Page 105 of Break Point
He leans in and presses a soft kiss on my cheek. Gentle, but loaded.
“If I stay any longer, I won’t be able to leave.” And just like that, he turns and walks off to rescue Robbie from further humiliating himself.
A smile pulls at my lips. I let the warmth linger for half a second before I shove it away.
Not tonight.
After a simple nod to myself, I set my mind on finding Drew.
Gemma joined me after Henry left with Robbie, who didn’t put up a fight. He’s not the type to. Exhaustion, alcohol, and jet lag don’t mix well. Gemma looks drained too, but I know she’s sticking around to keep me company, and I’m grateful for it.
I’m almost done with the pleasantries and more than ready to head back to the hotel. There are only so many hugs I can give in one day. I know it’s my birthday, but it gets overwhelming. There are too many faces and names I feel like I should remember, and not being able to do so is making me anxious.
“Drew, I’m done,” I whisper, the words slipping out more like a plea than a statement. Gemma just started yawning. It would be cruel to keep her here any longer. “I need to rest for tomorrow.”
“Give me …one… second,” he says, lifting a finger as his eyes sweep the crowd, searching for someone. I reply with a few slow nods because what else is there for me to do? I know damn well this is part of the job. My sponsors cover everything, so the least I can do is show up at these events and follow through. But enough is enough.
Looking around, I realize Zoya is nowhere to be found. Evan King left right after Henry did. Go figure. I can’t have her off somewhere recharging while I’m still here working overtime. It’s been a long day, and I’m ready to leave, even if it’s still early.
Theo is being photographed alongside a few other tennis players near the terrace. He’s still holding a glass of water and flashing that charming smile. But he’s got nothing to worry about. He’s one of the best out there. He’ll crush it on the court tomorrow. No doubt about that.
I’m sure I’ll be fine, too. It’s not that I’m worried, exactly. I’m just anxious about going against Evan, mostly because of Henry’s history with her sister Madison.
This is why I avoid getting to know people, making friends, or mingling too much on tour. It’s better not to know your opponents on a personal level. It only throws off your headspace. Or mine, at least.
I have to admit I’ve been way too stuck in my own head. I need myheadphones and a hot bath. Anything to stop thinking about how Mom hasn’t called or texted for my birthday. To stop thinking about Henry, too. We all know how things went down in China. I got eliminated in the fourth round because I was too distracted with Liam. I can’t let that happen again. I need to get it together. Not feeling in control is starting to make me panic.
“So?” I insist.
“Oh, you can’t leave just yet,” Drew replies, avoiding eye contact as he flashes a smile at someone who walked past us.
“Why not?” I groan. “I’ve done everything you asked. Talked to everyone. Posed for the cameramultipletimes. What’s left?”
“This,” he says with a grin, gesturing with both hands like a game show hostess.
“Oh no, Drew. What did you do?” I mutter through clenched teeth, still smiling. Gemma snorts behind me.
“Just play along,” he says, gripping my shoulders and steering me toward the birthday cake being wheeled in my direction. “This was all Neel Ultex’s idea. So smile for the cameras, blow out the candles, and you’ll be free to go. Sound good?”
The cake shows up before I can reply, and I’m surrounded by people I barely recognize, singing at me. I’m gripping Gemma’s hand like a lifeline.
I can’t think of anything more awkward than standing there, staring at a cake, avoiding eye contact, and silently begging for the song to end.
The photographers close in, flashes popping like fireworks as someone in the crowd reminds me to make a wish before blowing out the candles.
I wish my mom would stop drinking.
That’s what I want. I’ll never wish to win. That part’s on me. On my work, on my discipline, and on the countless hours I’ve poured into the court. But getting her to sober up? That’s wish territory. It’s out of my hands. And maybe, just maybe, if she stops, she’ll finallysee me.
My jaw tightens as I blow out all eighteen candles in one go, but the wish just sits there, heavy and unmoving. They’re perfectly arranged in front of a caramel tennis racket sculpted over the impressive Italian meringue cake.
I summon a smile for the cameras, making Drew proud. The reps from Neel Ultex join my dad and me for a few shots as severalphotographers peel away, their flashes going off somewhere in the near distance.
Thankfully, everyone’s attention shifts to the new arrival, which means I’ll likely be allowed to leave soon. A couple of servers roll the cake away, promising to return with slices for the guests.
The reps from Neel Ultex hug and congratulate me one last time, and as I’m pulling away from the embrace, I spot the reason for all the commotion.
William Sjöberg, Hollywood’s hottest commodity, has arrived with his entourage.
