Page 36 of Match Point

“Thank you for having me.” Once the camera was on, she rested her hand on her leg and willed it to remain still. Grace under pressure, while underneath the fabric she was a hot mess.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride for you in the past few years. First off, let me start by offering my condolences on the loss of your father and coach, Kelly Templeton. I had the pleasure of meeting him when you were on 3Square and he was a gracious and kind man.”

“Yes, he was. Thank you,” she said, ignoring the sinking feeling overcoming her every time she spoke of him. Time to change the subject. “Tucker Nassar is my new coach.”

“You’ve also had a change in representation. There’ve been rumors that your old agency opted out of a renewal contract.”

It was more complicated than that, but she couldn’t tell the truth without repercussions. Keep the smile plastered on your face if it kills you. This wasn’t going to be the fluff interview she’d expected, and she needed to be on guard. “I felt the time was right to shake up my career and I liked the direction my new agency is going.”

“For those viewers who aren’t aware, you’ve signed with the Howler Sports Talent Agency, a local Seattle agency whose name is on the rise.”

“They’re representing top female talent, something the older, more established houses tend to ignore. I wanted to be a part of the future of sports, not the past.” Thus far, she’d been pleased with how things were progressing, no matter how up and down. Nothing was perfect, most especially herself.

A gleam of approval lit Grace’s eyes and she shifted the cards in her lap. “In the past year, you’ve suffered an ankle injury, the loss of your coach and your agency, not to mention the negative press. The competition in the tennis world is heating up since the twins are dominating the field. Are you at all concerned that your recent problems will overshadow your success on the court?”

She considered glossing over the truth with some perky response, but she was turning over the proverbial new leaf. New coach, new agency, new Sorcha. “Every. Single. Day. But it’s the competition that keeps me motivated. As for the twins, I look at every competitor with the same attitude. They might be good, but I can be better. I’ve proven it in the past and I’ll prove it again.”

“Your rivalry with Nina Garcia has made the headlines more than a few times over the expanse of your combined careers. For the past ten years, you two have been battling it out for the coveted top ten spots. She’s coming into the Bellevue Invitational ranked number six. What is your strategy coming into the game now that you’re much lower in the ranks?”

To kick the woman’s ass and expose her for the witch she is. “A little rivalry is healthy; it keeps me on my toes and makes me work just that much harder.” Like she was working on this interview.

Grace nodded, disappointment in the small gesture. She’d expected Sorcha to come out swinging, and although a part of her wanted to let loose, she’d promised Leo she’d be on her best behavior.

“We have to take a commercial break. When we return, Sorcha’s coach, Tucker Nassar, will be joining us on set.”

The light went off and Sorcha leaned closer to Grace, her hand covering the mic on her lapel. Time to lay the groundwork on an idea she’d had, something to further her information gathering on Miller. “Thank you for having me on your show.”

“You’re welcome, it’s not every day I get an interview with an international athlete of your standing.”

“I’ve caught a few episodes of your show online. You seem to do okay.”

Grace shrugged her shoulders, a mischievous light in her dark eyes.

“I especially liked the exposé you did on Arch Miller and that disgusting magazine he owns.”

“You seem to be a favorite target of it. How many times have you sued? I’ve lost count. “

“I simply gave up trying. It’s not worth the money or the headache. The fact that Miller refused to meet with you wasn’t a shock. My agent tried to get me a one-on-one with him but it never panned out. I figured if I could talk to him directly, he’d call off the dogs, but he refused.” The lie rolled off her tongue and she prayed that she was coming off nonchalant. She’d never dared approach Miller, but Grace didn’t know that.

“He’s a piece of work, a nut I plan on cracking someday. Just give me time.”

Sorcha wanted to do the same thing. He’d made her mother sign an NDA which meant he not only discarded her, he tried to hide his crime. “Let me know when you do, between the two of us, we’ll make some peanut butter out of that nut.” Yummy, salted peanut butter. Her stomach growled and she prayed the microphone hadn’t picked it up. She hadn’t eaten that morning. Nerves. Not unusual for her on interview day.

Tucker walked onto set in jeans and a button-down shirt, his braces visible over the leg of his pants. Sorcha had insisted he join her for part of her own interview before Grace transitioned into a one-on-one with Tucker. It wasn’t easy for him to be in the public spotlight since the accident, but as her coach, he’d have to become used to it again.

“We’ll be back from commercial in sixty. I have a personal question.” A blush stole up Grace’s cheeks. “Is he seeing anyone?”

“Yes, Leo’s dating Kat.” The knowledge still stung. He was her manager, not a romantic interest, or a life partner. Who he saw was his own business. He was dating another woman, which meant he didn’t want her. Stop thinking of Leo and focus.

“I meant Tucker,” Grace whispered, grinning at the man in question.

Heat burned Sorcha’s cheeks. She had Leo on the brain. Tucker had shut himself off after the accident, which was a shame. Perhaps a bold woman like Grace could bring him out of his shell. “Go for it.”

The producer rushed over and fiddled with Tucker’s microphone, talking to him in a low voice.

“We’re ready for air,” the director said, and the producer hopped off the set.

Sorcha reached across to take Tucker’s hand when Grace announced them back live.

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