Page 143 of Drop Shot
On the TV the journalist says, “Due to the multiple allegations, Trager Pacey has been suspended indefinitely while an investigation is made. We’ve also learned that Elias Johnson has been removed from playing at the US Open but that his suspension won’t exceed past that.” Relief floods me. Missing the entirety of the US Open after my Wimbledon flub certainly sucks, but it’s a punishment I can handle. I’ll just have to come back stronger and better at the Australian Open.
Jackson shuts the TV off. “It’s as good as we could’ve hoped for you.”
“Thanks.” I nod. “Uh … I don’t want to pry, but if you can just extend the message to any of the women that if there’s anything I can do to help to let me know?” I don’t want to step on any toes, but if this goes to court it could get expensive and I’m more than willing to help. Not all players are making top dollar.
“Of course. Are you going to head back to Miami? Or go somewhere else? You could go on vacation.”
I look at Whimsy and read her expression. “Miami probably makes the most sense. Family’s there. Craig’s there.”
“Who the fuck is Craig?” Jackson blurts.
“My cat,” Whimsy giggles.
Jackson holds up a hand. “If that’s a euphemism for your … I don’t want to know. I’m going. I’ll text you when I know more.” He pats me on the shoulder on the way out of the room.
Jackson can get on my nerves, but he’s not a bad guy, and frankly I’ll always be grateful for him. Without him, I might never have gotten my head out of my ass when it comes to Whimsy.
With him gone, I dive into bed with my girl, grinning when I get more laughter out of her.
She cups my cheeks and just holds me there, staring into my eyes. “Are you okay with this outcome?”
“No,” I answer honestly.
Her expression is gentle. “Because of the women?” I nod. “I know you’re wishing it hadn’t taken you speaking out, but just be glad they finally felt safe enough to say something.”
I place my right hand over her left one. I’m not sure if she notices, but I purposely rub her ring finger. Not yet, maybe not even a year from now, but soon there will be a ring on her finger.
“That’s true. I love you.”
She smiles and presses a tender kiss to my mouth. “I love you, too, baby.”
As we settle back into each other’s arms, and I think about my future, for the first time ever it’s filled with hopes and dreams that include things other than tennis. Like proposing, and our wedding, and one day her round with my child—and if we can’t get pregnant, that’s okay too. I just know that my future and everything that comes with it includes this woman at my side, and I know I’m the luckiest man on the planet because of it.
EPILOGUE
WHIMSY
Christmas Eve
I love the holiday season,and this one is even more special because I’ve had the entire month of December to spend with Elias. It’s the only month out of the year with no tournaments so I’ve been soaking up this time with him. We’ll leave for the Australian Open soon since it starts two weeks into January.
My apartment is aglow from the warmth of the white lights on the Christmas tree. A tree that Elias and I picked out together … at the store, but it totally still counts as a bonding moment in my mind.
I pull the cookies out of the oven and set them on the counter to cool. I might be too old for Santa, but I refuse to let go of the tradition of baking cookies on Christmas Eve.
“Those smell delicious,” Elias murmurs as he comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around me. He kisses the crook of my neck and reaches for a cookie.
“No.” I swat his hand away. “You have to let them cool.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” he laughs, letting me go. “It’s Christmas Eve.”
Holiday music plays softly in the background and we still have to decide on a movie to watch, but I’ve already decided this is my favorite Christmas yet.
“You’ll burn your mouth,” I chide. “You can still have one when it’s warm, but not scalding.”
“Fine, fine,” he chants, hands raised in surrender as he backs away toward the couch.
Craig cracks one eye open from where she lays on the cushions. He scoops her up and sets her back down in his lap.
