It’s clear by Nina’s stance that she isn’t having it. “Well, it’s not fun. It’s bullshit and I’m done,” she snaps, turning on her heels and walking toward the exit.
I immediately see red for my friend. If I’d known Jill would still be a jealous drama queen all these years later, I would’ve steered clear of this athletic torture—and the unnecessary emotional damage for Nina.
“Seriously?” I say, lifting my hands. “You invited us here, and this is how you’re going to act?” I shake my head. “It’s a bit disappointing to see that some things never change, Jill.”
Jill’s expression softens as she glances toward Nina. “You’re right. Nina,” she calls out. “Come back. We’re sorry.” There’s a hint of sheepishness in her tone, and Nina must recognize it because she stops and turns around, stalking back toward us.
“I’m sorry, Nina, I didn’t mean to upset you. Can we—”
“Save it, Kincaid,” she cuts in, shooting me a look that could freeze lava as she storms by.
“Let’s finish this,” she says to me, not addressing the other two at all.
They shrug, getting into position, the game starting back up on game point.
Sandra hits the ball toward Nina, appearing to use every ounce of strength to catapult it toward her, putting a spin on it that I fear will be hard to return, but Nina manages without effort, sending it directly to the back line, making it difficult to tell if it will be in or out.
Sandra looks and makes the decision it’ll be out, but she’s incorrect. The ball hits the line and game, set, match.
“Ahh. We won,” Nina says, acting like it’s no big deal, when I can tell she wants to break out into a full-on dance. “Looks like your plan didn’t work. Never does, but you don’t seem to learn, do you, Jillian?”
Jill’s face flushes, and I wait for shit to hit the fan. She hates to be called Jillian. Loathes it. And Nina has always wielded it as a weapon. Instead, Jill tips her head back and starts laughing, and soon, Nina joins her.
Sandra looks on, horrified and confused, but I just shrug.
This is how Jill and Nina were in college. They had a love-hate relationship that often ended in explosive arguments after a night at the bar. Too many drinks were typically to blame, but maybe it was their personalities all along, the alcohol only exacerbating things.
Jill places her arm around Nina’s shoulder, walking her off toward the benches in the shade.
“Might as well join them,” I say, motioning toward the exit.
We sit for over an hour, catching our breaths and talking the paths our lives have taken.
Jill’s gaze drifts to the ground, her expression pensive. With aheavy sigh, she finally looks up, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.
“You know, I had the biggest crush on Richard back in college,” she admits, her words laced with a mixture of nostalgia and regret. “I thought he was the one, you know? I wanted to marry him, but in the end, you won his heart.”
Nina and I exchange a knowing glance, sensing the weight behind Jill’s confession. Nina reaches out a comforting hand, offering silent support to Jill, knowing the bombshell she’s about to drop.
“I remember that early on, you liked him. But I thought you changed your mind,” Nina replies softly, her tone gentle. “You dodged a bullet. Richard is a horrible man.”
Jill’s eyes widen in surprise at Nina’s blunt assessment. “What do you mean?” she asks, seeming caught off guard by Nina’s declaration.
Nina takes a deep breath, her words measured yet firm. “He was the worst husband, Jill. He cheated on me. He lied.” She shakes her head, chuckling darkly. “He made my life miserable,” she admits.
A flicker of concern crosses over Jill’s face as she absorbs Nina’s words.
“He’s in jail for murder.”
Jill’s head snaps up, her eyes blinking rapidly. “What? Are you serious?”
Nina fills Jill in on all the details, and she sits quietly through it all. A moment of understanding passes between them, the tension from earlier on the court dissipating as the weight of Nina’s revelation settles in.
Eventually, the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the court as we sit together in silent solidarity.
“We should meet up again sometime,” I suggest, breaking the silence. “But let’s plan something less…physical.”
Jill and Nina exchange a glance, nodding in agreement. “For sure,” Jill says, a genuine smile playing on her lips. “Tonight, and I know the perfect place.”
