Page 30 of Serve
“You know, I love you?” Chip said, then looked the other way.
Tyler placed his fingers on Chip’s chin and turned him so he was staring into his deep, blue eyes.
“Yes, more than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything in my life.”
“I wish this would never end.” Chip said, enjoying the feel of the warm sun against his naked skin. He lazily floated around the pool on a cheap, plastic float they'd found in the pool house.
“You and me both. One more day, then back to the grind.” He responded with a sigh. He didn’t say it aloud, but he was itching to hit the courts again with another pro. As much as he enjoyed teaching Chip how to play, he thrived on competition. He took off his sunglasses to wipe them off and noticed movement in the overgrown bushes surrounding the pool.
“What’s Madrid like?” Chip asked.
“It’s… shit!” Tyler leapt from his chair and grabbed his towel, wrapping it around him. A young woman in her twenties took off running in the direction of the main road. A camera was hanging from a strap around her neck. Chip fell off his float and looked around wildly at the noise.
“What the hell was that?” He shouted.
“Fuck!” Tyler let his towel drop and kicked a plastic beach ball into the water.
“It’s the press. Damn it.” He crossed his arms over his chest, then shivered as a light breeze blew against his naked skin.
Chip waded to the side of the pool and pulled himself out of the water. He went to put his arms around Tyler.
“Don’t.” Tyler murmured, stepping away.
The look in Chip’s eyes instantly made him regret it.
“Chip, I’m sorry, I just…” He shook his head, grabbed Chip’s elbow and led him back to the house.
Chapter Fifteen
Chip- Madrid
“Tina, how did you deal with all this before, you know, coming out and stuff?” Chip asked.
“It wasn’t easy, but honestly it’s harder for you than it was for me. There’ve been out of the closet lesbians on tour for a long time, so we weren’t on the press’s radar as much. We were more worried about her parents finding out. With you guys it’s different, plus I think someone is tipping them off.” She rubbed his shoulder, then refilled his sangria, a Spanish concoction made from wine and fruit. They were staying at Emm’s brother’s house in Madrid since he was at a conference. Tyler was officially registered at the Hotel Gran Lagazpi, near the Caja Magica where the tournament was held. He’d go there after his matches, then sneak out through the back door of the attached restaurant. Hopefully this subterfuge would throw off the press and anyone who was tailing them. Chip and Tina were enjoying the late afternoon sun on the deck in his backyard. It was surrounded by a high wall and trees, allowing them to relax.
“I haven’t said this to Tyler yet, so please don’t say anything. I’m wondering if that woman taking pictures wasn’t the press. It doesn’t make sense. Not a single picture has been published. We weren’t doing anything, you know, sexual, but we were still naked. I’m beginning to think we’re hiding from the wrong people, you know what I mean?” Chip said.
“Nudity is different in Europe. Nude pics aren’t as titillating on this side of the pond, so if they’re going to be sold to the press, it would be in the States. She’d get little money for them here. No matter if it’s the press, or something more sinister, lying low is your best bet. This is a lovely house, don’t you think?” She asked, steering the conversation to less volatile topics.
Chip nodded his head and drained his glass. He wasn’t normally much of a drinker, but lately he’d taken to having a few to help him sleep. He refilled his glass and held it in his hand, studying the rays of sunlight reflecting off the dark liquid. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, then opened them when he heard the back door shut. It was Tyler and Emm, back from practice. He scooted his chair to the side so the two of them could sit on the bench between him and Tina. Tyler sat and poured himself a glass of sangria from the pitcher. Emm frowned, shrugged her shoulders and poured herself a glass too.
“How was practice?” Tina asked.
“I’m worried about Tyler here. He’s not doing what I know will help him in the long run.” Emm said. Her face was determined, and her tone clipped. It was obvious they’d been arguing.
“I need to win something, can’t you understand that? I’ve won this tournament twice, and it wasn’t by charging the net.” Tyler said. He sipped his drink and grimaced.
“Then why hire me when you already know what to do?” Emm put her glass on the table and looked him in the eye. “I get it. Winning is important. In fact, my contract states that I get bonuses when you win tournaments. I want you to win, but I want you to win with the skills you’ll need to conquer Wimbledon. If Rafa Nadal is the King of Clay, you are the prince. Nobody can beat you on clay when you hit your groove. Seriously, your fitness is commendable. I’ve watched your old matches, and your ability to run an opponent ragged is amazing. But grass is different, and you know it. I also hate to remind you, you’re thirty years old. If you wear yourself out before grass season begins, then I will not have done my job. You must end points quickly. If you stick to the baseline, your chances of winning a point diminish with every stroke.” She placed her empty glass on the table and began pacing the deck, deep in thought.
“Sorry to bring work home.” Tyler whispered in Chip’s ear. He kissed him on the cheek, only to have Chip pull away and give him that look.
“Why is everyone pissed off at me? I’m the one under the gun here, not you guys.” Tyler said quietly. He got up from the table and went inside, the back door slamming behind him.
“I should go after him.” Chip said. Tina placed her hand on his, effectively stopping him.
“Leave him alone. He’s right. He’s under more stress than the rest of us combined.” Emm took that moment to walk out the back gate. She needed a few minutes to herself.
“Tina, did I tell you what happened when the photographer ran off?” Chip asked. She shook her head no, though he’d told her already. It preyed on his mind, and the only way to let off the steam was to talk it out.
