Page 111 of Backhanded Compliments

Even if Antony believes that, Juliette knows it isn’t actually true. That mistake led to weeks of misery. “No, you want what is best for our careers. Why do you think Octavia fired you?” Antony flinches. Juliette knows it is a low blow, but she continues on. “You are trying to control every aspect of my life and I will not let you come in between me and my happiness. Not anymore.”

Antony stands suddenly. His eyes widen, shock and fear scrawled across his face. “Anymore?”

Juliette takes a deep breath. Then she stands and crosses the short living room to her father. “I know it’s hard to hear, but I need balance. I love tennis. And I will always be grateful for everything you’ve sacrificed for me, but I get to make my own choices. I have to be okay with making those choices and embracing this change.”

“And you choose to skip your drug test?” Antony’s brows rise. “That ‘change’ would mean throwing away a year of your tennis career, maybe more, facing backlash from the media. Not to mention the cut to your lifestyle.”

Juliette sighs. “As I said, I don’t want to do that, but there is nothing I can do about the missed drug test now. I don’t regret not going to New York, but I know to be more diligent with my life. I can take care of scheduling and changing time slots and following the rules. But I can’t live in fear of what people will say about me.”

“But, Juliette, you have so much of your life to fall in love. Your tennis career isn’t guarenteed.”

“Tennis and love aren’t mutually exclusive. Luca has helped me begin to grow, and my career will be more sustainable if I’mhappy.”

Antony stares at her as if he’s seeing her clearly for the first time. Then he deflates, as if there is nothing more he can say. He shakes his head. “Fine. Do as you will. I suppose you’re an adult.”

Juliette wants to laugh.Suppose?“Thank you for understanding,” she says instead.

Antony’s eyes narrow as he tries to parse if Juliette is being sarcastic or not.

Juliette sucks in a deep breath. “Speaking of understanding… I’d like you to just be my dad.”

“What?” Antony recoils, stumbling back to sit on the couch.

“I don’t want you to be my coach anymore,” Juliette says, twisting her fingers together. “I want to have a proper father-daughter relationship going forward. I still want you to be in my box and be there for all the big moments in my career, but as my dad, not as a coach.”

For a beat, there is only silence. But Antony doesn’t appear angry. A sadness blooms over his face. “I thought we did have a properfather-daughter relationship?” he asks softly. “It’s always been easier with you, we’re so similar. I thought I learned from my mistakes with Octavia and changed. My goal has always been for you, for all of you girls, to achieve your dreams.”

Juliette winces. “It’s become too tangled. And I’ve been feeling resentful of you. I don’t want to continue down this path and realize in a few years that we hate each other. You’ve done so much for my career and Ihaveachieved my dreams. And I think I need someone else to help me reach the next level so I can keep moving forward. So, I’ve spoken to Karoline Kitzinger, and she’s agreed to be my coach at the beginning of next season.”

“You’ve already moved forward with her?” Antony inhales sharply.

“I’m taking control of my life and my career.” Juliette tries to swallow through her tight throat. Antony stares at her, face impassive, and she braces herself for his anger. She should be used to it by now, but her stomach still twists with nausea. “And I want you to be happy for me. Happy that I’ve found a love like you and Mom have. I don’t want you to see Luca as my rival, but rather as someone who is making me, as a person, better.”

Antony’s gaze falls to the floor. “You really love her like that?” he asks.

Juliette breathes out heavily. “Yes.” Sometimes that love swells within her so much she thinks she’ll fly away and somehow that thought doesn’t scare her at all.

“Then, I am happy for you, Juliette.” He looks up, dark eyes glossy. “I never realized that was something you would want. It’s been difficult to hear, but thank you for telling me anyway. I guess I’ve been so busy focusing on your career that I haven’t seen you. You really have grown up.”

She smiles hesitantly. “Will you still coach me until the end of the year?” Juliette asks, biting her lip. The last possible hiccup.

Antony smiles and nods. “Yes. And if Kitzinger doesn’t work out, I’ll always be ready to coach you again.”

She laughs as relief washes over her. She grabs her tennis bag off the floor. “So, shall we catch the next flight to New York?”

Antony stands with a nod. Then he surprises her by looping his arm over her shoulders. “I love you, Jules.”

Juliette’s eyes burn and she bites back tears. “Love you too, Dad.”

As they taxi to the airport, Juliette’s chest feels lighter than it has in months. Everything she’s wanted to say is off her chest. Even so, there is a responsibility lying on her shoulders. She has control over her life and her choices. Still, the weight is welcome. She loves to embrace a challenge.

LUCA

Luca meets Vladimir in one of the secluded booths in the breakfast bar of the hotel. She has her hood up in an effort to stay incognito, but she lowers it as she slides in across from him.

“Good morning, Luca,” Vladimir says coolly. He doesn’t look up from the muffin he’s buttering.

“Hi, Vladimir,” Luca murmurs, twisting her fingers together. “I’m so sorry,” she blurts out, unable to hold on to the words any longer.

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