Page 19 of Serve
“I’ll be fine. My first time playing another pro was going to hurt. Glad it’s at home instead of in a proper match.” Tyler smiled, and shook his head, frustrated.
“Who’s winning?” Chip asked Tina.
“They’re tied, one set a piece.” Chip could tell she was holding back a smile. Suddenly her face grew dark, and she turned to him, and whispered. “Has Sania spoken with you? I mean, has she been nice?”
“We haven’t spoken much, but she’s been polite. Why?” He asked.
“Because, she has a lot to lose if things don’t work out. She’s paid according to his earnings. If he comes out, that can hurt not only his winnings on the court, but the money he earns off the court through endorsements.” Tina eyed him for a moment, as if she couldn’t believe he could be so dense.
“Sorry, but I…”
“You mean nobody has spoken to you about any of this?” She looked blown away, then her eyes darkened. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then shook her head and turned her attention back to the match.
He didn’t even understand the way you kept score in a tennis match, much less the politics of being a tennis pro’s boyfriend. Chip watched Tyler on the court, impressed by the way he moved and hit the ball. But, it was more than that. The man underneath the competitive athlete attracted him. It was hard to reconcile the realities of being a closeted gay athlete with the man he knew. But, he had to remind himself that they had just met.
Did he really know him at all?
Tyler and Emm shook hands at the net. Chip wasn’t sure who won, but he could see Tyler wasn’t happy.
“Good match, Emm. I think you’ve proven yourself. I’m a man of my word, so I’m formally offering you the job as my coach, but I want it to be on a trial basis. Let’s see how it works out over the next few weeks?” Tyler said, then sat next to Chip.
Emm placed herself next to Tina, and spoke. “Sounds good to me. I already know what I want you to work on. Also, I think you need more matches, even if they’re not on a grass court. You lost today, because you haven’t played a pro in a long time. You need to become match tough. I have a suggestion, but I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“What’s that?” Tyler said.
“Play the U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston. It’s in a couple of weeks, but I’m sure they’ll let you compete.” She said.
Tyler looked puzzled. “Why on earth would I want to get ready for the grass court season by playing a clay court tournament?” Tyler asked.
“It’s as I said, I think you need matches. Of course, I want you to win it, but even if you crash out in the early rounds, you’ll have played a pro. Plus, it’s only an hour away. It’s easier than flying halfway around the world for your first match back.” Emm said.
Chip watched Tyler’s face as he mulled over the idea. He looked up into the sun and squinted his eyes, then gave Emm her answer.
“I’ve tried doing it my way since the beginning, and it’s no longer working. It’s freaking hard to let go, but I’m going to try. Let’s do it.” Tyler held his hand out for Emm to shake. She took it and smiled.
Tina stood, gesturing for Chip to come with her. They went into the house, leaving Tyler and Emm to hash out their plans. He turned back once, unable to keep from gazing at Tyler. Emm was still holding his hand, and talking earnestly to him. Tyler’s face was like a greek statue, made of stone and unreadable.
“C’mon, they’ve got work to do, and we need to talk.” Tina led him inside, only to find Sania and Dixie waiting for him.
“He’s not talked to you about his life much, has he?” Aunt Dixie asked.
He sat on the big leather couch next to her, and answered. “No, not really.”
“Well, sweet pea, let’s talk about this now. I know you two haven’t proposed to each other, or anything like that, but you need to know what you’re getting into.” She said. Sania leaned forward and spoke next.
“Let’s cut to the chase. He’s a celebrity, one that’s perceived to be straight. In sports it’s very difficult for men to be open about their sexuality. He can lose a lot of money, and a lot of matches. Other players will pick on him, and we’re unsure how the crowds will react. Are you prepared for this, because in order to be with him, you must hide your relationship.” Sania’s words were direct. The three sat in silence while Chip struggled to find the right answer.
Finally, he replied. “Why do I hear about lesbians playing sports and not gay guys? I mean, Tina and Emm aren’t hiding, are you?”
Tina shook her head no, and started to speak, but his aunt interrupted. “Because the world’s a shitty place, Chip. The straight guys feel threatened by gay players. They couldn’t give a rat’s ass about lesbians. Hell, it probably turns them on.” She shook her head, then continued. “You’re the only family I have, Chip. When I see you with Tyler, I’m torn. I want you to be happy, I really do. I can see the two of you making something of this. But I also see heartache and pain just waiting around the corner. The first time you two slip up and hold hands in public without thinking about it could cost Sania and Tyler a lot of money. It could also make your life miserable.” Aunt Dixie said.
“Wait a minute, Dixie. Don’t put words…” Sania began, but Dixie cut her off.
“Please, you know I think the world of you Sania, but if these two are caught, it affects your pocketbook. Hell, my paycheck comes from the same place. Chip’s got to know everything, including who stands to benefit from them not being caught.” Dixie shook her head.
“Honey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Tyler’s thirty years old. He’s only got a year or two before he retires. After that he can come out if he wants to, on his terms. So you can either stick with him knowing it’s only for a short time you have to be discreet, or you can back out now and save yourself some heartache. What’s it going to be?” Dixie asked him.
“Yes, Chip, what’s it going to be? Are you going to listen to them, or are you going to talk it over with me first?” Tyler stood at the entrance to the living room, his dark eyes glaring at the scene in front of him.
