Page 78 of Long Shot

Taylor

Mac’s wordsrang in Taylor’s ears for the following week. Even as she was moving into her hotel room at the InterContinental Barclay. A part of her always felt ridiculous, taking a room at a hotel just a few blocks from her actual apartment.

But there was something about the atmosphere of the hotels during an Open that prepared Taylor for her matches. There was no relief from the competition.

And this year, Taylor was looking around every pillar and corner. She knew it was a bad idea, but she just wanted one more look at Mac.

Her bags were loaded onto a cart and shuttled up to her room.

The manager at the front desk, Simone, smiled at Taylor. “You’ve been booked into the Vanderbilt Penthouse with a private terrace. Shall I show you to your room?”

Taylor nodded as she came around the desk and walked Taylor to the elevators. While they waited, Taylor closed her eyes and listened to the buzzing of the lobby. Dozens of players andtheir teams bustled through the lobby. Most of them were from out of the country, enjoying New York City between matches.

The ding of the elevator startled her out of her meditation. “This way, Ms. Young.”

Taylor followed her lead, riding the elevator up to the penthouse. Simone opened the door of the Suite for her and gave a quick tour. But Taylor was familiar with the unit, having stayed here most years.

After Simone left, Taylor started moving her bags around the place. She placed her suitcase inside the primary bedroom, with its slightly garish gray wallpaper. But it had a stunning view of Manhattan.

After she settled in, Taylor sat down on the couch. She turned on the TV and flipped to Sports Central.

“Exciting start to the U.S. Open here as the brackets have been released.” One anchor announced.

The screen was taken over by a bracket sheet. Scanning for her name, Taylor found herself on it and sighed. Mackenzie was on the other side.

“Shit.” Taylor rubbed her temples as a headache dared to rear its head.

Another pundit smiled. “This could mean that we finally end up with a Young vs. Bennett showdown.”

“Well, a rematch.” Another pundit interjected. “Young took care of the underdog pretty easily in France. Can Bennett handle the heat?”

Taylor leaned back on the couch, letting the plush cushions absorb her. They’d both won at least one Open this season. But Taylor knew more than the pundits did. Mac had been training harder than ever, gaining access to more and more resources as the money from her previous wins finally hit her bank account.

Biting her lip, Taylor shrugged. She’d also changed up her training routine. At this point, she couldn’t be sure who would come out on top in their matchup.

The worst part was, Taylor felt guilty even considering the match. A part of her hoped one of them wouldn’t make it to the Finals, so they’d never have to find out who would win. But she knew what that win would do for Mackenzie.

And honestly, Taylor needed the win too. Retirement wasn’t too far at this point in her career. Her confidence had been shaken this season and she needed something to build herself back up.

Taylor swallowed the lump in her throat, turning the TV to mute.

After pacing around the room for a while, Taylor walked out of the Suite and went down to the lobby. Kim never bothered to stay at the InterContinental, insteading opting for the commute from their place in Long Island to Queens.

But Gerald did decide to stay there, hoping to be a support for Mac.

As Taylor moved through the lobby, she looked for a place to sit. She settled on a spot at the bar, which had a nice view of the lobby.

With a coffee in hand, she watched for Mackenzie. Eventually, she came strolling into the tiled lobby. Babs walked behind her, typing on her phone. They started checking in. As the receptionist moved along the process, Mac’s eyes wandered around the lobby.

Her head stopped swiveling when her dark eyes landed on Taylor. Shifting in her seat, Taylor lifted her chin toward Mac. All she wanted to do was run across the lobby and hold her. But now wasn’t the time.

She still wasn’t sure how she felt about Mac’s words in the locker room. By all accounts, Mac deserved a whole lot better than Taylor could give her.

Babs followed Mac’s gaze, glaring at Taylor. She gripped Mac’s shoulders and redirected her toward the elevators. Before Taylor knew it, Mac disappeared into the elevators.

Taylor bit her lip.Just wait until the tournament is over. Then you can reevaluate.

33

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