Page 101 of Best Year Ever
I pick up and she launches into an update. “Okay, so I do have positive news. The Julie story really doesn’t have legs. I don’t see it getting extended into any other platforms. A tennis coach isn’t as much of a reader draw, so there’s no reason for the story to keep traction.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. Lame because Julie is amazing, but I get what she’s saying about who the press focuses on.
“And what I hear is that your dad and Nina have helped Julie recalibrate her thinking about quitting. I know that’s probably the most important thing for you. When the time’s right, we’ll put out a statement that you support their relationship, if that sounds good. We’ll rewrite the narrative over the long term.”
I jump in on that. “That sounds really great, thanks Taylor. I feel bad that we’ve caused so many issues for you lately.”
“That’s why I get paid the big bucks. Seriously, this is nothing, Rori.” Taylor laughs. “Get arrested for some felonious behavior and then I’ll give you grief. I’m just glad these stories are going to get wrapped up before the U.S. Open, hopefully even before your last warm up tournament.”
“Me too,” I reply, feeling my tension ease at her updates.
“One more thing,” Taylor says, hesitation coming into her tone. “I never like to pry, but just so I’m prepared. Are you and Landon Battle still together? Something I should keep on my radar screen?”
My shoulders sink. “No, no, we aren’t seeing each other anymore.” I don’t have it in me to expand further.
“Well, I hope you’re okay,” Taylor says, her voice softening. “I appreciate you telling me.”
We say goodbye, and I flip on the TV to keep me from overthinking anymore. Julie and Dad are coming over soon so we can try to smooth the frayed edges amongst us. I can’t do anything more productive than watch the latest romantasy hit series until we get this conversation out of the way.
Roughly forty-five minutes later, my front door swings open.
“Hi, sweetheart,” Dad says as he walks in holding Julie by the hand. “I hope it’s still an okay time.”
I stand up and take some steps towards them. “Yep, I’m glad we’re doing this.”
I look down at their hands and then up towards Julie. She clocks my eye movement, and her body language melts down a bit, a guilty expression hitting her face.
“Oh, Rori, I’m so sorry.”
She comes to me, breaking her handhold with Dad, and gives me a hug.
I squeeze her back as she continues. “I overreacted, and made things so much worse. I should know better than to let thosethings get to me. Especially in the middle of a tournament. I feel terrible.”
I see Dad watching us intently over Julie’s shoulder before he speaks up. “I think we’re all adjusting to the new level of scrutiny. The important thing is that we stick together.”
Julie releases me from the hug. “Your dad talked sense into me,” she says. “Nina too, although in less nice terms. I’m still game to be your coach if you will have me? I hate that I was the weak link this week. It won’t happen again.”
My mood soars at her words, now that it’s official she is back on board. Thank god. The prospect of playing without her by my side again is scary.
I could be angry at her. Maybe I will be after I sit with everything that happened a little longer. But right now, I simply feel relieved.
“Yes, yes,” I say quickly. “I was so worried. I wouldn’t be here without you, Julie. And trust me, I’ve been doing plenty of overreacting myself lately.”
A small smile hits her face. “All of this attention is because you’re crushing it on the court. And nothing’s going to stop that from happening.”
Dad steps forward then and puts his hand on her back. “Julie and I are also here to tell you something else, sweetheart. We’re going to make a simple statement that we’re together, as long as you are okay with it. We don’t want to hide our relationship anymore. It made things worse to keep it buttoned up.”
“Fine by me,” I say, not resisting the grin that is now on my face. “Really. I’ve basically known for weeks. I don’t need the details, but if two of my favorite people want to be together, I’m on board. I’m just really glad we got you back, Julie.”
“Me too,” she says, her face starting to relax. “I’ve come to terms over the last day with not caring about public opinion, but I definitely do care about howyoufeel about it.”
“Yeah, the media coverage and gossip sites have been so brutal,” I say, anger leaking into my tone. “It makes me furious.”
Julie looks at me with understanding. “I know, it’s our least favorite part of our jobs, Rori. We need to make sure it doesn’t take away from what truly matters to us though, what we really care about. At the end of the day, we control how we react to the inevitable crappy stories. Or at least, that’s where my mindset has landed over the last day.”
I nod, digesting what she’s saying, and we all stay silent for a beat. Dad reaches over and rubs Julie’s back in the quiet.
Suddenly, I’m tired of all the heavy talk from today. Wanting to lighten the mood, I pivot our conversation. “So Dad told me the story about how you two got involved. That he got jealous when one of the other guys at the community welcome reception for new residents started flirting with you?” Julie and I laugh, and Dad grimaces.
