Page 41 of Game Point
OLIVER
Did she cry?
DYLAN
I felt bad …
OLIVER
I’m not sure I believe you.
DYLAN
Want to celebrate?
OLIVER
What did you have in mind?
DYLAN
They added 13 going on 30 on Netflix.
OLIVER
I didn’t take you for a romcom girl.
DYLAN
Didn’t take you for a vampire boy either.
OLIVER
I’m never going to live that down, am I?
DYLAN
NEVER!
(call: 04:20:05)
13
Oliver
Eyes on Fire – Blue Foundation
The tournament moved fast, and the first week flew by. I watched as many competitions as I could, taking notes on each player’s gameplay as if I was studying for my own competition. I’d watched a couple of men’s matches too, but my focus had definitely been on the women’s tournament.
I’d always been a fan, of course. But the competition there felt more exciting to me, and with Jon and Scottie being nice enough to let me to sit in on their coaching sessions, I could really start to understand what went into the coaching side of things, rather than the players.
Jon had been right. I didn’t have the heart anymore for playing. I knew how it felt to enjoy triumph, the fist pump at the securing of the final point, the rush of joy, the addiction of it all. And I had never wanted to lose, I had just lost my appetite for it.
‘Game, set, match – Bailey. 2 sets to love.’
That very hunger was clear across Dylan’s sharp features as she secured her second set, taking the win from Inés in the semi-finals and ultimately earning her place in the final. I shot to my feet, standing in the screaming crowd, clapping and cheering in my own celebration.
I was thrilled for her to have made it this far. Inés andDylan shook hands, saying something across the net as Inés playfully stuck her tongue out at her. I made my way out of the stands, fighting the busy crowds and heading past security to behind the courts.
