“I mean -”
“- I know what you mean, and I get it. You don’t need to worry about it though, ok? I knew what I signed up for by agreeing to be with someone who’s not yet out. It’s just a little more pressure being with someone who’s also a knownsports personalitywho’s not yet out. I can deal with that, as long as we’re open and honest with each other. Deal?”
“Deal, thanks.” April let out a happy sigh, unsure how she was going to hide this feeling going forward when she wasn’t with Jade in person or on the phone.
“Ok, it's your turn. Tell me about your people!” Jade turned and got a drink.
April shuffled on her bed and winced slightly and noticed the concerned look on Jade’s face, “I’mfine, don’t worry, I just got poked in the back by a feather from the pillow, see?” April lifted the offending feather to the camera before blowing it away from her hand. “So, where was I, oh yeah, my dad is Roland. He was a pro tennis player until 15 years ago, won a couple of big titles but never quite managed a Grand Slam. He’s been my manager as far back as I've needed one, but it’s at the stage where I can’t quite see him as my dad anymore.”
“It’s great that he’s able to look out for you, but it’s sad that’s how you feel about your relationship with him.” Jade said.
“I guess that’ll be the same until I decide to change manager. I can hardly change Dad, you know?” April smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood but knowing her relationship with her dad was a complex one.
“That can’t be easy for either of you. I can’t imagine having that sort of relationship with my dad, but I guess if you both don’t know any different then it’s easier to accept.” Jade said, “but hey, tell me about the rest of your family, I want to learn everything about you.” Jade moved in her bed until she was lying on her stomach, with her free arm wrapped around her pillow to prop her up on and grinned, and April felt that flutter in her chest again.This woman is very quickly going to own my heart, isn’t she?
“My Mom is Imogen, like yours she’s a stay-at-home Mom too. She’s the quintessential housewife, wears an apron anytimeshe steps into the kitchen and everything.” April chuckled as she pictured the drawer filled with various aprons in their walk-in pantry. “She’s a little over-protective as I was born quite a bit early. Regardless of how fighting fit and healthy I’ve turned out, I don’t think she’ll ever get over the memory of me being so small and seeing me surrounded by all the wires and machines when I was born. My brother Connor is 10 years older than me, so I can relate to having older siblings. He works in finance, but don’t hold that against him as he’s still a great guy.” April laughed. "His girlfriend, Lana, I’ve only met her a couple of times because I’m always on the go, but she seems really nice too. She’s good for him.”
“I think that’s a great thing, seeing your siblings having good relationships. There’s something different in it than seeing your parents in a good relationship, you know? Does that make sense?” Jade looked confused, and flustered, and so damn adorable April could do nothing but chuckle and agree.
Suddenly April’s phone started chiming away, her face falling as she realized why.
“Everything ok? Do you need to get that call?” Jade asked, her face worried.
“It’s not a call. I’d set an alarm because I knew we’d end up chatting all night, going by our history. Although, I really want to ignore it.” April admitted.
Jade smiled, “Get your rest, we can chat again tomorrow...and the day after...now I have your number you’re going to be so sick of hearing from me.” Another wink.She really needs to stop those. They’re doing things to me that can’t happen when my dad is in a room down the hall.
“I seriously doubt that’s possible, but I’m willing to let you try.” April replied, as her eyebrow raised in challenge.
“Challenge accepted!” Jade said and grinned.
April smiled and took a breath, “I had to admit, I was nervous as to what would happen if we met again. Whether you’d even remember me or not.” She blushed and shook her head a little, disbelief at having admitted so openly a fear that had been niggling at her for months.
“I don’t know why you had any nerves over us; you already have me wrapped around your finger. Now, I’m pulling rank as your physical therapist, take the icepack off, go to sleep and let your body rest and repair so that you’re match ready, ok?”
“Yes ma’am,” April blushed when she saw the flicker of fire burn behind Jade’s eyes from what she’d said.
“Night April, sweet dreams,” Jade said softly as she smiled so warmly through April’s screen.
“Night Jade, I’m really glad we found each other again. Call me tomorrow?”
“Count on it.” Jade confirmed with a smile.
April woke up the next morning on such a high. She couldn’t believe everything that had happened the day before. The one thing that stood out above all other though: reuniting with the one woman in the world who had taken up permanent residence in April’s thoughts for the past two months.Jade!
She lay still for a few extra minutes, enjoying the memories as they reemerged from her sleepy brain one by one. The best one? Their kiss in the afternoon. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed her lips at the thought again.
A bleep on her phone alerted her to a new message.
JADE
Mornin’ babe, how’s the shoulder? Just saying hibefore starting work. I know your match is tomorrow, so we don’t have to call tonight if you need to rest. My phone will be on, so I’ll leave it up to you. X
If it was possible for April’s grin to reach her ears, in that moment, she had no doubt it would have. She had noticed the endearing term last night during the call, but seeing it written down?Swoon!She took a breath, exhaled, and typed out her reply while giggling like a schoolgirl.
APRIL
My shoulder is feeling much better this morning. I’ll test it out in the gym in a couple of hours to see exactly where it’s at, but I won’t push it too far. Promise. Hope work isn’t too busy for you today; first day of matches could go either way. Of course we’ll chat later! That’s not even a question! X
