Page 80 of Bending Under Pressure

“Someone should remind him of that,” I mutter, folding my arms over my chest. Because I can’t help myself, I continue, “What am I obligated to do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Walter is my stepdad and I have to give him a fair chance. Do I have to do that with them, too? Do I have to acknowledge that she’ll be my stepmom and that I’ll have a stepsister?” My voice drops. “They ruined our family, Mom.” My throat chokes with tightness as stupid tears well in my eyes.

Mom is quiet for only a few seconds. “I’m probably going to screw up as a parent, but here I go. First, her daughter didn’t ruin our family. She was as innocent as you were, even though it affected you differently. As for Tonya, I’m not sure what to tell you. If you’re going to give your father a chance, then you might as well give her one while you’re at it. If your father follows through, then you’ll have to get used to them being around too, at the very least. You don’t have to be friends with them or like them or to not like them. But your paths are going to cross as long as she’s with your father. My best advice is to not do anything that could ruin it before it starts.”

There’s a knock on the door. I jump up, half excited as usual, but also kind of dreading seeing Keelan. A half smile is the most I can muster when I see him.

“Hey, Hales.”

“Hey. Let’s talk out here.”

We take a seat on the porch steps and Keelan immediately starts talking. “I’m sorry about Wade. I didn’t know he’d do that. I didn’t say anything though.”

“Then how could he say what he did?” I interrupt.

“The guys were talking and he asked me, but he called you the new girl. All I said was, ‘It’s October. You don’t know the new girl’s name?’ and he assumed it meant no. I’m sorry. You’re not mad at me, are you?”

Keelan didn’t actually answer him. I can’t be mad at his response. I shake my head. “No.” The long day hits me hard and I rest my head on his shoulder. Then, I notice he smells good. “Did you go home first?”

He laughs. “Yeah, I wasn’t going to, but I needed a shower. I can’t stay long. Mom gave me just enough time to explain myself and get back home.”

Figures. “Thanks for coming. You better go before I get you in trouble again.”

He grins, kisses my cheek, and leaves with promises to text me later.

“You and Cameron seem to be doing okay,” I comment while we warm up for the last game of the season.

“We’re back to normal,” she agrees. This is really the first time we’ve talked this week. “I’m sorry for being a crappy friend.”

“It’s okay. I’m here to if you need someone to talk to, you know.”

She gives me a smile. “I know.” Jess sighs before adding, “I overreacted and then had some family things going on. I decided to check out for a while.”

I nod in understanding. Coach Spell gathers us for his pre-match pep talk, but I’m distracted. Mom, Walter, and Dad are here. I knew Mom and Walter were coming, but not Dad. He didn’t mention it when I spoke to him yesterday, and I’m a bit relieved that he is on the opposite side of the court than they are though. It’s weird how I used to wish I could get Mom and Dad into the same room in hopes that they could get back together; now I don’t want him near her or Walter. I want to keep them separate.

As I step onto the court for my match, I push everyone out of my mind. All I want is to win my last match of the year. I meet my opponent at the net, shake her hand, and then spin my racquet to see who will serve first. She calls it and wins the draw. A

s I walk to my place on the right hand side, I turn my racquet over and over in my hand.

My knees bend, and my feet rock side-to-side, waiting for her to serve. She tosses the ball up and the ball sails past me. Dang, her serves are fast and powerful. I’m already down a point.

“Fifteen – love,” she calls before she serves her next one.

I’m a bit more prepared and I’m able to return it. This girl is ridiculous, though. Is she some sort of pro player in disguise? She’s that good. I might as well be the last seed compared to her. The first set is over within five minutes. No kidding.

She butchered me. She continues to do so until we’re the first ones finished with our match. A win must’ve been too much to ask for. Dad is waiting by the gate when we walk off, so whoever is next in singles can start their match. I give him a half smile and he hugs me.

“You fought as much as you could have. That girl will be huge in the pro circuit one day.”

Just want I want to hear. “Thanks, Dad,” I mumble as I pull away. “You came to surprise me?”

“Yeah. I haven’t seen you play much, so I wanted to be here for the last one. I also wanted to talk to you about the wedding.”

“Now?” I’m so not in the mood for this.

“I just wanted to see if you needed anything to wear. I’d be happy to pay for something, or you can always go shopping with Tonya.” He smiles widely, as if that will help his case.

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