Page 177 of Break Point
But I do it because something inside me begs me to try it.
The ball flies up, and I moan out a breath as I swing.
I serve wide, flat and fast. Zoya stretches and barely gets her strings on it. The return floats short. I charge in without hesitation and send a forehand down the line with everything I have.
Yes!
I fist-pump.
“Game and second set, Freeman. Seven games to five,” Chad announces into the mic, competing with the crowd’s roar.
It paid off. I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again, but I’m officially open to considering the K after this.
Henry’s shaking his head like I’m the mostunbelievable neciahe’s ever met, an open, easy laugh breaking across his face.
Flashing a grin, I give him a subtle air kiss. Nothing extra. Just enough to let him know:That was for you.
THIRD SET
The silence is deafening as we take our positions after the changeover. We’re midway through the set, standing at 3-2.
Zoya’s game face is still on, but cracks of fatigue are showing. Her footwork is heavier, her towel breaks are stretching longer, and her flawlessporcelain skin is blotchy. Even her signature slicked-back ponytail looks like it’s giving up.
I probably look like shit too, but I’ve never been one to pretend something I’m not. What you see is what you get. For better or worse.
My turn to serve.
Zoya’s pacing like a ravenous caged animal on her side of the court. The match is slipping through her fingers. She can feel it. We both do.
I bounce the ball, NEHBL, and launch a bomb.
Ace.
15–Love.
We rally. I lure her in with a drop shot and burn her with a clean passing shot down the line.
30-Love.
She glares at me, adjusting her strings like they’re to blame for coming up short.
It fuels her, awakens her, making her attack the next serve with a vicious return. I barely get a racket on it, and she finishes with a backhand winner.
I can’t get cocky.
30-15.
We go in for another long exchange. This time, I go too soon for the angle, and it clips the net.
30-30.
I wipe my face, stall for breath, and step up to the line.
I NEHBL and serve. Not my best work.
Zoya lunges forward and charges the net. I go for a lob, but it falls short. She smashes it.
30-40.
