
Then—bang. The front door slams against the wall.
Jarred by the sudden noise, my fork clatters against my pasta bowl.
We all jump to our feet and rush toward the front of the house to welcome Blake home.
