Page 41 of The Pickleball Girl Finds Her Match

“Endy has put together a great little program for kids in pickleball,” Sebastian finally interjected.

“A little pickleball program for kids,” said Sloane, wrinkling her nose. “That’ssosweet.”

“Puta,”muttered Maria, her eyes narrowed.

Barbara smoothed the sleeves of her linen tunic. “That children’s pickleball business,” she said, “must it be here, at our club?”

“Well, no,” replied Endy. “It doesn’t need to be at Whisper Hills, but the club has been super generous in providing the courts for free.”

“For free?” exclaimed Barbara, her immaculate eyebrows raised.

“Yeah, thank goodness. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to afford the program. In fact, I’m still trying to raise the final $20,000 for next year. I only have a couple more weeks.”

Sebastian smiled. “Well, you should be a little closer to hitting your budget,” he said as he slid his hands in his pockets. “Because I just signed up this afternoon.”

“You signed up for pickleball?” two voices said in unison. Endy looked at Sloane, who looked at Endy.

“Yeah,” replied Sebastian, “with Paco.”

“That kid?” Joel snickered. “Good luck with that.”

“Why would you sign up for pickleball, for goodness’ sakes?” asked Sloane.

“Well, because when I asked Paco who he was partnered with, he told me he wasn’t planning on playing. Nobody has signed up with him.”

“Have you seen him? There’s a reason for that,” replied Joel.

“I would have found him a partner,” said Endy defensively. Although in truth, she still had not been able to fill all the kids’ slots and was in need of more adult players. When she last checked, there were still about ten kids who had not been paired up to play with an adult.

“I know you would have. But I saved you that step,” said Sebastian, cocking his eyebrow at Endy. “You can repay me later.” Sloane’s eyes narrowed, and Barbara pursed her lips. “Plus, you know, pickleball can actually be kinda fun.”

It was as if the earth had quit spinning on its axis. Sloane’s jaw dropped, and Barbara’s eyebrows rose high on her forehead. They stared at Sebastian with matching expressions of absolute horror.

“Oh my god, Sebastian,” said Sloane with a mocking laugh. “That’s hilarious.”

She moved closer to him. “I mean, it’s really generous of you to offer your time to thatlittle pickleball program for kids.” She placed her slender hand on his arm. “So you just go have your teeny tiny bit of fun that day with that child.”

“I’m not doing it just for Paco,” said Sebastian, a look of annoyance across his face.

“But what other reason could you possibly be doing it for?” replied Sloane. “When the academy gets up and running, you’ll offer your time for us and not have to be involved with pickleball.”

“Don’t tell me—”

“We’ll get you settled in when I return from my trip to Bali with my parents,” Sloane interrupted, then gazed up at Sebastian. “Remember last time we were there? Come again,” she purred. “We can get the same room.”

“Sorry, I’m pretty sure I’m busy.”

Sloane laughed low. “Really, Sebastian? How busy could you possibly be here? You don’t have a job. You don’t—”

Sebastian cut her off. “I’m just busy.”

“The Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open is gearing up for this year’s tournament,” said Barbara. “I’m sure I can set you up to be a hitting partner with one of the players. Maybe Taylor Fritz? You know, our families used to be quite close.”

Sebastian sighed with exasperation. “Thank you, but I’m fine. I don’t need you to set me up. You’re not my agent.”

Joel placed his hand on Barbara’s elbow. “Sorry to interrupt, but it looks like Daniel wants us to go join the table.” Barbara turned away from Sebastian, her deep frown quickly erased.

“Sloane,” Barbara said, reaching out her hand, “let’s go. I’ll introduce you to Rob and Melanie Lynch. They just purchased the house next to mine.” Barbara grasped Sloane’s hand, and they turned toward their table. She called over her shoulder, “Sebastian, come join us. You can meet them as well.”

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