Page 68 of The Pickleball Girl Finds Her Match

“Time-out,” yelled Joel. He and Brayden jogged to the back of the court and laid their paddles down. With the score tied, and just two points away from a game win, Joel pulled Brayden close as he whispered some strategy. Sebastian could see the intensity in his face as Joel’s hand gestured wildly. Brayden stood still, gnawing at his lip and listening to Joel. Sebastian saw Brayden nod reluctantly, then look up in the stands at his parents. They clapped and pumped their fists, encouraging their son.

The four players jogged to their positions, and the game resumed. Sebastian served crosscourt. Joel connected solidly with the ball, then used his wrist to whip it at an extreme angle, back crosscourt, and … out wide.

Taken off guard by the angle and velocity of the ball, Sebastian abruptly leaped right, desperately lunging for the ball. His muscular arm stretched and extended all the way, his hand gripping his paddle. His leg stretched out to cover the momentum, and he landed violently, jamming and twisting his knee.

Sebastian’s leg buckled under him, and he dropped to the ground, his paddle thrown away and both hands gripping his knee. “Aggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” he screamed in pain.

“TIME-OUT!” yelled Paco, and he rushed to Sebastian. “Ref! Medical time-out!”

Concern etched the ref’s face as she spoke into the walkie-talkie. “Medical personnel requested on court.”

Within minutes, a medic rushed onto the court, carrying an equipment bag, and knelt next to Sebastian.

“Fifteen minutes,” called out the ref.

Endy and Barbara Tennyson had both jumped from their seats and cried out in unison when Sebastian dropped to the ground.

Barbara steadied herself against the back of the seat in front of her while Endy pushed her way through the row of spectators. Once free, she leaped down the steps, her hair flying behind her.

Coming to a sudden stop at the end of Barbara’s row, upon seeing her standing, Endy stammered, “Mrs. Tennyson, I can’t begin to thank—”

Barbara held up a manicured hand, her large diamond rings glinting in the sunlight. She glanced to where Sebastian lay writhing on the court, then looked deep into Endy’s eyes. “Go to him. He needs you.”

Endy’s eyes filled with tears, and she whispered, “Thank you …” She took a deep breath. “… for everything.” And then she dashed toward the court.

“Ah, if it’s not the hot EMT,” she said, recognizing the medic from months ago when Paul Rothman had still been alive and had tried setting her up on a date. Endy placed her hand on his shoulder, and he turned, their eyes meeting.

“You!” His lips pulled into a smile, but just as quickly into a frown. “Hey, listen, I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend.”

Endy placed her hand over her heart. “Thank you. I miss him.”

“You must,” replied the EMT. After a pause, he asked, “So, you been on any blind dates with any firefighters or traffic cops lately?”

“No, not lately and none planned,” replied Endy with a grin. “And you? How aboutyourplans for your wedding in Tahoe?”

Sebastian had pushed up on one arm. “Hello? A little help here?” he interrupted with a grumble. “Medic needed for someone injured?” He threw his hands up and then pointed at his knee.

Chastened, the EMT quickly opened his kit and turned toward Sebastian’s outstretched leg. “Sorry, bro,” he apologized.

“I’m sorry too, Sebastian,” Endy said quietly. She bit her lip and reached her hand out as if to stroke Sebastian’s cheek, but quickly dropped it to her side when she saw his eyebrows furrow. Her shoulders drooped, and tears prickled in her eyes.

“For what, Endy?” Sebastian asked, his eyes closed in pain.

“Well, for one, I’m really sorry that you’re injured,” she replied. She couldn’t stand seeing Sebastian in pain, whether it was from his knee getting tweaked or from her turning him away. “And two, I’m sorry that I’m so, so late in offering you an apology.”

Sebastian groaned as the EMT lifted his leg. He opened his eyes and stared deep into Endy’s, the pain causing his forehead to wrinkle. “But you’re so good at being late.”

“I know.” Endy sighed and cast her eyes down. She knelt on the court and pushed his hair from his forehead, tucking a dark lock behind his ear. “Sebastian, I’m so sorry because I should have listened to you when you said that you and Sloane were over.”

Sebastian nodded, his lips pursed.

“And I’m sorry because I should have been more sure of our relationship, knowing you’d be there for me, even if your grandmother shut down pickleball across the entire world and I’d never get another job.”

Sebastian closed his eyes again, a look of pain across his face.

“Sebastian, are you okay? Is it okay that I’m telling you this?” Endy tripped over her words in her worry. She grasped his large hand in hers. “Areweokay?”

Sebastian winced. “Tell the hot EMT to give me some Extra Strength Tylenol.” Holding her hand still, he twined his fingers in hers. “And you and me? We’re more than okay.”

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