Page 33 of Carrie Soto Is Back

One of the most surprising things about my retirement was that it turned out to be very lucrative. Apparently, when I wasn’t around anymore, people forgot how much they disliked me—and remembered how much they liked my shoes.

“I know that too,” I say.

“These endorsements are all based on the premise that you are now a legend. That you were one of thevery bestathletes in the world.”

“Right, and I’m going to prove that Istillam.”

“But if…”

I look her dead in the eye, daring her to say it.

She pivots. “If it’s a matter of earning, I think, for you, there is more money to be made as a commentator or a WTA official than as a player. We position you as an elder stateswoman of tennis. That’s how we keep you relevant and active.”

“First of all, nobody wants to hear what I have to say,” I tell her.

Gwen raises her eyebrows, considering, and then nods, conceding the point.

“But second of all, it’s not a matter of money. It’s a matter of honor.”

Gwen reaches out and puts her hand on my arm. “I need you to really think about this, Carrie.Honoris…sometimes just a nice word forego.And I will always choose money over ego. Personally.”

I look at her. “I appreciate your advice, but it’s not up for debate.”

“I’m just trying to look out for your future,” Gwen says, pulling back. She picks up the muffin, tears a piece off, and eats it.

“Gwen, all I’ve ever had is this game,” I say.

She nods. “I know that.”

“And now it’s about to be ripped from my hands. Leaving me with nothing.”

“That’s not tr—”

“Yes,” I say, cutting her off. “It is true. I cannot let Nicki overtake the record. And I need you on board.”

Gwen takes a sip of her coffee, then puts the mug back down. “And you are confident this is the right move?”

“It is the only move. I cannot conceive of any other future.”

“Okay,” she says. “Then I’m on board. I’m all in.”

I can tell from the timid look on her face that she is worried I’m about to lose us both a lot of money. And while I feel a spark of rage at her lack of confidence, I’m smart enough to take the win.

“Thank you,” I say. “And get ready to be proven wrong.”

“There’s nothing to prove me wrong about,” she says. “I believe in you. So what’s the plan?”

“I’m going to play in all four Slams this year, and I am going to win at least one to reclaim my record.”

“So your first year out of retirement, you’re confident you can win a Slam?” Gwen says.

“Yes,” I say. “I am.”

“And what if Nicki wins another one first?”

My shoulders tense, and I try to unclench my teeth. “Let me worry about that.”

“Okay,” she says. “Understood. And you’re not rejoining the full WTA tour?”

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