Page 81 of Long Shot

Back corner.Mac eyes the spot as she aligned her body to smack the ball to the very edges of the court. It was a risk, just a fraction of extra speed or one degree of inaccuracy on her form could make the ball pop outside the lines.

But if Mac wanted to have any energy left to play the Championships the next day, she had to end this matchnow.

She watched the ball with baited breath as it soared toward the desired spot. As it landed, the audience gasped, assuming it would land outside the lines.

Even from across the court, Mac could tell she’d pulled it off.

“Game, Miss Bennett.” The umpire called. The crowd erupted with excitement as Sonia shrugged her confusion. With the game called, a close up of the shot appeared on the display courtside. The ball had landed just a few millimeters from the lines.

Mac pumped her fist, looking up at the roaring crowd. Jogging to the center of the court, she shook Sonia and the umpire’s hands. Before turning back to the cheering crowd and waving.

The Sports Central anchor walked onto the rubber and waved to Mac. Anna smiled as she held the mic to her ownmouth. “Congratulations Mackenzie, you’ve just made it to the U.S. Open Final. How are you feeling?”

Mac shook her head. “Unbelievable. This crowd is unreal.”

“What do you think of your two potential opponents for tomorrow’s Final?” Anna looked up to the crowd as they cheered their excitement.

Mac put her hands on her hips, letting the moment wash over her. She’d just guaranteed herself a $1.5 million payout. Even if she fumbled the bag the following morning, Mac was more or less set for life. The sponsorship deals that would come from this run would secure her future.

Nodding, Mac smirked. “I’d be happy to face either of them.”

The anchor gave Mac a pat on the back. “We’re excited to watch. Good luck!” Anna left the court and Mac ran back to her bag. She took a few of the match balls and signed them, the felt tip of the marker snagging against the ball’s.

She grabbed her racket from her bag and hit a few balls into the stands. Spotting a little girl in the nosebleeds, Mac pointed her out and aimed the last ball right at her. The girl’s mom helped her catch it.

Mac waved up to her and took in the last chants of the crowd before disappearing into the tunnel. All she could do now was watch Taylor’s match and hope they didn’t end up facing off.

When she entered the locker room, it was mostly silent. In one aisle, Taylor’s opponent was putting on her sneakers. Mac clenched her jaw when they made eye contact.The match starts in the locker room.

Turning down her aisle, Mac stopped in her tracks. Standing in the center, Taylor stretched her neck. But she was startled to meet Mac’s brown eyes. Neither of them could find the words.

Wrinkling her nose, Mac headed to her bag. She cleared her throat as she tossed her things into the racket bag.

“Well played.” Taylor mumbled.

Mac nodded. Without looking at her, Mac could feel the tension between them. All she wanted to do was turn around and pull Taylor into a deep embrace – to smell her sweet hair and let it all wash away. But now wasn’t the time.

Instead, Mac zipped up her bag. “Thanks. Good luck.” Walking away, Mac heard Taylor open her mouth to say more. But Mac raised her hand. “Don’t. I don’t want you to risk a leak.”

She didn’t wait for a response, instead leaving the locker rooms.

34

Taylor

Taylor bouncedon the balls of her feet.What the fuck did that mean?Did Kim let something slip to the press?

She stood in the player tunnel, awaiting her entrance to the semifinal’s match. Her mind was cluttered with Mac’s words. Taking a deep breath, she tried to push it away. There would be time for all of that later.

Right now, she needed to go out there and kick her opponent’s ass.

“Mackenzie Bennett.” The announcer called out over the intercom.

Nodding, Taylor walked herself onto the court. Kim hadn’t bothered to send her off this time. Keeping her face neutral, Taylor waved to the crowd. They cheered but there was something… obligatory about it. Their usual excitement had already been assigned to Mackenzie.

Taylor licked her lips, annoyance taking over her.

She took her bench and got into position.

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