Page 42 of Long Shot

Kim shook her head and walked onto the court. “What is wrong with you?”

Taylor shrugged, letting her racket dangle toward the grass court. “What?” Of course, Taylor knew exactly what was wrong. She was seeing Mac, way more often than she probably should have been. Even just standing there, she could feel how weak her knees were from touching each other all night.

Mac might not have wanted to sleep at her place, but they hadn’t been doing any sleeping.

Kim eyed her daughter, lowering her voice. “I don’t care what you do in private. But I have told you that seeing people before a tournament is reckless.”

Gritting her teeth, Taylor shrugged. “I’m just tired.”

“Then don’t be.” Kim snapped, spinning on her heel and heading back to her position on the sidelines. Before Taylor could process anything, another ball was being served toward her.

She hated grass courts the most. There were shorter volleys, more serving, and more playing at the net. It was hard to keep her muscles warm between plays when the play would bounce so low on serves.

Without missing a beat, Taylor ran to the ball and hit it back. This time, Tyla returned the ball and they were able to play a short rally before Taylor missed a short.

After a few hours of this, Kim dismissed Tyla and motioned for Taylor to come closer.

Taylor lowered her head, wiping the sweat from her face with a towel. “I just need a break. Give me an hour to eat and I’ll be ready.”

Kim shook her head, looking her daughter up and down. “If you stayed here like you normally would, you wouldn’t be so exhausted. I don’t understand why you even own that silly place.”

“Because, Mom,” Taylor eyed her, “We both know that I need my space sometimes.”

Kim sucked in her cheeks. “Not when your championships are at risk.”

Rolling her eyes, Taylor laughed. “Kim, nothing’s at risk?”

Kim checked behind herself, making sure no one was listening. “I’ve heard from my people that Mackenzie is getting a Wildcard. She won’t have to qualify and that means she’ll be fresh. If you face her again…”

“I’ll be ready.” Taylor had to disguise the smile forcing itself onto her face as a competitive one. But in reality, it was pride. Mac had already told her about the Wildcard.

“You better be. I won’t see our legacy torn down bythatwoman.” Kim didn’t bother to wait for Taylor’s reaction. Instead, she turned to walk away and headed toward the towering, Long Island estate.

Just as she opened the chain link fence gate, Kim stopped and hollered. “By the way, your father and I are heading to London early. Wedding anniversary surprise. So we’ll be taking our own jet.”

Taylor nodded, suppressing her desire to pump her fist. “Got it. Happy fortieth.”

Kim waved and disappeared.

Once she was out of ear shot, Taylor jumped with joy. “Fuck yes.” Taking her own plane was a luxury Kim rarely gave her the opportunity to indulge in. During tournaments, she wanted to be attached to Taylor's hip.

Maybe it was Gerald’s insistence that they actually celebrate their anniversary, or maybe it was Taylor’s new boundaries. But either way, Taylor was giddy.

She pulled out her phone as she walked toward the beach. Her feet met the hot sand as she typed out a message. Beaming, Taylor hit send and looked out at the water. Even through her shoes, the sand was warming her arches.

June was nearly over and once it was, Taylor would struggle to find an excuse to be away from Kim. But after seeing Mac a few times, Taylor almost didn’t care.

The only thing keeping her from diving in head first, was Connor’s words from their dinner.Don’t do anything at a tournament.

17

Mac

Mac piledher bags by the front door.

“This is a terrible idea.” Jazz leaned against the door frame of their kitchen.

Smiling, Mac shook her head. “It’ll be fine. Besides, any rest I can get will help me win and kick her ass.”

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