Page 89 of Courting Trouble
Nearby, fourteen-year-old Maisie, brimming with energy, wound up for a backhand and sent it skidding off to the side. Cassie stepped forward and demonstrated a smooth, fluid stroke. ‘You don’t need to rush it. Watch the bounce, then strike.’
Maisie tried again, giving the ball a bit more breathing space for its bounce before hitting it. This time the ball flew straight down the line.
‘Much better,’ Cassie commended.
Liam, lanky and left-handed, scowled at the net again. ‘Did you raise the height on this net? I can’t seem to clear it.’
‘I didn’t raise it. I’m pretty sure you’ve just had a growth spurt. Your centre of gravity is different.’
He nodded. ‘Ihavebeen hitting my head on the doorframe lately.’
‘Get low,’ Cassie advised. ‘Bend your knees more than feels natural, keep your bum back a little, and spread your weight across the balls of your feet.’
He did as he was told and cleared the net more easily.
By the time the last set of drills was finished, the kids were more focused than when they’d started. And despite all the moaning and frustrated yells, she could tell they were happy. Which made Cassie happy.
Cassie blew a whistle, signalling the end of the session. ‘OK, everyone, that’s a wrap. Pack up, change, and be ready to hit the courts again tomorrow.’
The last of the teens slung their bags over their shoulders, laughing and joking as they headed for the exit. ‘Great work today. Don’t forget to hydrate,’ she told them.
Whitney lingered a moment longer than the others. ‘Saw your girlfriend the other day in a trailer for that tennis movie.’
‘Yeah?’
‘Yeah. Looks shit. Her drop shot’s a joke.’
Cassie laughed. ‘I thought it was pretty good, myself.’
‘Well, anyway… You still taking me to that tournament next week?’
‘Of course. Now go on, get home, eat, rest.’
‘Can’t, going out now. My mates are waiting.’
Cassie raised her eyebrows. ‘Whitney, you need to take care of yourself. You get one body, and if you want to turn pro, which I think youcould, you need to learn to slow down and give yourself rest time and proper nutrition. Trust me.’
Whitney rolled her eyes. ‘God, fine, I’ll go home and eat food first if you’re gonna goonabout it.’ She sloped off.
Cassie exhaled, letting herself sink against the net post on the now quiet court. That’s when she noticed Delilah standing near the far baseline, racket in hand, a smile lighting up her face.
‘I thought you’d be at home getting ready!’ Cassie cried, delighted.
‘I’ve got a little time before the premiere. Mind if we hit a few?’
Cassie glanced at the now-empty courts. She exhaled, torn. ‘We should probably get changed soon,’ she said. ‘I don’t want us to be late.’
Delilah shrugged, carefree. ‘A few hits won’t hurt. Let me enjoy the fresh court while it’s kid-free.’
Cassie smiled and tossed her a ball. Delilah caught it on the bounce, racket loose in her hand, and sent it back easily. They fell into a rally, the rhythm light and playful, nothing like the drills Cassie used to run Delilah through.
‘Busy day?’ Delilah asked between shots.
‘The usual chaos,’ Cassie replied, striking cleanly. ‘Whitney’s pushing herself too hard. Told her to rest, but she’s eighteen. Rest isn’t in her vocabulary.’
Delilah grinned, jogging back to catch the lob. ‘She’s lucky she’s got you watching out for her.’
Cassie shrugged, though she liked Delilah’s compliment. ‘She’s got real talent, if she doesn’t burn herself out first.’
