Page 70 of Long Shot

Kim crossed her arms. “Taylor, I know when you’re lying.”

Taylor rolled her eyes. “I was literally there to practice, you were with me.”

“I don’t know what happens in those locker rooms.” Kim grimaced as she looked out the window toward the park. By all accounts, it was a beautiful Sunday in July. But Kim had a special talent for ruining perfect days.

Shrugging, Taylor brought her mom the coffee. “I mean, you actually do. We banter, we change, we shower, we leave.”

Kim reluctantly grabbed the coffee. “Why did you want to go in the first place?”

“I already explained. They’re harder players, I need to learn around them.” Taylor sipped her own espresso. She couldn’t be sure if Kim was buying it but she would sell it until Kim had irrefutable proof.

Kim let out a deep breath, setting her cup on the end table. She walked closer to Taylor, leaning in and lowering her voice. “I know you think I’m some old nobody. But I know you. And I know you’ve been seeingher. I was going to let it go because I thought you were smart enough to hide it. But I will not let you risk your legacy for some country hick on a lucky streak.”

Taylor’s jaw tensed, the words cutting too deep. But she couldn’t find the words.

“You’re going to stop seeing her – no, anyone. At least until after the Open. Then you can go back to your other women.” Kim kissed her daughter on the cheek before heading to the front door.

Taylor tapped her foot before blurting out. “What if I don’t?”

Kim laughed, not bothering to turn around. “I know you think you’re in love, my dear. But that fades. Your career, your legacy… that won’t.”

Her mom disappeared out of the apartment before Taylor could say anything else. She tightened her fist, her knuckles turning white. A part of her refused to believe anyone was even onto her.

So she threw herself down on the couch and opened the article. There was nothing of substance in the article but the comments were riddled with conspiracy theories.

One drew her eye:

We all know Young and Bennett have had a thing for a long time. Saw the way they look at each other. Shame Young is throwing her career away for someone likeher.

Taylor tossed her phone into the cushions and leaned back. Her mind swirled with possibilities, all of them terrible.

Could I really lose everything?

27

Mac

Mac stared at her phone.She tapped the table next to it. It was unlike Taylor to be so unresponsive.

Everyone and their mother in the tennis world had seen the article about Taylor’s mystery lover. Over the last week, it was all anyone could talk about. Of course Mac knew that Taylor had been warned by Kim – that she knew Mac was who Taylor had been seeing.

Since the morning Mac had to sneak out of Taylor’s place, they hadn’t been able to lock down a time to see each other. Kim was tightening the reins.

But after a minute, Mac’s phone buzzed with a text from Taylor.

I’m not sure when. Might not be able to sneak away until after the Open. I might be at McEnroe this afternoon but idk if Kim will let me hang around.

Mac bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say. She typed out a message and clicked send.

I’ll be there, just text me if you want to split away.

The morning sun leaked through the alley that Mac’s apartment overlooked. Once the lease was up, she’d finally be able to get a better view. As she waited for Jazz, Mac wondered what it would feel like to live alone.

She stood up from the dining table and put her dirty dishes into the dishwasher. Next to the sink was a stack of shake bottles. Mac laughed to herself.I definitely won’t miss the mess these two leave.

Jazz threw open her door and barged into the living room. “Sorry, my alarm didn’t go off.” Mac knew it was a lie, having heard the blaring through their thin walls. But it didn’t really matter, they were just a few minutes late.

Jazz tossed her hair up into a messy ponytail and grabbed her workout bag from the coat rack. “Ready?”

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