Page 99 of Match Point

‘Did he? I thought Neil knew me fairly well,’ Kieran says. ‘Turns out he doesn’t know me at all.’

‘Kieran, I want you to know that there’s been a misunderstanding about the book,’ Brian says, leaning forwards to rest his elbows on his knees and clasp his hands together in front of him. He looks remarkably relaxed given the circumstances. I can barely move, I’m so tense.

Kieran raises his eyebrows. ‘You’re not writing one?’

‘I have written one, yes,’ he says, before adding quickly, ‘but it’s not what you think it is. It’s not a memoir.’

‘I heard it was.’

‘What, from the press?’ Brian gives him a pointed look. ‘You trust everything they say, do you? I hope you know better than that.’

Kieran doesn’t say anything, pressing his lips together.

‘It’s a tennis guide, Kieran,’ Brian says gently, appealing to him with a sincere look in his eye. ‘There’s a smattering of personal experience with you and Aidan in there, but it’s a celebration of you both! Your talent and work ethic. People who read it will be inspired by our story. They’ll realise that tennis is more than just a game. It can be a lifeline. You’ve always said that, haven’t you? I wanted to write it to help inspire others. You can read the manuscript before it publishes, all right? There’s nothing in there for you to worry about.’

Kieran watches as his dad rakes his fingers through his hair.

‘I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about it,’ Brian adds in a softer tone. ‘That was wrong of me. I was trying to find the courage to contact you. It was cowardly of me. That, I’ll hold my hands up to. I’m not here to cause trouble, Kieran, if you want me to leave, I’ll leave. You need to be on your best form and I would never, ever want to do anything that jeopardised your chance at winning Wimbledon.’ He sighs heavily, rising to his feet. ‘The truth is, I’m happy Neil called. It’s given me the nudge I needed to come over here and tell you to your face how proud I am of you.’

Kieran’s jaw tenses as Brian cautiously approaches him.

‘I’m so proud of you, son,’ Brian emphasises, his voice hitching as he stops in front of him. His face angled away slightly, Kieran is blinking furiously, his eyes glistening. ‘You should have seen me down the pub watching you in the quarter-finals. The way I was roaring and boasting, there’s not a man in Dublin who doesn’t know you’re my son.’

Bowing his head, Kieran can’t help but smile. Brian sees it and is encouraged, reaching out to place his hand on his arm.

‘The whole country is behind you,’ he tells Kieran, his hand tightening around his son’s arm. ‘No matter what happens now, you’ve done us proud. But I know you can go all the way – you know that too, don’t you?’

Kieran swallows, giving a sharp nod.

‘I know we’ve had our differences, but I’d like to stick around and help if I can,’ Brian says. ‘When we worked together, I was able to bring out the best in you. I haven’t been there for you for a long time; I want to make that up to you. And I’ve been studying your form this tournament and there are a few things I think you can do to really knock this out the park. Just a couple of pointers for you. Neil is in charge, I respect that. Let me stand on the sidelines and see if I can help. If it doesn’t work, you can send me packing.’

Kieran frowns, looking unconvinced.

‘I’ve changed, Kieran,’ Brian tells him firmly. ‘I’ve worked through my issues and I’ve changed. My methods back then—’ he shakes his head in disapproval ‘—they were all wrong. I want to make it up to you, son, if you’ll let me.’

Brian looks at him hopefully. Taking a deep breath, Kieran finally allows himself to speak. ‘You only have a couple of pointers?’

Brian breaks into a grin, chuckling. ‘Maybe a few more than a couple.’ He glances over at me and hesitates. ‘Flora, I wonder if I could take you up on that offer of a drink. A cup of tea would be lovely. Milk and a sugar, if you have it.’

‘Sure,’ I say, getting to my feet. ‘Kieran, do you want anything?’

He shakes his head. I leave the room with a feeling of uncertainty swirling in my belly. Brian seems sincere and I’m happy for Kieran if he’s able to find a way to forgive his dad and work with him again, if that’s what he really wants. But I also know the power someone like Brian can wield over his son, who will forever be searching for his approval. He’s played his part perfectly, and I’m scared it’s too perfect.

I can’t hear their conversation while the kettle is boiling, but when it’s come to a stop and I’m waiting for his tea to brew, I catch part of it. I creep closer to the door, listening to their voices float down the hall.

‘—and you don’t want to throw away your dream on something that might not last,’ Brian is saying in a low hushed tone, but it’s clear enough for me to hear every word.

‘You don’t know that, Dad. You haven’t been here.’

‘I know that you’re this close to achieving what you’ve spent your whole life working towards and any kind of distraction, the tiniest of emotional pulls, can derail your path. This living arrangement – it’s odd. And I get it, I get it. I know how you feel about this road, and Neil has explained to me what happened. You’ve made the best of it – I can see that. But nothing is more important than this tournament, nothing. Kieran, do you really think you’ll have another chance like this one? Be honest with yourself. This is it. I can feel it in my bones. I think you can feel it too.’

There’s a beat of silence. I can’t tell how Kieran responds.

‘This is your shot, my boy. This is your chance, and together we are going to make sure that you take it. You owe it to yourself and your country. You owe it to Aidan. It’s time to get serious. Don’t let anything or anyone come between you and your dream.’

More silence, and then I hear Brian say warmly, ‘Good lad.’

Which means that Kieran must have agreed.

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