Page 44 of Game Plan
He sighed. “It’s been brought to my attention that several other players and their coaching staff...”
April narrowed her eyes in confusion.
“...have made comments regarding you being seen multiple times with the same individual, at various locations during the past few tournaments.”
No, no, no!
He cleared his throat. Again. “It’s been suggested that including your doubles partner, Simon, in some of your social media photos would be beneficial.”
April’s heart dropped to her stomach. Was her dad really suggesting what she thought he was?
“They know it’s not Dani, everyone knows Dani, and they’re asking who this woman is.” He took his last drink and held up his hand to stop April from saying anything before he’d finished. “I’m not asking who she is, I’m not askingwhatshe is to you. As your manager, it’s my job to think of your career and look for ways to change the narrative of the comments to avoid any negative impact for you.”
April could barely hear the words her dad was saying over the high-pitched ringing in her ears.
“I think the suggestion of posting images of you and Simon in each other's company will help. So, I think we should arrange for you to schedule a meet-up other than a standard training session together after Cincinnati. We can take some photos and post them to reduce any issues prior to the Open.”
April was in shock. Her Dad genuinely was setting her doubles partner up to act as abeard?To cover anything that may begoing on with Jade from the public? Without directly asking her?
“No,” April managed to choke out.
“April,” her dad began but she cut him off.
“No. I won’t do what you’re asking, Dad. I can’t.” April stated.
He stood up from his chair and walked over to the door. Hand gripping the handle, he turned to her and said, “I’ll hold off, for now, but not forever.” With that, he opened the door and left the room.
April felt her heart pounding in her chest. Disbelief at what had just happened settled in. What was she going to do?
How am I going to tell Jade?
Chapter 36
Jade
Montreal had gone well, and both her and Will had enjoyed relatively quiet times during that tournament. That was a new experience, but one they were grateful for to ease them into this stretch of tournaments. They had restocked their medical bags, packed their cases, and traveled to Cincinnati.
Another day, another hotel.
Jade didn’t mind it though; she was actually adapting to life on the road pretty well. Who knew that spending her summer travelling and working would agree with her so much. Other than the varying temperatures and never knowing what to wear when leaving the hotel, that was.
She had reached out to April upon arrival at her hotel, only to not hear any response from her. For the entire day.Hmm, that’s odd.
On the second day, after no response for more than 24 hours, Jade finally got a text that night.
APRIL
Dad changed our hotel booking. We’ve been moved to the one across the road, but they could only give us two rooms – I'm sharing with him. I’m sorry
Jade read the message multiple times. It was fine. She could last the duration of the tournament without their late-night visits and video calls. They could still text, right? As she read the message again though, she noticed it.No kiss at the end of the message. What was going on?
JADE
That’s ok, it’ll help you focus better. I’d hate to be a distraction after Montreal, I know you were bummed with that loss and probably want to focus on this one. We can still text, and maybe try and meet up just once this week? X
Jade waited for a reply. Nothing came. Nothing came for three days. Then early the following morning Jade woke up to the sound of a notification on her phone, and she leapt across the bed to reach it.
APRIL
