But fair, because I have zero experience with tennis.
And then they’re going to end the commercial with flash cuts of us cooking at our own sports, and the tagline, “You don’t need to be number one in everything, just be the number oneyou.”
Still, I’m nervous. With everything going on with Rawley, I can’t help but wonder how much she’s aware of our impending “breakup.” And if so, what he’s shared with his family?
Ugh. I admire Rori so much, but I guess I’ll tread cautiously today just in case.
When I get to the tennis facility, I follow the instructions to the locker room they’ve set aside for us to get ready. When I walkin, a woman who looks to be in her late-thirties recognizes me and approaches. She’s well put together in a crisp yellow suit.
“Hi, Avery.” She offers her hand. “I’m Nina.” Oh, that’s Rori’s agent.
“Nice to meet you,” I say, and step inside the room. I see Rori getting her makeup done toward the back.
“I’m happy to help with any questions today, as I believe Taylor shared. In the meantime, let me get you connected with the assistant producer organizing all the logistics.”
“Thanks so much.”
“Have you met Rori yet?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Well, come over. I’ll introduce you two.”
Once Nina makes the introductions, I attempt to read Rori’s expression.
“Great to meet you. Obviously I’ve heard so much about you,” I say, trying to sound upbeat and respectful. Neither of which is my default state.
“Same and same,” Rori says. Her tone is neutral as far as I can tell.
Her hair and makeup people are busy around her too, so I’m sure she doesn’t want to disrupt their efforts.
“Let’s get you set up with your team, Avery,” Nina says to me.
Within a minute, I’m getting glammed up—relatively glammed, since we’re supposed to be teaching each other our sports, not going to a party.
A dresser comes with the first Triumph outfit they want me to wear. It’s—shocker—purple. Lavender on top, and the darker Surge purple on the bottom.
“It’s a really good color for you, with your complexion and black hair. If you aren’t sick of it,” she jokes lightly.
“It’s great, thank you.”
I look over to Rori, and they have her dressing in two shades of teal. The colors will definitely look pretty together.
They send me behind a screen to change, and when I’m all suited up, they steer me out of the room to the court where the cameras are set up.
Rori had been ready a couple of minutes earlier than me, so she’s already there waiting, a tennis racquet now in her hand.
Everything we’re going to say and do today is scripted, so I’m not worried about the shoot itself. But I still don’t feel grounded on whether she’s “in the know” about my imminent “breakup” with Rawley.
I decide to test the waters with some small talk.
“Hi again,” I say to her with a smile. “That’s a great color.”
“Thanks, yours too.” Her voice is a little flat but perfectly nice.
“I don’t know if Rawley told you this, but I borrowed your shoes one time when I was over at their house. So thank you.” I keep the smile on my face, trying to project warmth.
I don’t get much back though. “Glad you got some use out of them.”
