“Sure. We all seem to play well together. Are you joining the team permanently?”
“I’d like to, but wasn’t sure how you felt about it,” Julie faltered. “You know, because I’m Rick’s girlfriend.” She made air quotes with her fingers on the last part.
“Does that matter?” Alex asked curiously. “We’ve tried for two years to find another girl who works well with our rhythm and haven’t found anyone. You fit right in as if you’ve been here from the beginning. I assumed you weren’t a permanent fixture because of an outside factor.”
Alex stopped stretching and looked at Julie. “Seriously, were you worried what I would think? And why?”
Julie hesitated while Alex waited. “I guess because you’re kind of intimidating. And, well, I’m not sure I’m good enough for league ball.”
Alex waved in a dismissive motion. “Nonsense. Of course you are. And anyway, we play for fun. Sure, we like the t-shirts we get for winning, but it’s the camaraderie that keeps us coming back. And the beer.” She leaned over and bumped shoulders with Julie. “Honestly, it’s Rick’s team. He can choose whomever he wants, and I wouldn’t complain.” Alex scrunched up her nose. “I take that back. I would totally complain if they sucked like Poser Dude.”
“Whoa, now… no need be vulgar.” Julie laughed at the shared memory from last year when a new guy off the street had come to play and was so bad, he wound up getting people hurt. The evening had been so memorable, the poor fellow earned a permanent moniker that was now used to describe someone having a particularly bad game.
They finished their warm-up and got settled into position as the opposition lined up on the other side of the net. The team got off to a slow start, but eventually hit their stride, winning the match with two out of three games.
Alex picked up her water bottle and turned to find Rick walking toward her.
“Good match,” she called before taking a drink.
“You too.” He lowered his voice to add, “Hey, Alex, thanks for what you said to Jules. I don’t understand why she was nervous. I told her you were cool.”
“Sure. I meant it,” Alex said. “I don’t know why everyone thinks I’m intimidating. I get that at work too. I think I’m charming.” She batted her eyelashes at him, then laughed at herself.
Rick narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together. “I think it’s because of your self-confidence. Most people aren’t as secure about themselves as you are.”
Alex blinked at the honest appraisal, then flipped the focus back on him. “I’ve never noticed you having any self-doubts.”
“Yeah, well, I’m an arrogant ass,” he said with a smirk. “Where’s your man?”
Alex stiffened but forced herself to relax. “We didn’t ride together tonight. I believe he planned to come, but not sure when.”
“Cool. He seems okay.” When Alex didn’t respond, Rick continued, “Our next match is at seven on court five.”
“Okay, thanks.” Alex waved him on and took her time walking to the table. That was the most Rick had ever said to her about her personal life. Their past interactions always focused on their team. His feedback both surprised and pleased her. From as early as high school, she’d been told she was intimidating, but had never had a clue why people thought of her that way.
Rick’s observations intrigued her.Do I really give off an aura of self-confidence?Alex wondered. Maybe that impression resulted from her never seeking approval from those around her. That attitude had caused issues early in her career until she had established herself. Coworkers had accused her of being aggressive, but her managers had never complained. The bosses were always happy with her results, so she never worried about what the nay-sayers said behind her back.
Alex shrugged off her musings as she reached the group’s table on the deck. She caught Daisy’s attention and ordered a burger with fries, then joined the current argument over the upcoming rule changes for outdoor volleyball.
As timefor her next match approached, Alex finished her burger and cleaned up the table. She dumped her trash in the nearby garbage can and turned, stumbling right into Fin. He gripped her shoulders to steady her.
“Whoa, there,” he said, “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Alex reached up to his forearms and squeezed. “Hey, you made it.” She smiled at him and before she could move away, he pulled her into a quick hug. After a brief squeeze, he let her go.
“I intended to be here sooner but was delayed by some fans. At least there were no reporters around.” He grimaced, then made a silly face.
“No worries. We’re up so I’ve gotta run, but I’ll catch you after the match, yeah?” Alex tilted her head in question.
“Aye. Do you want me to order you some food?”
“Nah, I’ve already eaten. You go ahead. Back soon.” She waved him off and ran to the court. She smiled to herself, happy he was here.
They lost the match. Alex and her teammates made their way back to the deck where Fin was telling a story. As she approached, he pulled out the chair next to him for her to sit without breaking stride in his narrative. The story centered around some mishap that occurred on the set of one of his movies. Her friends laughed when he concluded.
Fin leaned over and said, “I wasn’t able to follow closely.” He nodded his head towards the people sitting around their group of tables. “Did you win?”
“No, but it’s okay. We rarely beat that team. They’ve got three A-level players.” She shrugged. Seeing his confused expression, she explained, “League play is divided into distinct competitive levels… that particular team has three people who play at a higher level than we do. But we still have fun. And honestly, I enjoy challenging myself against better opponents.”
