by Sandra Kyle
He stroked the top of her head. “Us loving each other isn’t what hurts. You know that. It’s being without each other. That’s unbearable. I don’t want a life without you in it.”
She inhaled and took in his scent, his being. Her lips parted as she let out a soft cry. The mix of salty tears and sweaty skin touched the tip of her tongue. He pressed her closer. She kissed the tender flesh.
He let out a slight gasp. Her lips worked their way up his neck to the edge of his chin. She claimed his mouth. Passion and longing overtook her actions. Her fingers combed through his hair. The kiss deepened. Their tongues dipped into each other’s mouths, tasting and teasing, increasing the want.
“Wait. Wait,” she mumbled into his open mouth.
He stopped, panting.
“Can we try not to rush this?”
A sigh of defeat left his lips. “Sure.” His hands fell to his sides. “However long you need.” He stepped back and stared at her hard. “Don’t run away, though.”
It took some moments to catch her breath. “I won’t.”
He nodded and gave her a smile. “’Cause I’ll have to come after ya.”
She smiled. “I know.”
“Night, Vanny.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead, teasing her with the nickname bestowed by her father. He walked to the doorway, tapped the doorframe twice, and looked at her one last time that night. “Thanks for letting me back in.”
*
“You’re shitting me?” Daniel mumbled to Nate.
“You gotta look the part if you wanna play.” Nate tested the elastic of the pristine, white tennis shorts in his hand like a rubber band.
The odd couple had wandered through the sporting goods store for a few minutes in search of the necessary apparel. “Those things are too damn short. I’m not playing a part in your daydream.”
Nate sighed and draped the scorned shorts on top of the clothes rack. “You’re no fun.” His fingers glided through another set of shorts on display.
“This isn’t supposed to be fun.” A young couple having a quiet, heated argument two rows over in the workout apparel section got his attention.
“These will probably do. Practically come down to your ankles.” Daniel turned at Nate’s comment, only to have blue fabric smack him in the face.
He caught the descending shorts in his palm. He knew his nostrils were flaring. “Do you want to have a credit as costume coordinator on the show or not?”
“Right beside makeup artist,” Nate added, fiddling with the wild curly top of his afro fade.
“Are we done?”
“Not unless you plan on hitting the courts shirtless.” Nate attempted to diffuse the tension by batting his eyelids. “Your female viewership would not protest.”
“I’ve got a ton of T-shirts at home.”
Nate waved a hand in disinterest. “You need a racquet, too.”
“Mabel said they’ll supply me with one since I’m a beginner.”
“Well, isn’t that nice of the hoity-toity establishment.” One of the taller display counters supported Nate’s weight while he leaned an elbow atop the shiny, black surface . “Jack lined up the whole shoot and got permission?”
“Mabel salivated at the chance for her own segment on the show. She greased all the appropriate channels. Plus, it’s free publicity for the club. Don’t forget, tomorrow morning, bright and early.”
“I’ll be there with bells on.”
“Not too much of a distraction, though.”
A low chuckle erupted from Nate’s throat. “I can’t help it if I become the center of attention wherever I shine my light.” He stood at attention and presented his figure with a dramatic arm flourish.
“If doting on this Cameron guy gets us information, switch to friendly bartender mode. Besides, he may be your type, nice eye candy,” Daniel tempted.
“I’m doing just fine with Lenny, thank you very much.” He nodded with certainty.
“I appreciate this, Nate.”
“You know I got a soft spot for you and Nessa. Quite the snare trap you’ve put together.”
“Jack helped.” Daniel sighed. “I just hope this isn’t a wild goose chase.”
Nate smiled. “Doing all this to win her back... polishin’ that knight’s armor hard.”
“I’m doing it for us.”
Nate gasped and held a hand to his chest. He beelined past Daniel to a blue camo T-shirt. A quick flick of his wrist had it off the hook and draped atop Daniel’s chest for approval. He had a devilish grin. “You’re gonna look a fool on the courts.”
He shrugged. “It’ll be worth it.”
“Go try this stuff on.” He twisted Daniel’s figure like a top and pushed him in the direction of the fitting rooms.
“And then, we’re done?”
“Then, tennis shoes.”
Daniel groaned.
“Hurry up. I’ve got work in an hour.”
Entering the tiny dressing cubicle, Daniel stepped atop a pile of shorts left by the previous short-term inhabitant. He swatted them into one corner with the tip of his sneaker. The handful of possible purchases got tossed on the triangular seat occupying another corner. He took in the reflection of his frame in the full-length mirror with a cursory glance. A day of drywall and spackling on the set had left white, stiff streaks all over his T-shirt and jeans.
“I talked to her yesterday.” Nate continued the conversation outside the dressing room door.
Sure, let’s have a private conversation where everyone can hear. “That’s good.” Daniel shook his head to himself and disrobed. Not at all uncomfortable.
“She says you haven’t bugged her for the past two weeks. Well, aside from those butt dial voicemails you have no control over.”
Daniel watched his own face twist into a look of discontent at the statement. “She said bugged?”
“No, that’s my own embellishment. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”
Daniel sighed. “Man, can you not say panties while I’m trying on clothes?”
Nate snickered. He affected a deeper voice when he responded, “Sorry, bro.”
Thankful to have been given a minute to dress in solitude, Daniel appeased Nate and stepped out of the room without being prodded.
Nate nodded. “I like it.”
“This is nothing I would ever wear.” He tugged at the shirt.
“That’s why I picked it.” Nate gave a short wave with the tips of his fingers. “The blue’ll pop against those green courts. How often do I get to put Danny in a costume? Never!”
“Fine.”
“So agreeable.” Nate shook his head. “What size sneaker do you wear?”
“Twelve.”
“Meet me in the shoe department after you change.”
“Wait.”
“Hm?”
He leaned in closer to Nate. “What else did she say?” The question escaped in a whisper.
“Nessa?” Nate whispered back.
Daniel nodded. He’s getting way too much enjoyment making me uncomfortable.
“Not a lot. She’s working things out in that little head of hers. Letting her be is best, if it’s what she wants.”
“Sure.”
A comforting pat on his shoulder offered support. Nate left for the sneaker search without another word.
Chapter Seven
Pop after pop rang through the early morning air. Cameron’s tennis racquet made contact with ball after ball shooting toward him from the automatic serving machine. The lean tennis instructor hopped from side to side in anticipation of each delivery. The racquet spun in his grip between each ten-second interval.
Daniel stood off to the side, out of the camera’s view, watching the scene unfold. Phil kept his subject in frame as instructed by Donnie. Nate wandered close to the tennis court’s wire fencing, tapping away on his cell phone.
Mabel sat on a bench next to Jack by one of the net posts. She crossed her legs and tilted in Jack’s direction while they talke
d. The cotton-candy tennis outfit fit tight against her golden skin. Her ponytail, high and perfectly centered, accentuated the fact that Mabel was still a youthful twentysomething. The more Daniel stared at her, the more ludicrous it seemed that she was somehow a part of Brian’s demise.
Former beauty pageant winner turned bored, rich housewife way too soon. That’s all she is.
Daniel wrapped his arms around the head of the racquet. He waited in the wings for his direction and contemplated how he was going to find out anything worthwhile. Jack excused himself from Mabel and walked over to him.
“She’s in total admiration of Cameron’s abilities.” Jack’s dark eyebrows rose and appeared over the top of his sunglasses. He looked all business in his polo shirt and khaki pants. “We apparently need to get some video of him serving. Every forehand groundstroke is also perfectly executed”—he raised a finger—“according to Mabel.” He folded his arms and closed the proximity between them. They stared at the court. “I don’t know, Danny. It may just be a Cameron pleasure fest on the menu today.”
“Well, let’s try to pull something positive. You’ll have a puff piece to add to the show and me looking like a complete idiot when I try to play.”
“True.”
“Sorry if this was a big waste of time.”
“Ah, you never know what little gems come out of a shoot until you go over the footage.”
Donnie called out to Cameron loud and clear, distracting Daniel and Jack. “Great job, Cameron. Can we take a break and get you ready for some questions?”
Cameron nodded and headed off court, jogging over to his one-woman cheering committee.
Jack grinned. “And the fawning commences.”
Mabel stood up to greet Cameron, offering a towel and water bottle.
“I may have to reconsider my next television property. Tennis instructors, gods of the country club. Might make for a helluva watchable reality show.”
“I feel like a shit,” Daniel admitted.
“Why?” Jack turned to inspect him.
“Watching her gush over him means she’s shifted her focus off me, thank God. But I know just how he feels right now.”
Jack shook his head in disagreement. “You’re assuming he has no interest in Mrs. Fitz-Davis. He may not have a Vanessa in his life. Most guys would sacrifice an appendage for a chance with that. Not the most important appendage.”
“Sure, until you realize how much crazy you’ve signed up for.”
Nate popped into the court. “So…” He strolled up to Daniel and Jack.
“Find out anything when you got him ready for his closeup?” Daniel asked.
“Well, he has an amazing complexion.” Nate grinned. “Hardly needed any cover-up. Black don’t crack.” He patted his own cheek. “I should know.”
Jack balked at the topic. “Focus.”
“Trying to lighten the mood. You two are drier than an episode of Dragnet.”
Impatiently, Daniel wound his hand, encouraging the dissemination of details.
“He’s only been in Georgia for about six months. Not even twenty-five years old yet. From Connecticut. Pretty good player from the stats he spewed out, I guess. It sounded impressive. And tennis instructors make a shit-load of money!” When that got little reaction from either man, Nate continued. “He got tight-lipped when I asked about Mabel. Very PC and formal all of a sudden. Not much to give away. He’s a self-proclaimed tennis-shoe whore. A couple dozen pair to his name. Commented on how much he likes the ones you’re wearing.” Nate puffed up his chest in pride.
“Great. I’m glad he approves.”
Jack tapped Daniel’s forearm. “Let’s use some of that for the questions in the interview.”
Daniel scrutinized Mabel and Cameron. “Sure, whatever. I’m going to interject myself into that and see what happens.”
Before Jack could disagree, Daniel marched across the court to the chummy pair sitting on the bench. Mabel’s whole body zoned in on Daniel’s signal, rotating like a satellite dish. She purred her greeting. “I’m so glad the weather held out for this.”
Daniel smiled. “It’s turning out to be a beautiful day.” He stared down at Cameron. “Appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule.”
“Not a problem.” Cameron smiled back. “Mabel can be extremely convincing when she has her mind set on something.”
Mabel swatted at him again in that familiar, playful gesture.
Daniel thought back to the conversation he had with Vanessa concerning these two. “And terribly hard to please.”
Mabel looked up at him with a frown and removed her sunglasses. “You stop that teasing right now. You know I love everything you do.”
Daniel shrugged. “My subcontractors would say otherwise.”
“Well, not everyone is as gifted as you are.” She scooted to the edge of the bench and offered a tempting view of cleavage. “I can’t wait to see how you do on the tennis court. I bet you’ll be a natural.”
“You can sense that?” Daniel played along.
She cocked her head. “You are good with your hands and know your way around tools. A racquet is an extension of your hand.”
He laughed. “We’ll see. Has she brought you any other talented tennis players, Cameron?”
The instructor grinned. “Not really.”
“Oh, stop. Carol has some good instincts,” Mabel shot back.
“You’re being kind,” Cameron drolled.
“Are there any newbies she’s brought that would be a good doubles partner for me?”
“I’ll have to assess your skills to determine a suitable partner, if you’d seriously like to pursue lessons.”
“I can be your partner.” Mabel batted her long lashes.
He turned up all of the charm he could muster. “I’d never concentrate on the ball.”
She giggled.
“I think a man would be a better bet. Has she only brought you ladies as fine as herself?”
Mabel appeared to be in a state of shock at the barrage of compliments Daniel was bestowing. Just enough of a distraction. I hope. He removed his sunglasses and locked eyes with Mabel. She shifted on the bench, uncrossing and crossing her legs again.
“Carol has been the only other lovely lady.” Cameron stood up and backed away a few feet. “Most of the referrals have been older gentlemen that play with Mr. Fitz-Davis.”
“No one my age?”
“Hm. Only one I can think of is Mr. Lancaster.”
As soon as the name left Cameron’s lips, Mabel disconnected her gaze from Daniel. She jumped out of her seat like a torch had been lit under her ass. “We should get on with the interview, shouldn’t we?”
Daniel smiled, content with the information derived and the reaction received. “We should.” He called over to Donnie. “Let us know where you want us.”
Donnie gave him a thumbs-up and pointed to a spot on the court.
“This way, Cameron.” He let the tall black male lead the way toward the director and his cameraman. A seductive whisper to Mabel escaped his lips as he passed. “Don’t you dare go anywhere. You’re up next.”
The look of concern she held seconds before melted away in an instant.
Daniel hurried to catch up. “Have you done any television interviews before?” He switched gears and tone with Cameron.
“A couple.”
“You’ll be fine, then. Anything in particular you’d like to talk about?”
“Doesn’t matter much to me.”
He seems like a decent guy. And he wouldn’t have thrown out Brian’s name if there was something to hide. Least on his part.
“All right, guys.” Donnie greeted them with his toothy grin. His cheeks bulged out like a chipmunk. “Cameron, you’re here.” He clamped onto Cameron’s elbows and led him to a specific position. “Danny, shift and face him. We’ll have you both in the shot.”
Daniel rocked from his soles to the balls of his feet. Cameron pointed to Daniel’s shoes. “T
hose are nice.”
He smiled. “Thanks. Nate told me you have a bit of an addiction.”
“Yeah. I have a pair to match every outfit.”
“These are thanks to our production budget. When I saw the price tag, my mouth dropped to the floor.”
“Yeah, I’ve eaten ramen for a month to compensate for a purchase.” He paused, looked over to Mabel, and then chuckled.
“Something funny you’d like to share?”
“Mabel had a lucky pair that she wore forever, until, oh, a month ago. You’d think she’d slip a new set on her feet every day.”
Daniel nodded. “Well, if I take you up on lessons, these will be my forever pair, lucky or not.”
“I’ll make you fall in love with the sport in less than a half-hour. I guarantee it.”
“Quite a bold statement.”
“I didn’t get where I am being uncertain.”
Donnie floated in between them from behind. His short arm’s reach managed only to pat each midback. “Let’s warm up into the questions. Whenever you’re ready, Danny, nothing major at first.”
Daniel nodded. It won’t be major for you, Donnie. The light on Phil’s camera signaled that they were being taped.
“You mentioned a guy by the name of Lancaster… did he fall in love with the sport after your lesson?”
Cameron shrugged. “Not sure.”
“That doesn’t sound very certain.” Out of the corner of his eye, Daniel spotted Jack occupying Mabel at the other end of the court, out of earshot. “Did he not come back?”
“Well, that was more of a tour of the club and not so much a lesson.”
He lifted an eyebrow in a mocking gesture. “Are you a campus concierge as well?”
“No. Mabel had him tag along that day. He didn’t show a lot of interest.”
“Got it. Was this around the time you started working at the club?”
Cameron shook his head. “No. Memorial Day weekend.”
“Let’s talk a little more about what got you interested in picking up a tennis racquet, Cameron.”
*
Jack arranged the six shots in a nice straight line on the bar. He had offered the crew a drink after the morning country club filming. They had all reconvened at the Beacon Bar.