Page 106 of Backhanded Compliments

“Surely he’ll forgive you. He’s been your coach for, what, ten years?”

“Fourteen,” Luca mutters.

“Exactly. He’ll understand, right?” Juliette knows her relationship isn’t the best with her father, but she knows he would forgive her if she had a breakdown on court like Luca.

“I still need to call him,” Luca says. “I’m worried though. I’ve never lost it on court like that before.”

Juliette hums and Luca tosses her head back, throwing her arms over her eyes. “I’m just so angry at myself.”

“Come on, a lot of shit has happened in the last few weeks.” Juliette tries to ignore the tight ball of guilt in her throat. “Was it a panic attack?” she asks after a beat.

Luca sighs. “Something like that. I was overwhelmed, and for the first time ever, the tennis court wasn’t a safe and calm place.”

Juliette’s heart wrenches, and she squeezes Luca’s knee. “Tell him that, then. He’ll understand.”

“I know,” Luca whispers, dropping her arms and looking at Juliette with a soft, unguarded look. “It’s always hard to talk about.”

“I think you need to talk to someone about your anxiety,” Juliettesays. Luca frowns and shifts, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. “A professional. It will help you with your private life and your tennis,” Juliette adds, taking Luca’s hand and twining their fingers together.

“I’m fine,” Luca says, halfheartedly tugging on Juliette’s hand. Juliette tightens her grip.

“You’ve been coping. But everyone needs help. It will be uncomfortable, but it’ll help you in the long run.” Juliette pauses, but Luca is still guarded, defensive. “And I’ll help you find a good fit. You won’t be alone. Not anymore.”

Luca finally meets her gaze. Juliette can see her debating it and she holds her breath, waiting for Luca to settle on a decision.

“You’re right.” The tension drains out of her, and Juliette exhales slowly. Her lashes flutter closed, but her thumb sweeps down to caress Juliette’s wristbone, the strap still hiding her name beneath.

“I usually am,” Juliette teases.

Luca opens her eyes to roll them at her. After a pause, she tilts her head. “Can I suggest something for you too? I think you should consider getting a new coach.”

Juliette freezes, her instinct to immediately tell Luca an emphaticno.

“I’ve seen the way he talks to you during matches and practices,” Luca continues. “It’s… intense.”

“I want that,” Juliette protests. “He helps me stay focused that way.”

Luca frowns. “Okay, but it doesn’t seem to be doing any favors for your relationship. You said before that he is too controlling of your life. Maybe finding a new coach would be a good first boundary to set,” Luca says softly, as if not to spook Juliette.

Juliette opens her mouth, but no argument falls from her lips. Luca does have a point.

She sighs. “All right, I’ll think about it.”

Luca nods. “That’s all I ask.”

But she’d rather think about something else right now.

“Would you want to come to New York a week early and stay with me…?” Juliette trails off.

“Stay with you?” Luca prods.

Juliette bites her lip to keep from smiling. “I have a friend with a fun artist’s studio apartment she lets me rent in the city. It’s private, and it has the best golden hour sunlight.”

Luca squeezes her hand gently. “Yeah? I think I’d like that.”

“Good,” Juliette says, a little breathless. “Win tomorrow, okay? And we’ll celebrate when you get to New York.”

LUCA

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