Wildcard: Volume One

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asks, defensively.

“It means you let your son post a letter that was not only insulting and hurtful, but completely inaccurate.”

“Inaccurate?” She laughs. “Bullshit. Everything in that damn letter was true. You are an immature, self-righteous womanizer, and I’m proud that my son was able to come to that conclusion himself.”

“Jake’s mom, do you believe everything you read in the media? You should watch yourself; a sweet, gullible woman like you could easily get taken advantage of.”

“Gullible?” She laughs again. “I recognize ignorance when I see it, Mr Stevens. I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation,” she mutters. “Thank you for acknowledging Jake’s letter, I will let him know you called. Goodbye.” The dial tone meets my ear for the second time. I chuckle as I set my phone aside.

This has been the most entertainment I’ve had all week.

**

“What are you doing?”

I shove the letter under me as Hails walks into the room, carrying a hot chocolate.

“What do you want?” I mumble.

She sets the cup down and lunges for the letter, taking it from my hands before I can stop her.

“Give it back. That’s none of your business.”

She sniggers, and ignores me as she continues to study the page. “Wow,” she says, letting out a low whistle. “This little kid sure has you pegged. It’s like he knows you. I could’ve written this. Without the spelling mistakes, of course.” She hands it back, smirking as I shove it under my pillow. “Is that why you’re in such a bad mood?”

“I’m not in a bad mood,” I growl. “I’m just bored and frustrated.” I turn to look at her and see she’s struggling not to laugh. “Am I really that much of a dickwad?”

“Honestly?” she sniggers. I glare at her, and she laughs. “Of course you’re not, Ryder.” She sits down on the bed and takes my hand. “You’re a good guy. Sure, you act more immature than me half the time, but you don’t mean anything by it. It’s part of your charm.”

“Wow, thanks,” I mutter.

“I’m serious. Sometimes you don’t think things through, but there’s no malice behind it. The papers just need a story, and often you’re the most interesting thing to talk about.” She lets out a laugh. “This kid has really gotten to you, hasn’t he?”

“I tried calling him to say hi. His mother wouldn’t let him talk to me,” I grumble.

She laughs, and I glare at her again. I’m not sure why she’s finding this so fucking amusing.

“What? Sorry, but that’s funny.” She sighs as she sits forward, as if she has something important to tell me. “Listen, you have a lot of time on your hands at the moment. It would be natural for your mind to be driving itself crazy. Just try and distract yourself. You’ll be back on the court in no time.”

“Thanks, Hails. I miss this—you and I chatting. I feel like I lose out on so much, travelling all the time.”

“You do, but you gain a lot too.” She shrugs. “It’s the sacrifice you make to be the best, right?”

“Right. So how come you’ve never pursued tennis seriously? I mean, you’re good enough. You were as good as me when you were younger.”

She shrugs. “I don’t have the passion for it. What’s the point in dedicating your life to something when your heart’s not in it?”

Huh. I nodded. What was the point?

Chapter Six

I stare at the number logged in my phone. It’s been so long since someone—besides Matt—has actually spoken back to me. And I loved it.

I press call and hold the phone to my ear. I must really be fucking bored. This woman was probably going to end up getting a restraining order against me.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Jake’s mom.”