Page 71 of Only You

Alex

“What’s in that box?” Lucy pointed to the second box on the kitchen counter.

“Dessert. I’m having dinner with Hannah tonight.”

“Oh.” She looked down. “I thought we were having dinner together.”

“We’ll have dinner together tomorrow night. Mara wants to spend some time with you alone since she hasn’t seen you in a while.”

“Whatever. Can you hire me a tennis coach?”

“A tennis coach?” My brows furrowed.

“I like tennis. I want to get better at playing it so I can try out for the tennis team at school next year.”

“Since when do you like tennis? You’ve never mentioned that before.”

“Mom and I used to play all the time. I haven’t played since she died because that was the last thing we did together. But I’m ready now to start playing again.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I had no idea. Let me see how good you are.” I smiled. “There’s tennis rackets and balls in the garage. Let’s take them out back to the tennis courts.”

“Okay!”

“You’ve been holding out on me. I had no idea you were this good.”

“Mom started teaching me since I was old enough to hold a racquet,” she said.

“Your mom and I used to play sometimes.”

“I know. She told me.” She ran after the ball. “So, will you hire me a coach?”

“You bet.” I hooked my arm around her and went back into the house.

After Mara took Lucy out to dinner, I grabbed the dessert box and walked to the guesthouse.

“Hi.” Hannah grinned, opening the door.

“Hi. I bring a delicious dessert.”

“Oh, I love desserts. What is it?” she asked as she took the box from me.

“Open the box and find out. It smells delicious in here.”

“Thanks.” She opened the box and stared at the triple-berry cheesecake.

“Damn, this looks delicious. I love cheesecake. Thanks for bringing it.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I saw you and Lucy earlier on the tennis court. I didn’t know you played.” She reached into the refrigerator and handed me a beer.

“It’s been a while. I grew up playing. Do you play?”

“Actually, I do.” She smiled.

“Lucy wants me to hire her a tennis coach.”

“I think it’s a great idea. Dinner is almost ready, so go take your seat.”