“Oh, well, thanks. Kira,” I call. “Court two.” She walks over while I set up the machine to alternate where it shoots the ball, how frequently, and how fast. I start it and then walk to the side where Kira is.
“Am I just hitting them?”
“Yep. I’ll watch and give you some pointers. We’ll rally once you’ve warmed up.”
Her eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yep,” I grin. I want to test out my shoulder and this will be a great way to do just that while also helping Kira improve. She’s been doing a lot better now that she’s playing with the correct hand, but she still has a ways to go.
“Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Hurry and wait?’” I ask.
“No,” she frowns.
“It means once you know where the ball is headed, you hurry to get there, be in position, and then wait for it to come to you. You want to hurry and wait. You need to be quicker on your feet. Has she had you do any drills that focus on that?” Kira shakes her head. “Up to do a few? I’ll do them with you.”
“Okay.”
I turn off the machine, grab an extra racket, and we go down to the last court away from everyone. I run through it once so she knows what we’re doing. We run up the inside line to the next, run backwards, across, up the other line, back, and then across the serve line and repeat. I send her first and join in once she’s going across the first line, so we’re spaced out and won’t run into each other. After ten of those, I set out rubber rings and a rope ladder. We go through them a few times before I decide to rally while we still have time.
It’s not like we’re about to have a battle. However, this is a test for me. I need to see how it feels with just this little bit of play. My physical therapist, Tina, decided to tell me this morning that it’s highly unlikely I could ever play professionally again. According to her, she’s been in her field for a long time and based on how long I’ve been in PT and how my shoulder is now, she doesn’t see me returning. The hours are too long. The intensity is too much. What I would put my shoulder through would cause me pain and what strength I’ve built up is likely to diminish.
I can’t accept that.
Not yet.
But by the third swing, I can feel it. There’s a tightness that didn’t used to be there. Five minutes is all it takes for a soreness and an ache to creep into the area. I ignore it. It’s a blessing and a curse that practice starts dwindling fifteen minutes later. My shoulder hurts.
Fuck, this is bad.
I take a deep breath before walking over to Kira. “You’re a fast learner, you know.”
She gives me a half smile. “Thanks. It’s been really good to tell my mom that I’m getting lessons from the Meredith Quick.”
I laugh. “Well, I’m just glad I can help someone as dedicated and hardworking as you are. C’mon. Let’s join the group.”
Erica en
ds up leaving me to put everything back in the shed, but I don’t mind. I’d rather work alone than have her point out whatever I’ve done wrong again. Overall, today sucked and it gets worse when I get to my car and check my phone.
There’s a message from my mom.
Mom: Vance called again. Are you sure you want us to ignore him?
Me: Yes.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Vance needs to stay as far away from me as possible. There’s a small part of me that feels like I should talk to him, but then I remember our last day together. I remember the harshness in his tone, the words he said to me, and what he accused me of.
Fuck Vance.
He doesn’t deserve the opportunity to talk to me.
Hearing this for the second time in such a short time period causes my hands to shake as I drive to Noah’s apartment. To home, I mean. Dinner is on the table and little Leo runs over to me. I immediately pick him up and cradle him to my chest. I’m so happy I was impulsive and got him; his little body and cute personality bring me so much comfort. Noah rounds the corner from the hallway. One look at me and he’s crossing the room. He hugs me to his chest without disturbing the puppy.
He kisses my temple. He doesn’t say a word and I love him for it. When Leo starts getting restless, Noah steps away so I can place him on the floor.
“Let’s eat,” he says.
We wash our hands before sitting down at the table.