Game, Set and Match

Parker King is riding high after winning the prestigious Wimbledon Tournament only to be shot down by a feisty airline pilot named Emily Parish. King Kong as she's known on the courts falls hard, but will it be because of the person who wants to kill her or for love?

Chapter 1

Whack. The ball flew over the net at one hundred and thirty miles an hour hitting right inside the line flying off in a wicked slice that proved to be untouchable by the player on the other side. Even the ball boy had a hard time trying to chase it down as it went in a direction he wasn't expecting. The server waited for the boy to get out of the way and for her opponent to get set before she let another one fly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the type of tennis that has been missing from Wimbledon since the time of Martina. This is just an awesome display of straight forward power tennis." The commentator spoke softly into the microphone from the booth to tennis fans watching the match from home. From center court the crowd cheered when the clipped English accent said, "Forty love."

"Yes, Joe, it seems that Parker used her time in England after the French to work on that first service, and isn't Jill sorry about that. It was the one thing that was missing from Parker's arsenical of weapons and now her war chest seems complete. Parker has matured into an outstanding player," continued the female commentator. For a brief moment the woman behind the microphone relived what it was like to be so close to the coveted title Parker King was sure to win by mornings end. The crowd was on their feet again as 'Kong' served up another ace to win the third consecutive game of the first set.

Parker King was the new darling of the tennis world, loved by the crowds that flocked to see her play as well as the companies that lined up to sign her to wear their logos. At a little over six one, shoulder length dark brown hair slightly streaked, skin that was touched by the hours she spent in the sun and eyes the color of blue ice, she was a natural favorite.

Anyone that saw her on a court would have to be blind not to see the fire that burned within her to win. Opponents, no matter what their ranking, cringed when they saw her name on the board as their next game. The power she displayed on the court had earned her the nickname Kong from the fans, and Parker was never one to disappoint getting to the final without dropping a set and losing only eight games in her time in England.

"Jill has got to be more aggressive at the net if she wants to get back into this match," Joe Welch, former male champion said to his two other partners in the booth. The crowd drowned the rest of what he was saying out as Parker returned a lob so hard that the ball bounced into the stands behind her opponent Jill Seabrook after it had bounced just inside the line.

"Love forty," the judge said into the microphone pointing to the King side of the net, followed momentarily by, "Game Miss King." Jill went into her return stance looking defeated already as Parker flashed her coach in the stands a winning smile. Sitting next to him was Parker's guest for the match displaying her own smile down to the number one player in the world. After they collected the title, it was back to the US for the rest of the summer to prepare for the Open, and after a grueling schedule Parker was more than ready for that.

Whack. The little yellow ball flew millimeters over the net landing just inside the line. Parker pumped her arm once pleased with the shot sending the crowd to their feet.

"What a rifle shot, Gene!" exclaimed the third commentator as Jill scrambled after the serve.

"Quiet please," said the judge as the crowd was on their feet again chanting "Kong." Less than forty minutes later Parker was doing her curtsey and holding up the women's singles trophy over her head. She walked the complete court so that everyone present could see the large silver plate in her hand. In an interview she had once said that the victories were as much the fans as they were hers, and Parker liked to share the moment with those that paid the price to come and see her. Her last stop was in front of Gary Bertrand her coach.

Gary had been at one time, a rising star in the tennis world until the day he collapsed on center court at the US Open with a blown knee. Instead of accepting defeat, he had turned to coaching finding a tall gangly kid that over the years he molded into a champion. The coach smiled like a proud father now as he watched the woman that she had turned into walk the circuit of the court showing off the spoils of her victory.

"Come on, Alicia, let's go congratulate the new champion down in the locker room," said Gary to the young woman next to him. The shapely redhead was an up and comer herself in music industry and was wild about Parker. She had been able to attend the prestigious tournament because her band's tour schedule put them in the area during the finals. It had been complete pandemonium a couple of nights before when the three of them had gone out to dinner and the two young women had been recognized. In a country that thrived on tabloid sensational stories it had been like a gift from the heavens.

"Excuse me, Mr. Bertrand, I have a message for you." The young man with the traditional Wimbledon colors on handed Gary a note, which made him frown the moment he started reading. He absolutely hated when Parker used him to blow off her date.

"Alicia, honey, why don't you head on back to the city and wait for Parker to call you. Something must have happened on one of those last serves and she is in with one of the trainers now." The look of concern on the pretty face made him feel like an ass, but there would be a heavy price to pay if he showed up with her in tow in the locker room.

"Is she going to be ok?" It had been Alicia's plan to walk out of the grounds on Parker's arm and hope there would be more photographers around. The publicity she and the band had racked up in their time in England had been priceless. The young singer had no regrets being seen on the arm of the tennis world's bad girl. Nor did she regret the stories that placed her in Parker's bed.

"She's going to be fine. This is just typical Parker believe me." If you only knew, honey, thought the coach as he looked at the young woman before him. If Parker was true to form it would be the last time he would see her unless it was by chance. Like in a restaurant where the typical scenario ended with Parker wearing a drink before the dessert cart came out. It still amazed him sometimes that women wanted to go out with the good-looking tennis star considering her track record, but they were all convinced that they were the one that was going to tame the bad ass Kong. Scratch another one off that list.

Gary entered the green room singing the line 'just another notch in my lipstick case' softly as Parker was finishing up her post game interviews. He shook his head in her direction making her laugh at his reaction to the favor she had asked of him in the note. She was going home and didn't want the complications that the increasingly demanding Alicia would pose. Gary congratulated her with a scowl on his face for using him as the heavy before cuffing her on the back of the head and sending her into the locker room to change.

He would cut her some slack like he always did considering there was no time to just kick back and not worry about the next tournament. It was the U.S. Open, and the only one that continued to elude the American player with more trophies than women she had slept with. Gary knew it wouldn't take much prodding on his part to get Parker to work hard for the title that would make her a true champion. The French, Australian and now the Wimbledon trophy were going home with them and he could almost taste the slam.

************************************************************************

The men's final was still going on by the time they arrived at the airport. Parker was anxious to get home after being out of the country for over three months. The two police officers that had been assigned to them kept the crowds at bay as Gary and Parker sat waiting for their flight. The Bobbies stood far away enough to give the couple some privacy, but close enough to send a message to any overzealous fans. They would let in a few autograph seekers in at a time, most of them young teen girls thrilled to sit this close to their idol, before putting their arms out and closing ranks.

Parker took the time to ask them about their own tennis game and gave pointers to those that seemed serious about the sport. The tennis gear had been replaced by a lightweight linen suit over a tight white t-shirt. Without the jacket on, everyone close enough could see the muscle rippling through Parker's arms as she autographed everything from tennis balls to tournament programs. A groan went up through the crowd as boarding for the flight began and the player and coach picked up their stuff to leave.

As on most flights, the crew of Virgin flight 756 was waiting at the door to greet their passengers. The small blonde standing toward the front would have recognized their famous passenger the minute she turned the corner of the jet way even if she hadn't been carrying a large bag full of rackets. She had spent the morning watching the talented Parker King completely obliterate her opponent. Seeing her in person, everyone standing at the door agreed the player was even better looking in person.

"Welcome aboard, Ms. King, I hope you enjoy your flight, and congratulations on your win" said Captain Emily Parish. She had stepped out of the cockpit, as was her habit before every flight to join the crew in greeting passengers at the door leaving the coat with her ranking draped over her seat.

"Thank you, ma'am. But if you really love me, could you fetch a cup of hot chocolate and a sandwich if you have it? Thanks, sweetheart," said Parker. The attendants around Emily put their hands to their mouths to hide the smiles and laughs that were about to come out at the young woman's assumptions. Emily was a great pilot but a perfectionist that made her a little hard to work for, so having someone bring her down a peg was amusing and more than a little entertaining.

"I'll see what I can do in between flying the plane and all," said Emily trying to control her temper. Her crew looked straight up and kept quite knowing what kind of effort it took on the small pilot's part not to tack on butthead to the end of her statement. Parker did have the decency to look apologetic at her mistake, but didn't offer a verbal one as she shrugged her shoulders and moved past the group to her seat.

"Way to go, champ, she'll probably send us back to coach just to prove a point. Now that we're alone, want to tell me what's up with Alicia?" Gary put his bag in the overhead compartment before moving into the window seat giving Parker the isle.

Both their smiles were in place as the other passengers started streaming in offering congratulations as they past like they were old friends. Parker nodded her head at each well-wisher ignoring her coach for the moment. "Come on, Parker, sitting next to me at one of these tournaments seems to be the kiss of death for any relationship you seem to be in. I want you to have a life outside of tennis and be happy, kid. Believe me it will instill the desire to win in you more than this bullshit you've been doing with these girls."

"I have the desire to win, Gary, so give it a rest. You aren't my mother. I just want to go home and take it easy for a while with no complications. Is that a crime? Alicia was fun but she's got her own gig to worry about without me screwing it up for her. Trust me, buddy, when I meet the one all the fairytales talk about you'll be the preverbal first to know." When the first edition copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' came out of her carryon, Gary knew the conversation was over for now. The shoulder length hair formed a curtain around her face from the outside world, as Parker got lost in another classic story. This is the Kong no one writes about, thought Gary. Parker was so much more than just tennis, but those other parts she kept hidden.

The bad girl of tennis was in reality a very private intelligent person that loved to read as many books as her schedule allowed for. But Gary knew that didn't make as interesting headline news as the crying Alicia would the minute she figured out she had been dumped. The frown of that thought changed quickly as he saw the captain walking down the short aisle of first class with a tray in her hand. Maybe the woman did have a sense of humor after all.

"Sorry it took so long, but we had to send out for the marshmallows. We wouldn't want it said that Virgin didn't go the extra mile to make our passengers happy," Emily said sarcastically as she put the tray down for Parker. The tirade stopped momentarily when the book in the woman's hands snapped quietly closed and the pilot was pinned by almost white colorless eyes. It was as if Parker's eyes were chameleons that had taken on the color of her shirt. "I hope Godiva is good enough?" Emily asked not straightening up back into the isle. The phrase 'the eyes are the windows to the soul' popped into her head as she was drawn into Parker's personal space. It was as if Emily could feel the power sitting so close to her as Parker exhaled and put her head down and looked at the offering the captain had brought.

"Actually, I'm more of a Hershey girl myself, Captain," said Parker without looking up again. Having been on the receiving end of scorned women before, the tennis player decided an apology was in order before this turned into the flight from hell. "Would it help if I apologized, Captain? I didn't mean to insult you in anyway. The fact that you are the captain of this aircraft never entered my head when I stepped on board, which I imagine makes me a chauvinist pig of the female variety. So I'm sorry and go forward with the knowledge from this day on that I learned a valuable lesson in not making unfounded assumptions. Thank you for the hot chocolate and the sandwich, chicken salad I see, and for helping me choose the book I'm going to read on the way home." Parker's own little sarcastic speech made Emily look down to Parker's lap wiping out her own assumptions of dumb jock.

Looking into those seemingly colorless eyes when they suddenly appeared again made Emily suddenly think her lover back home in New York. The color of Gail's eyes were on the opposite end of the spectrum from Parker's, and Emily couldn't help but compare. This would be her last transatlantic flight for a while and she would be back to a more normal schedule that would allow her to be home more. Gail was waiting in Tampa for her for a little vacation before they both headed back to the city. Hopefully the time alone would put the fire back into the relationship that seemed to be fizzling out with Emily's constant absence and Gail's constant complaints and possessiveness.

"It's all right, Miss King. You join a long list of others who've made the same assumption. I apologize for taking them all out on you." Emily walked back to the cockpit without another word leaving Parker leaning into the aisle watching the sway of her hips as she departed. The way the skirt fit told Parker that the Captain did more than just sit in the cockpit flying planes. She was a beauty in motion.

"Forget it, tennis pro," said one of the male attendants who had had the tray snatched out of his hands by the captain. "The ice queen is very much involved with a trader in the big apple so you got no chance there, big guy."

Looking at his nametag Parker smiled before answering the obviously gay man. "No worries, Willy, cold fish are not my type, or don't you read the rags?" Willy laughed along with her as Parker dropped her gaze and went back to her book. She dropped in a handful of marshmallows into the cup Emily had delivered before taking a sip.

Ten hours later Emily's voice came lilting out of the speakers informing everyone of their impending arrival into the Miami airport. She went down the list of connections so those continuing on would know what gate to head for once they deplaned. "So ladies and gentlemen, if you would bring your seats to their full upright position we should have you on the ground in about ten minutes. Again thank you for choosing Virgin for your flying needs and we hope to see you on board in the future."

"The Nike shoot is scheduled in three days so you are going to have to hit the gym starting today. If your naked ass is going up in Time Square we want it to look pumped up," said Gary. The schedule book had come out of his bag twenty minutes ago so that they could review upcoming events. Having Parker trapped in a plane helped him make it through the end of the month.

"Whose idea was this again?" The sponsor had approached her with the idea before Wimbledon to add her to the list of athletes that had appeared in the ads clad just in their shoes illustrating that the footwear and the body were all that were necessary to succeed in sports.

"It was Nick's idea, and I forbid you to give him a hard time about it. You know how sensitive he is and I'm the one that has to live with him. All the shots will be from the back and he got Annie and her all girl crew to do it, so quit complaining." Gary pointed his finger at her to make his point. The last thing he wanted was both of the people he cared most about giving him a hard time for weeks to come.

"I just asked a question, Gary, I hardly see how that could be construed as complaining. Are they coming to the house or will it be done in a studio?" She put away her book and stood to pull her jacket back on. The crew had been surprised that besides her initial hot chocolate and sandwich, Parker had stuck to bottled water. The fourteen she had consumed kept her hydrated and active with constant trips to the bathroom. No amount of free alcohol was worth jet lag in her opinion, so while most of the other passengers fought fatigue, Parker would be lifting weights for the rest of the afternoon.

"You get to stay home, kid. Annie thought the court at home that overlooks the gulf would make for good shots. Now let's hope we didn't miss our connection. You know how Nick hates waiting around in airports."

"Now who's complaining?" asked Parker. She was pulling her hair into a ponytail when they both felt the wheels of the plane hit the tarmac once followed by three hard bumps before the engines were thrust into reverse to kill their speed. Not expecting it, Parker came close to smashing her head into the seat in front of them despite having her seatbelt on the jolt of the landing was so rough. Aside from the earlier announcement it was the first time the blonde captain crossed Parker's mind.

Parker and Gary waited as everyone got off before standing up from their seats. Their patience was usually rewarded by an empty waiting area as passengers where claimed by family and friends or were running toward baggage claim.

Parker finally looked up from her book to find an empty plane and Willy waiting at the door with her large bag of rackets and a pen. Alicia and Gary hadn't been the only avid fans in the stands, and the attendant saw this as his opportunity to get his program signed. When she got up he handed the bag over and held the booklet up with a pleading look.

"Willy, my man, I didn't know you were interested in tennis." She accepted his pen and sat down in the first set of first class seats waiting to hear his answer before writing something in the glossy book in her hand.

"I had to trade some really bum flights to be able to go and watch you play. The final match was awesome, though I wish it had lasted longer. Had that first ace you rocketed over the net hit Jill, I think the match would have been over because of a chipped bone. Having you on our flight home was just an extra added bonus." He stopped his babble of hero worship when Parker started writing. She handed his program back with a thank you note for his hospitality then took the time to sign some of the other souvenirs the rest of the crew had produced.

Emily watched from the door of the cockpit as Parker entertained her crew acting very unlike the person most of the press had written about. The tennis player never looked impatient as another item was pressed into her hand for signing and finished by unzipping the large black bag sitting at her feet and sliding out one of the rackets. With Willy's pen she signed Parker 'Kong' King and the date along the grip.

"Sorry you didn't get to see more play, Willy, but I was anxious to catch my flight. You might get your wish at the Open since it seems to be my Achille's heel." On the other side of her name Parker wrote 'first ace racket Wimbledon.' "I hope this makes up for your shitty schedule. That means a lot to me when people go so out of the way to come see me hit some balls." The rackets were custom made for her by the sponsor and were a valuable collector's item for the few fans that had gotten one as a gift. The one she had used for the majority of the match would rest along side the trophy at home. Both she and Gary laughed at the squeal Willy let out at her gift. Parker could only imagine the hardships the man had endured in his lifetime because of his obvious sexuality preference. She respected people like Willy who had a real survivor's spirit and let it shine through.

"Oh my god, thank you. This is the best gift I've ever gotten, Parker, thank you." Willy hugged her as she stood up and almost fainted as Parker hugged him back. "I know all those tabloids were full of shit," said Willy.

"Thank you, Willy, that means a lot." Parker squeezed him one more time and smiled at the sentiment. "Don't play with that one. Save it for your next vacation, at auction it should get you to Hawaii if you hit it on the right day."

"No way, this one's a keeper," said Willy. The crew bid them safe travels as Parker shouldered her bags and stepped off the plane noticing the cockpit door was closed as she stepped out. The impromptu autograph session had let her escape without having to confront Emily again.

"Is Nick going to pick us up?" asked Parker. The next leg of their trip to Tampa was less crowded and they finished their calendar review without interruption.

"Yep he is. Some of your contracts were coming up so hopefully he's resigned everyone and is over having to miss this trip." Gary sighed; Nick Spoli was a sweet man but could whine for days given a reason to. He and Gary lived together as well was worked together at keeping Parker both happy and ranked.

"Like you said, you're the one that has to live with him, buddy, not me. Just remind him of his commission if it gets out of hand. The smallest one alone should get him that new sports car he wants along with a new wardrobe to go with it." Parker wiggled her eyebrows at him and laughed when Gary scowled at her. Nick and the flight attendant they had just met, Willy, could compete on the flamboyancy scale in Parker's opinion.

The two men were Parker's role models when it came to a loving relationship having been together for fifteen years. They had built their home close to her on Press Cove, a mostly deserted stretch of beach near Clearwater Florida. Her house had everything she needed to train for upcoming tournaments while giving her the solitude she needed to prepare for the weeks on the road. Gary looked forward to these trips home as much as Parker did in that it gave he and Nick the time they needed to strengthen Parker's mental state as well as her body. Having every vice imaginable at your fingertips would have ruined her career had it not been for their influence along with that of Parker's two sisters.

Parker seldom complained about the schedules, knowing her career wouldn't last forever. There was a small window of opportunity to get all her goals accomplished before she either retired to her house, or to the commentator's chair. At twenty-two she had plenty of time to contemplate her future barring any injury. What happened to her coach was always with her, driving her to train harder in case her time on center court was fleeting.

"You know how much he loves to watch you play, so cut my boy some slack," said Gary. They moved onto the gate where their connection was boarding both anxious to get home. The woman that followed them on board couldn't believe her luck when she saw the two tall athletes go on ahead of her.

Don't tennis superstars live in New York or something? Emily asked herself as she slowed her pace not wanting to be noticed. The pilot had been looking forward to her own first class leather seat for a quick nap before meeting Gail. The thought of having to share the space with Parker King made her veer into the cockpit in search of an empty seat. Emily would settle for some mindless conversation with the crew instead of her nap.

Parker had apologized but something about her still rubbed the pilot the wrong way. Maybe it was the way she apologized. Emily couldn't help but think that Parker was one of those people not used to being wrong in any situation, or at least admitting she was wrong.

The young woman's assumption of her position on the earlier flight had just hit a raw nerve with the pilot negating the instant attraction Emily had felt when Parker had turned the corner. Emily was used to the cracks from men, but when it came from successful women it was even worse to her. No, Parker King could keep her wise cracks and good looks to impress someone else she wasn't interested. What she needed now was some time in the sun with Gail, but with out permission, Emily's brain drifted back to the sleeping tennis player on the other side of the cockpit door.

Chapter 2

"Over here, guys," said Nick. The tall Greek stood at the gate with two dozen roses in his arms. After kissing them both hello and taking their bags, he handed a dozen to Gary and one to Parker. "Come on, I have the car parked outside and the Terminator down waiting for your bags."

"Kimmie's here?" asked Parker. She hadn't seen her sisters in six months due to conflicting schedules. While Parker dominated women's tennis, her sisters Kimmie and Gray did the same in the sand playing volleyball.

"Yeah she and Gray are here for today. They are heading out in the morning for a tournament in Palm Beach, so they're cooking you dinner and crashing in your guest rooms tonight." Nick pointed them toward the exit knowing that he and the King sisters had more than exceeded their welcome outside, then again they didn't call Gray the Viper for nothing. One look had sent the young security guard back to his booth for the hour they had been waiting.

"Remember workout first, then family reunion," said Gary knowing the reprimand was unnecessary but he said it anyway.

"Yes, master, I remember."

By the Suburban outside stood two women that looked almost exactly like the tennis pro except for the hair. Kimmie and Gray both kept theirs cut short for easier maintenance when they played, but all of them had the same powerful build. They where all two years apart with Parker being the baby of the family and Gray being the oldest. For each, sports had been an escape from overly conservative parents that wanted prim ladies and lots of grandchildren to show off. Instead they had gotten three of the most famous lesbians in sports, which had been more than enough for their parents to disown them. With Nick's careful management all three had no more money concerns, just the heartache that came from their parents' rejection.

"Is that the Wimbledon champion we see?" asked Gray as she stepped out of the driver's seat. The surprise for Parker was cutting two days off their training schedule but had been worth it to see the smile on her little sister's face. It killed the older two not to be there for any of the matches Parker had played in, but hopefully in September they would be in the stands for the entire Open.

The family caught up on the happenings in their lives since they had seen each other last, having Gary write down some dates when Parker could go and watch her sisters play. From inside the airport Emily arrived at the exit in time to see Parker get into the vehicle right before it drove away. Gail as usual was running late and Emily waited inside in the air-conditioning not wanting to brave the heat until she was wearing a bathing suit.

Emily ended up leaning against the glass wall by the entrance for forty minutes before she saw Gail get out of a rented car outside. By the way she was walking, Emily could tell where she had been since she had arrived. When the broker made it inside and bent to kiss her, the scotch on her breath only confirmed it for her. The blonde got behind the driver's side while Gail loaded her luggage and wondered if the dent in the front fender she had seen was there when Gail picked up the car. The passenger door slamming shut made Emily look at the woman she had spent three years with as she closed her eyes and fell asleep instead of talking. If it hadn't been so sad, Emily would've found it humorous that they'd been away from each other for almost a month but neither of them could find anything to talk about as Emily pointed the car in the direction of the place they had rented.

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The three sisters made the circuit of the workout room as the older two gave Parker a hard time about Alicia. The two tormentors had mentioned every tabloid headline before Parker changed into her running clothes and hit the beach. This stretch of paradise was what she missed most grueling tournament play kept them away for months at a time. The pristine white sand and blue green waters were like a blanket of calm in an otherwise busy life. Coming back here, Parker was convinced she could walk away from tennis and not miss the crowds or the action.

Parker's house was built on a large parcel of water front property in Press Cove. In the opposite direction from Nick and Gary's house there were only a couple of houses along the beach for miles. After that there wasn't anything really until you hit the more populated stretch that marked Clearwater. Parker didn't mind sharing the space close to her since all of her other neighbors were weekenders that mostly came in the fall to enjoy the still warm but cooler temperatures.

Leaving her sisters in the kitchen, Parker stood on the shoreline and stretched. The usual route she took brought her five miles down the beach before turning around and heading back. Her dedication to roadwork, as Gary called it, kept her legs fresh during grueling matches. The women on the other side of the net were usually cursing by the second set when Parker used the same speed to chase down balls as she did in the first game.

In the summer Parker's usual companions were the gulls flying past her and the sandpipers that ran ahead of her to escape the oncoming surf. It was one of the reasons she ran without the usual headphones most people used during their runs. The sound of the waves and her feet hitting the sand were Parker's form of meditation. The enjoyment of her surroundings and the joy of being home almost made her trip over the couple locked in a heated kiss on a red blanket laid out on the sand.

Parker could see that the bigger of the two had her hand firmly ensconced in her partner's bikini bottom and the blonde on top of her seemed to be enjoying the attention. Returning her gaze to the water, Parker ran past them without saying anything not wanting to embarrass the two lovers any more than she already had. That is if they even noticed me. She thought as her pace put her far away enough to miss the ensuing argument she had unwittingly caused.

"Goddamn it, Gail, when I tell you to stop, I would appreciate it if you did just that. I told you I heard someone coming and I was right. I don't much enjoy being a floor show for anyone," said Emily in a heated voice. She had pushed off Gail as soon as she heard the footsteps fading with the surf. Any of the good feelings of seeing Gail again after three weeks evaporated like the foam on the sand near the water.

"Funny that, Em, three years ago it wouldn't have mattered where we were or who was watching but now everything seems to be a problem. I'm sorry if I don't think a dark room with the curtains closed is the only appropriate place to show you that I love you. Jesus, I haven't seen you in almost a month and you're already pulling this shit. Enjoy the sunset, I'm going into town to get some groceries for our stay," said Gail. These little outbursts and reprimands from Emily were getting tiring, and to avoid another fight Gail got up and walked away.

"You didn't miss me enough that you could forget about stopping at the airport bar for a few before you went to get the car. I hope you got insurance because I'm doubting they gave you one with a messed up fender."

Gail stopped walking but didn't turn around. "I'm finding the bottle a more passionate and warm lover than you, Emily, and your lectures aren't going to change that opinion anytime soon. Think about that while I'm gone, before I really am gone," threatened Gail.

"You mean Sophia wasn't passionate enough for you?"

"I was an idiot to think there'd be any forgiveness in that heart of yours, Emily."

"Yeah well, you know what they say about learned behavior?"

Gail clenched her fist but still refused to turn around. It wasn't like Emily to bring up a past mistake, at least the only one Emily knew about. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, just go."

Emily sat on the blanket with her eyes closed for over an hour before getting up and going for a swim. The pilot was tired of working only to come home to constant fighting with Gail, and the thought of doing it on her vacation made her want to pack up and ask for a new flight assignment. It was becoming apparent to Emily that she should turn her thoughts to how to end the relationship instead of spending any more time trying to fix it, but they were there so she would try again.

The lesson that she couldn't stop Gail's drinking should have been learned a long time before this, but Emily felt guilty just leaving. Gail had never been abusive, she just knew how much alcohol she could get away with and still be functional on the trading floor the next day. Emily shook her head and tried not to think about their problems. They would still be waiting for them when they got home, it was time to enjoy the house and the sun even if she had to do it alone.

Well into chapter two of her book, Emily looked up to see who the footsteps belonged to. She was sure whoever the runner was; it was the same person that had interrupted them earlier. The woman ran past her oblivious to her presence, and Emily held her breath at the sheer rotten luck she was having today.

There in all her sweaty glory was Parker King. Wearing only running shorts and a sports bra, Parker was giving Emily the opportunity to just stare without guilt or fear of being caught. Parker was like some work of art found in museums. Muscles stood out in every uncovered area from the weight lifting session and her run, and then Emily moved to Parker's face. Here in this mostly untouched area Parker seemed happy like she was free.

The young woman who had slowed to a walk past her, held no trace of the sarcastic person that had traded barb for barb with her on the flight. Emily thought maybe she had misjudged Parker after finishing chapter two of the book she had made Gail stop for before driving out of Tampa. Anyone who read 'To Kill a Mockingbird' couldn't be all bad, right?

The notion of announcing her presence died on Emily's lips when Parker stripped naked and jumped into the surf in front of the house next to the one she and Gail were staying in. Emily hadn't noticed the beach house when she and Gail had first come down. The tennis court built on plyings over the water would have given her a good clue as to who owned the house had she bothered to look.

So this is where the Romeo of the circuit lives, thought Emily. Her mental musings were instantly confirmed when two other naked women ran out of the house to join Parker in the water. Yes she's a pig with a soft spot for classical books. Emily walked back to the house carrying only her book and her bag, leaving the rest for Gail to worry about. Staying here for a week was only going to magnify how out of whack her life had become Emily had a gut feeling. What would it be like to go through life without worrying about the consequences thought Emily as she took one last look at the three women having fun in the surf?

The next morning Gail walked out to the beach with her own book as Emily headed out the front door with the car keys. When Gail had gotten back the night before, six hours after she had left, Emily had taken a shower and was already sleeping not giving them a chance to talk anymore about what was happening to them. That morning wasn't much easier when the pilot had informed Gail that she was going into town alone. Emily had been in the area once before and enjoyed walking in the small downtown area of Press Cove. With any luck she would find gifts for her mom and sister who both had birthdays coming up later in the summer.

Emily relaxed in the coffee shop before starting her shopping, trying to forget the growing awkwardness between she and Gail. She was starting to get angry at the late nights of not knowing where Gail was, but wasn't ready to take that final step. The thought of Gail cheating on her wasn't the issue, but if you found peace at the bottom of a glass, how long would that lead to the arms of someone else again? If it came to a breakup her mom would take it hard Emily figured. Her mother had always thought Gail had been a calming figure in her daughter's life, but Emily had never shared the whole truth with her family not wanting to worry them. And in reality she wanted more than what she was getting. Shouldn't there be passion, and not just for arguing? Emily sat with her eyes closed running through a litany of questions in her mind on how to fix her life when the familiar voice interrupted and put a frown on her face.

"Sorry it took so long, ma'am, but I'm still recovering from a bumpy landing in Miami yesterday." When Emily opened her eyes there was the tennis player holding a tray with the cappuccino she had ordered sitting on it. The heat in her ears was a combination of a blush and anger over Parker's statement. Bad weather and wind shears had made for a less than perfect landing and she didn't want to take anyone's shit about it. "I'm sorry, Captain, I was only kidding. You looked so lost sitting there I thought I'd cheer you up."

"Why are you harassing me on my vacation, Miss King?" asked Emily. Oh no, I will not fall for a cute smile and a cute butt. Emily, she sleeps with two women at a time, Emily had to remind herself as the dimples Parker was displaying made her want to smile in return. Emily continued the lecture in her head as a way to get her defenses up. Today they are sky blue. The other voice in her head chimed in as Parker leaned down to put the cup on the table and Emily got a good look at her eyes.

"I was on my way home from the airport, Captain, and I love the hot chocolate here. Pardon me for bothering you, it won't happen again. I hope you enjoy your stay." The smile disappeared from Parker's face as she thought, God this woman was such a bitch. Parker turned to walk back to the counter to wait for her order when she heard the more gentle tone come out of Emily.

"Do you like hanging out in airports? Or is it where you perfect your sarcastic comments for airline employees?" The question was Emily's effort, against her better judgment, to get Parker to stay after she had snapped at her.

"No, that's your job I would guess, and I'm not sarcastic. I was just dropping my sisters off for their flight this morning. They surprised me with a visit yesterday before having to fly out for their own tournament today," answered Parker. A teenager with acne walked up and handed Parker a large steaming cup before heading back behind the counter.

"There's more than one of you?" A look of disgust crossed her face as the kid came back with a large cinnamon roll for Parker to go with the hot chocolate. Jeez she eats like that and still looks like she does. Emily looked up at Parker now holding the cinnamon roll and the cup and realized the tennis player was waiting for an invitation to sit down. "I'm sorry, would you like to join me?" Emily waved to the empty chair facing her own suddenly wanting Parker's company.

"Thanks, and yes there are three of us, but Gray and Kimmie are way different from me. First off they are both taller, and they are into sand." Parker took a big bite of the gooey roll she had ordered and held it up to Emily to take a bite. The blonde head shook no knowing that she had the metabolism of a lazy slug.

"Sand?" She was regretting not taking the bite Parker had offered seeing the blue eyes roll back in an expression of how good the pastry was.

"They play volleyball, as in sand volleyball. A two man team that can make you eat the ball if you're not paying attention," explained Parker. Emily watched Parker continue to eat the roll and stop every so often to lick icing off her fingers. God that looks good. Emily's brain was having a hard time distinguishing the comment between the roll and the long fingers holding it.

"Sort of like their sister serving the ball up at over a hundred miles an hour," said Emily without thought. The minute the words had left her mouth Emily could have kicked herself. All Parker needed was encouragement from her. The smile with a slight chocolate moustache told Emily of her folly.

"Why, Captain, I didn't know you cared" Parker was teasing, and the squirming and blushing Emily was doing was making her want to laugh, but she stayed quiet.

"I watched a little of your match at the airport lounge just because there was nothing else on. Your talent on a tennis court impressed me, Ms. Parker, then I met you and you called me sweetheart and essentially asked me to make you coffee and a sandwich," said Emily. This is an equal opportunity squirming table, big guy, thought Emily as she watched Parker doing a bit of her own.

"It was hot chocolate, I don't drink coffee."

"A splitting of semantical hairs, Ms. King. I don't serve either."

"Ah, but I beg to differ. Yes you do, Captain." Emily narrowed her eyes and Parker decided it was time for a change in subject moving away from beverages before the conversation landed her at another table. "I never did ask where you are staying?"

"The Pelican Villa house." The question had been the bell that had ended the round and now they retreated to their respective corners. Yes the house right next to yours, oh naked swimmer, though now I know who the two other women were. Might I have misjudged you, Parker?

"Hey we're neighbors," said Parker sitting up and smiling. It hadn't occurred to her yet that the blonde in the bikini was Emily. "How about I take you out to dinner to make it up to you, or better yet I could cook for you?"

Ok, off beverages and onto flirting. Did she just ask me out? Jesus this girl moves so fast, I wonder if she slows down the car when she comes to pick you up. Time to slow this down a bit. "I'm here with someone, can she come?" The coffee encounter if Emily was honest with herself had slid into flirtation the minute Parker had sat down, and it was time to pull back some. Emily was here to work on her relationship with Gail, not play footsie with Parker King.

The photogenic smile across from her faltered a bit but didn't completely fade away. "Sure just come over tonight anytime after six. I have practice and workouts until around five thirty. See you then." Parker got up and left without waiting for an answer and Emily watched her get into an older model Land Cruiser and drive away.

"Well this ought to be interesting," Emily muttered softly. She popped the last bit of cinnamon roll that Parker had slid across the table to her before she left. Now Emily had two things to feel guilty about.

Shopping had lost its allure after her bizarre coffee adventure, making Emily head back to the beach house after Parker had left taking all the life out of the downtown area with her. The chilly interior of the house was devoid of sound, so Emily figured Gail was out on the beach. Looking out the back windows she could see the sun sparkling off the soft waves and the tops of the sea oats were bobbing gently with the slight breeze. Stripping as she walked through the house to the bedroom to get her bathing suit on, Emily was relieved not to have to go another round with Gail.

Emily dropped her bag on the blanket that was still in the spot it had been the day before and ran out into the surf. The water was shockingly cold at first so she just dove in head first getting lost in the thrill of no responsibility. When she came up was when she first became aware of the popping noise.

Next door on the court that seemed to float above the water was Parker and another woman seemingly trying to kill each other with a tennis ball. Parker was wearing a t-shirt and baggy shorts, but even that couldn't hide the raw power that wielded the tennis racket like it was a sword. Whoever her opponent was, she was holding her own in a volley that was as blistering as the unrelenting sun. Emily could hear a man's voice every so often barking out corrections. She felt happy all of a sudden in that Parker still looked like she had fun playing what was essentially just a game. It seemed to suit the young woman's free spirit.

"Natasha, hit them more toward the forehand please, Boris needs more work on that right now since the ball will bounce differently at the Open. Park, pay attention and lengthen the shots. We all ready know you're a big girl that can hit it hard, let's try finesse now, sweetheart," said Gary. The service stance swiveled a bit and the tall man found himself dodging the bullet Parker had shot his way. "Funny, Parker, funny."

Emily found herself laughing at Parker's playful side. The pilot was only twenty-eight but had lost that part of her inner child some time ago. It was refreshing to see someone take such gusto even when no one was watching. One of the lobs Parker sent up went over the fence and into the water making Emily think it was the downfall of the court's location, and also that Parker was getting tired to make such a mistake. Parker's order of, "Abby, go," told her differently.

The ball of fur that dove into the water was the biggest conglomeration of dog Emily had ever seen. It was just a big black blur that hit the water and swam for the yellow floating ball. He met Parker on the beach dropping the ball at her feet and shaking the water from his fur.

"You, big goober," Emily heard Parker's deep voice fuss at the surprise shower. So intent on her neighbor, Emily didn't hear Gail swim up behind her and jumped a little when the two arms wrapped around her waist.

"Hi, baby, I missed you." She pushed Emily's hair aside and kissed her neck making Emily stiffen momentarily at the move. Emily forced herself to relax and patted the tops of Gail's hands on her mid section. Gail turned her around and was about to kiss Emily when the barking from the shore scared them both apart. The black mutt was dancing from paw to paw with the wet ball sitting in front of him. Emily laughed at the thought that if Parker had been a dog, this would be it. He just wanted to play and his master had headed for the house.

"Come on, Abby, time to go, boy," they heard Parker's voice from behind the dunes. Abercrombie sat for a second and waved his paw in their direction then nosed the ball into the water as a gift before turning and running toward home.

"Get any shopping done?" The look on Gail's face let Emily know what she was in the mood for and thought, so much for talking about what happened yesterday.

"No I decided to come back for a swim after running into our neighbor. She invited us over for dinner tonight, I hope you don't mind but I accepted." With a little force she broke Gail's embrace and headed for the shore and on impulse picked up the ball Abby had left behind.

"Sure, whatever you want. How about a nap?" offered Gail. It was already four; they had a few hours.

"Sure."

An hour later Gail laid next to her, sated but frustrated at the same time. Emily touched her and made love to her but didn't want any return affection from her. It was happening with more frequency and Gail didn't know how to fix it. Did Emily just want to be conquered?

"We'll have to talk about this sooner or later you know," Gail told her not moving the arm that she had draped over her eyes. Emily just rolled out of bed and headed for the shower hearing the sigh behind her before she closed the door.

"I can't talk about something I have no answers for," she told her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Gail and Emily walked along the shoreline at six to get to Parker's house in silence. They both watched the undulations, which really couldn't be called waves, in the water as if they held the answers to what was wrong with them. Gail noticed the ball the dog had left in Emily's hand, the hand closest to her so that she couldn't hold it.

"You go out into that sand and I'm throwing you on the grill." The voice held no hint of teasing and Emily and Gail stopped in their tracks. "I mean it, Abby, it takes an hour to blow dry all that damn fur of yours," Parker finished. Emily could see him standing on the edge of the deck looking at her hand and quickened her steps not to get the pooch in trouble.

"Hey," Emily called up. Emily's greeting was followed by Abby's loud barking, alerting a ten-mile radius of the women's arrival.

"Hey come on up. Don't worry Abby's h-a-r-m-l-e-s-s," said Parker. Gail quirked an eyebrow at the spelling and thought this was going to be a really long night.

"Go on, Emily, obviously he's harmless." No sooner had the word left Gail's mouth Abby underwent a transformation. Like a cat his fur stood on end and his teeth were bared in a snarl.

"Abercrombie Princeton King, down," shouted Parker. The yell made the dog whip his head around and instantly sit. He looked up at Parker and seemed to wait to see how much trouble he was in. "She didn't mean it, boy, everybody knows you're the real King Kong around here," Parker cooed to the dog. The wagging tail was back and he was back to trying to coax the two women in the sand to join them.

"What in the hell was that?" demanded Gail. If the woman had some kind of vicious dog, she shouldn't have invited people over without locking him up first.

"Sorry Abby takes exception when people call him what you just did. Makes him feel like a weenie I guess. Say you're sorry, boy," ordered Parker. Abby walked to Emily first and offered a paw with his head bowed, which she accepted giving him his ball back. The dog offered the same to Gail but pinned the woman with eyes surprisingly like his master's.

"Hey I'm glad you came and I hope you're hungry." Behind Parker a formidable sized grill was burning logs of hickory down to coal, and next to it sat large steaks of salmon. Everything looked organized and within easy reach to an experienced cook like Emily. It was one of her hobbies that she didn't get to practice very often.

"You cook, Miss King?" It wasn't until just then that the pilot wondered if Parker knew her name. They had never used a first name basis in all their previous meetings.

"Please, Captain, call me Parker." She held a large tanned hand toward Gail and introduced herself to Emily's companion. "Welcome to my home, I'm Parker King and you've met Abercrombie."

"Thanks for the invitation, I'm Gail Ingles and I see you already know Emily. And I hardly think you need an introduction Parker, congratulations on your recent win." Parker nodded at the greeting and pointed to some seats after the formalities were out of the way and moved behind the outside bar.

"Can I get you two something to drink?"

"White wine and a scotch if you have it," answered Gail for the two of them. Parker saw the look that Emily gave her partner for doing so and waited to see if the blonde would answer for herself.

"I'll have a hot chocolate actually."

"With or without marshmallows?" asked Parker.

"What the hell, with."

"Hot chocolate? What are you crazy, it's a hundred degrees out here." Gail's admonishments stopped when Parker uncapped the thermos on the bar and poured two cups of hot chocolate dropped in a handful of marshmallows into both then poured a scotch. "How did you know I'm not the wine drinker among us?" Brown eyes closed into an almost leer as Parker got their drink orders correct without having to ask.

"Just a hunch, Ms. Ingles."

"Gail, please." She accepted her drink and watched Emily wrap her hands around the mug Parker had given her like it was cold outside. Where in the hell had Emily met the number one tennis player in the world and why did they look so familiar with each other?

"Now why don't you two entertain yourselves for a moment while I cook some fish. If you ask nice enough, Abby will be happy to run the gamut of tricks he knows, just start with play dead and work your way down." It had occurred to Parker to walk next door during her run and cancel since Gary had moved their photo shoot up a day, but despite the partner, she had wanted to see Emily again before they went home from their vacation.

"Abby, play dead," said Parker to start them off. Parker pulled an imaginary gun from her hip and shot him. The ham with fur put a little more into it than the usual just falling and not moving most dogs did. With a paw on his head he howled like Parker had actually pulled the trigger then staggered a bit before falling down at Emily's feet and moaning a few more times before he died. While Emily laughed at the big dog's antics Gail got up and poured herself another drink, filling the glass up more than Parker had. This was the Emily Gail had first met one night out with her friends. She was lost to Gail, but if seemed Parker had found her and coxed Emily out of the shell she had wrapped around her.

"Abby, dance," Parker prompted again. Gail kept her eyes on Parker, as Parker kept her eyes on Emily, who had her eyes on Abby. Leaving the dog to do a jig on his hind legs Parker asked Gail to watch the steaks for a minute while she ran inside. Emily praised Abby's efforts watching Parker retreat into the kitchen for a minute. The tall brunette returned with a bowl of marinating asparagus for the grill, and a smile for Emily.

Now that would be fun, to have a someone to cook with, thought Emily as she watched the young woman work away at the grill. Gail didn't like to do anything in the kitchen, while Emily loved to spend the day trying new recipes when she had the time. Why in the world am I thinking about this person like this? Parker's call to the table didn't give Emily time to contemplate the answer to her silent question.

During the meal Parker switched to water, as did Emily leaving Gail to finish the bottle of white wine in the cooler on the table. The trader declined coffee or hot chocolate and moved back to the scotch bottle she had started with at their arrival. They had run out of polite conversation twenty minutes before that and both Emily and Parker could see Gail's growing dark mood.

"Maybe we should go." Emily was reluctant to leave and deal with Gail, but couldn't find an excuse to stay.

"Could I walk you both home?" asked Parker seeing Gail's glassy look. If she stumbled in the dunes on the way back, Parker didn't think that Emily could handle her alone.

"I think we are fucking smart enough to find the house next door, Parker, so back off." Gail didn't know what this dinner had been about, but she and Emily had some things to discuss when they ditched the tennis star and her goddamn performing dog.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, Gail, I just thought you could use some help getting back." This was not the time to show the drunken woman sitting across from her that she could knock off more than the covers of tennis balls. "If you don't mind I have an early morning tomorrow, but I do appreciate you both joining me tonight."

Gail got up from the table and stumbled right back onto it breaking every dish on her way down. Abby bared his teeth again without growling and Emily looked like she was about to help the dog out by contributing her own growl.

"It's all right, Captain, Rosa will get it in the morning don't worry about it." Parker stopped the blonde before she picked anything up. Gail had turned already and made her way off the deck not waiting for Emily. "We can just say the dinner party was a smashing success."

"I'm sorry, Parker. Good night," was all Emily could think to say before she too stepped off into the darkness. At almost the half way point between the two houses Emily saw Gail waiting for her. The anger that had erupted on Parker's deck minutes before that had only gotten worse Emily could see so she walked up slowly. "Thank you for embarrassing me like that."

"You want to tell me when you became so fucking chummy with Parker King? Or did you fuck her to see what all the fuss was about?" Gail grabbed Emily's arm and squeezed as if trying to force her to answer the question.

"Maybe I did. At least she is sober past ten in the morning." For the first time they had been together, Gail balled her hand into a fist and cocked it back. Emily just looked at her as if daring her to carry through with the threat. "Let me go." She was shaking inside but Emily's voice sounded calm and clear.

"I'll decide when to let you go, don't forget that," said Gail squeezing Emily's arm harder. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hit you. There's no way you fucked someone else, Emily, because we both know you are too cold for that. I should tell your crew just how appropriate the nick name ice queen really is."

"I said let me go," said Emily with more passion this time. She pushed Gail getting to fall backward into the sand. When the grip came loose, Emily started to shake and tears filled her eyes. She turned and ran for the house leaving Gail sprawled out in the sand. The fact she never looked back should have been a clue as to what point she was at with her lover of three years, but Emily didn't care. Gail had crossed a line that night and there might not be a way back.

Continued in Chapter 3

Comments to: terrali20@yahoo.com

The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive

~ Game, Set and Match ~
by Ali Vali

Disclaimers: See Part 1

Chapter 3

"All right, people, let's get this stuff set up before we get one of those summer showers this place is famous for. I did the Sport's Illustrated cover here last year and ruined my favorite Nikon lens. If that happens today, heads will roll," said Annie Crain, the photographer Nike had hired.

A crew of fourteen women ran around the outside court setting up lighting equipment hoping to get as much natural light as they could. In the gym Parker was lifting weights in her birthday suit on a towel draped bench so there would be no marks on her body of any kind for the camera to find.

The shouting and music from next door finally woke Gail who was still asleep in the dunes with what tasted like a mouth full of sand. The combination of alcohol and sun had made a bad situation worse and she felt as if a team of horses had trampled her during the night. On the way into the house she passed Emily who had her bathing suit on and was on her way out. Emily shrank away from her as if in fear and Gail reached to comfort her making the blonde take a couple of steps back to get away from her. The small woman's demeanor told Gail that there was nothing to say at this point so she just headed to the shower and some aspirin. Maybe after a nap she would feel good enough to have the talk they were avoiding. Had Gail made it into the house the night before, she would have found the door to their bedroom locked.

The music pumping through the outdoor system made Emily put her book down and concentrate on what was happening next door. Besides a whole lot of people with camera equipment, there was a huge selection of tennis shoes around the outside of the court. Once the photographer was set up she called to a man named Nick and told him to get Parker. The shower the woman had been complaining about was just offshore and looked like it was bringing with it a dazzling lightening display.

Emily watched as Parker walked out of the house onto a now clean deck wearing only a robe. The fencing from around the court had been taken down and Emily figured they were going to take photographs of Parker's play. The pilot found it odd that Parker grabbed a racket and hit a few practice rounds with the robe on. Out of sight in a small boat in the water Gary fed her some lobs over the net so that Annie could get her locations for different shots set up.

Once a good sweat had broken out on Parker, they were ready to begin and she dropped the robe. Emily thanked god that she was sitting on the beach and not out in the water. The sight before her would have made her drown she was sure.

Standing on the court with her hair loose wearing only tennis shoes was Parker. The makeup job Parker had undergone that morning made it look like there were no tan lines anywhere on the most perfect body Emily had ever seen. "Holy shit," was all she could think to say as the popping noise from the day before returned. Parker hit ball after ball as the woman shot more and more rolls of film. The backdrop of the incoming storm only accentuated Parker's form thought Emily as she watched how the muscles bulged when she went to hit the ball. Without her permission Emily found her feet moving closer to the court as the commercial shoot came to an end.

By the time Emily was next to the deck Parker was sitting at the table they had had dinner on the night before having another bottle of water wearing the robe she had come out in. The man that had been throwing the balls from the water was sitting with her as the other man helped the crew pack up their gear.

"Emily, good morning. I hope our little bit of capitalism didn't disturb you too much this morning. If it did see Nick, it was all his idea," said Parker. Abby's whining had alerted Parker to the pilot's presence before Parker had actually seen her.

"No, I came to apologize again for last night," started Emily before Parker put up her hand to stop her.

"Not necessary, Captain. I think if I were in Gail's shoes the evening might have played out about the same, minus the drinking and the broken dishes. I am really glad you came though, I enjoyed our time together before you have to go back to the real world." The bathing suit finally clicked as to who this woman was and that she was very much, like Willy had said, involved with someone else.

Gail wouldn't look as good as you in your shoes, thought Emily as the mental picture of a naked Parker played in her head again. "Thank you then, I enjoyed it too. I'm thinking of heading back today and I wanted to see you before I go. If you are ever in New York please give me a call and if I'm in town I'd be happy to return the dinner favor," said Emily. She crossed her arms over chest to hide her discomfort.

"Why don't you come up for some juice or something," offered Parker not ready to see her go just yet. Parker could see that like her, Emily looked lonely and the thought of not seeing her again was suddenly unacceptable.

"Parker, we need to finish this," insisted Gary. Parker glared at him to shut him up and the coach just ignored her. Before him on the table was the fifth death threat that had been sent to Parker in just the last month. In each note the group that claimed to be the Soldiers of Christ got more explicit as to how they were going to kill the tennis player. The tabloids headlines of her latest break up with Alicia had spurred a new flurry of right wing hate mail, but this group scared Gary. The others never sent such detailed descriptions on how they were going to do away with his friend.

"Maybe I should just go, Parker, you seem busy." And I'm standing here half naked, and you are naked under that robe.

"Nonsense, Emily, Gary is just our resident worry wart. People threaten me all the time because of who I am, the clothes I play in, for the way I wear my hair you name it they find fault with it. This isn't anything new and I'm sure it won't be the last time it will happen. Apple, cranberry or orange?"

"Apple thanks," She picked up the letter that was on the table and read it after Gary encouraged her to do so. Emily wasn't there to further upset Parker so she settled for humor when her hostess handed her the juice glass. "Ah, so you do know my name, I was beginning to wonder."

"Of course I know your name, Captain. Willy told me all about you. Your likes, your dislikes and what kind of person you are."

"I'd be afraid to know," said Emily. The chair swallowed her up and Emily wished that she had remembered to wear a shirt over the revealing suit she had on.

"Abby, fetch blue for me, boy," said Parker to the dog sending him inside before putting to rest Emily's doubts. "He and the rest of that crew think you are hard to work for, but they love you, Emily. They feel safe with you. Hell you can fly the plane serve hot chocolate and put up with full of themselves tennis players. Good boy," said Parker when Abby came back out with a red shirt in his mouth. Parker threw it at Emily as she petted Abby for his good deed. It was hard enough looking at Emily like that for the obvious reasons, but the sight of Gail's hand in the back of the bikini bottom was etched in her mind now.

"Thanks, Parker, but this is a red shirt." Emily held the shirt up before slipping it on.

"I know that and you know that, but he doesn't. Abby's color blind, but he's eager to please so cut him some slack."

"That he is. Must have learned it from you. Could I use your phone please?" Emily got up and headed toward the kitchen after Parker nodded her head. She left the coach and player to work out a solution to their problem while she went to work out her own.

"Thanks, Bobbie, I got a flight out tomorrow. I'm taking a couple of days off to start looking for a place as soon as I get there, so I appreciate you giving me a place to stay until I find one." After only a ten minutes Emily had found a flight back to New York and an old friend to stay with once she got there. The airline would put her on a different route for awhile to give her more time at home until she resolved her family problems, so she could use the rest of her vacation to look for a new apartment.

The pilot stepped back outside to find Parker dressed and ready for what she assumed to be more practice. The large hands that usually held a racket now held the hate letter that predicted her death, and from the movement of her eyes Emily could see she was reading it again. Gary was standing at the railing of the deck staring at the water not looking happy. Emily had never seen another person that looked so much like a free spirit just sitting still as Parker King. Who would want to kill a person for that?

"All set?" Parker looked up from the paper in her hand and smiled at Emily. She had gotten these types of things before, but these people seemed a little more organized than the rest. At the bottom of the page they had listed her schedule of play to point out different places they could get to her.

"Yeah thanks. I should let you get back to work. I have to pack and find a place to stay in town." Emily twisted the borrowed shirt she had on in her hands and waited for Parker to walk away.

"Why?"

"Why what?" Gary walked off the deck headed toward the court when he heard them begin their conversation. Emily figured he and Parker had had an argument while she was using the phone and there was no clear winner. Or maybe she was just imagining things and was projecting the fight she knew was waiting for her next door onto the two glum looking people here.

"Why are you going to stay in town, when I have three guest rooms inside that are empty? I promise to be on my best behavior, Captain, if you would grace me with your company for the evening. I'll even take you out to dinner so that you don't have to suffer through my cooking two nights in a row." Parker whispered something into the dog's ear and he went and stood in front of Emily. He lifted his paw and waved it at the small blonde trying to get her to look at him. "See, even Abby wants you to stay. I'll even drive you to the airport in the morning. I give excellent cab service."

"Well I won't complain if you want to cook for me again, you do great work in the kitchen. You really don't mind if I stay with you?" Emily scratched Abby's head as she looked at Parker.

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. You want me to go over with you and help you pack?" Parker wasn't asking for any explanations of why Emily wasn't leaving with Gail, but something had happened last night and she wanted to make sure Emily was all right.

"No, get back to work before it's Gary that doesn't let me stay." Emily could see that Parker wanted to not let her go alone after Gail's performance from the previous night. Their relationship had died but Gail had never been violent, though a huge confrontation was not was she was looking for either. "How about I take Abby with me then we'll both meet you out on the court when I'm done? Since I've never scored court side tickets, this will be a treat for me."

"Just whistle if you need me to come over." Parker threw the hate mail on the table and bent down to pick up her rackets. Natasha would be there soon to begin their session and Parker wanted to finish early to spend the afternoon with Emily.

"I don't know if I can whistle that loud."

"I was talking to the dog." The creases on the blonde's forehead told Parker that she was trying to figure out if she was serious or not.

"No freaking way," said Emily finally over Parker's laughter.

Gail had gone for a walk along the beach after her shower and sleep wouldn't come to try and think of a way to apologize to Emily for her behavior. From the moment she had met Emily, Gail had fallen in love with the gregarious woman, and for the longest time she had thought Emily felt the same way about her. She had been relentless in making Emily hers, but the long trips and the constant finding of fault in her behavior were beginning to tell Gail she was losing her grip on the pilot. The problem was she wasn't ready to let go. In her other relationships it was Gail that had done the leaving, not the other way around. Aside from the night before she couldn't find a reason for Emily's pushing her away.

Nothing looked different when she got back from her walk and seeing that Emily was still gone Gail took the car into town. Maybe some flowers and a bottle of their favorite wine could be the start of a better ending to their vacation. By the time the rental car hit the end of the driveway, Emily was walking out to the tennis court over the water after dropping her bags off in one of the guest rooms of Parker's house.

It had taken less than an hour from the time she had stepped off the deck with Abby to the time she got back, but Parker and tall blonde she was playing with were covered in sweat. Like Emily had seen the day before, the two kept up a blistering pace with Gary calling out instructions every so often over the grunts that followed almost every shot.

Emily sat on a bench that was right behind the side of the net Parker was playing on and drank the bottle of water she had brought out with her. Abby jumped up next to her and put his head in her lap looking relaxed but Emily could see he was keeping his eyes on the ball waiting for the opportunity to pounce on a missed one.

"Move the shots out more, Park, aim for the lines. If your opponent thinks the balls are going to go out they might not chase them all down. When that happens, you win shots and conserve energy," said Gary. Parker let the next ball Natasha hit fly past her stopping to take a quick break.

"Why would anyone let a ball past them, Gary, I chase them all down even the ones that look like they're out by a foot." Gary threw her a couple of balls then pointed his finger at her.

"Damn right you'll chase them all down. You know that, but not everyone has me as their coach." Gary puffed up his chest a little remembering the defeated look on Jill Seabrook's face by the third game of the first set. Parker really was one of those people that came along every decade or so that combined the power of her play with the soft touch needed to win. "Now get back to work."

Parker bounced the ball her customary four times then went into her serving stance. To Emily she looked like a bow that had been drawn back and was ready to fire. She watched the ball leave Parker's hand and flinched went the racket smashed it over the net. You didn't hear that on television when you were watching tennis. The ball landed, what to Emily looked like, a millimeter from the line where an embarrassed Natasha took a swing at it and missed.

"Goddammit, Parker, I think the girl fancies you already, there is no need to show off." Natasha aimed her racket head over the net and glared at Parker. The Swedish player had retired from the professional circuit two years prior and stayed in shape by practicing with Parker whenever she could. They had met at Natasha's last match when the younger Parker had knocked her out of the tournament in the semi-finals. Ever since she had made every effort to stay at her condominium in Clearwater for the summer to be close to Parker. There had been harmless flirtations between them, but they had never crossed the line of the good friendship they had built.

"That's Captain Emily Parish to you, sore loser." Parker aimed her own racket back at Natasha waiting for the smile that was always delayed whenever Parker got a good shot passed her.

"You know my last name too, I'm impressed, Ms. King." When Parker stopped playing Abby had started whining in her lap. Parker turned around and put her hands on her hips to silence both the spectators.

"Your name tag had E. Parish on it, so of course I know your last name. Abby, cut it out, no fly balls for you today we have company. I don't have hours to kill blowing drying all that fur of yours, boy, so enjoy the sun." Parker turned back to Natasha already poised to serve up another ball.

"And here I thought you were just looking at my chest." Parker missed the ball she had tossed up for her service and for a second Emily thought the tall woman had pulled a muscle in her back from stopping her actions so abruptly after her comment.

"Trust me, Emily, when I start looking at you, you won't miss the meaning behind it." She turned to face Natasha again and caught the balls Gary tossed to her. They played for another hour and Parker called it a day. Gary didn't look happy with her but they had two months to prepare for the Open so one missed day wouldn't kill them.

The dunes that separated Parker's house from the one next door gave them sufficient cover so that Gail didn't see them walking back to the deck together. After a trip to the liquor store for wine and the florist for Emily's favorite roses, Gail walked out to the beach to look for the pilot. When she didn't find her on the blanket, Gail started walking down the beach away from Parker's house figuring that Emily had gone for a walk. It was the only alternative since she had taken the car into town. After an hour Gail turned around and headed back to the house. A few hundred yards from the cut up to the back of their rental she saw a piece of paper flying along the top of the sand so she scooped it up and stuffed it into her pocket to throw away when she got back to the house.

"Emily, are you here?" Gail slid the glass door shut behind her and took her sand filled shoes off on the mat. When she didn't get an answer she walked through the house to their bedroom. The note was sitting on the pillow on her side of the bed, and the writing on the envelope just said Gail. She smiled thinking that it was sweet of Emily to write her. In the first few months of their relationship Gail would find love letters in her briefcase every so often making the days on the trading floor that much more bearable for her. The smile fell the second she got to the ending and instead of reading it again she just crumpled it in her hand and let it drop to the floor. Just to confirm Gail opened the closet and found it empty.

"We'll just see if this is over, Emily. You have to talk to me cause this note isn't going to cut it." Gail pulled down the scotch bottle and poured a full glass. She drank down the entire contents of the glass with stopping, filling it again to fuel her anger. The bottle of wine and roses sat on the counter taunting her to Emily's betrayal. Gail picked up the bottle and threw it against the wall. The thorns digging into her finger didn't break through the scotch fog as she snapped the bouquet in half and dumped them into the trash.

************************************************************************

"Ready?" Parker walked into the front room of her house. It was filled with trophies and pictures from her career on the court, and Emily had been in it ever since she had showered and gotten dressed. When Parker walked in, Emily was running a small delicate finger over the Wimbledon trophy that had just come home with her. In a few weeks the framed photograph of her holding it up before the crowd on center court would hang along side it just like all the other ones in the room.

Emily moved to another picture of Parker with two other women that looked so much like her, but like Parker had said they were both taller. Aside from the height, they both had brown hair, blue eyes and the same brilliant smile. "Are these your sisters?"

"Yes, that's us at the French Open last year. They had some down time so they came to see me play. I owe them so much, and it makes me happy to look into the stands and see them cheering me on. You probably think that's incredibly immature but they are the only family I have." Parker put her hands into the pockets of the linen slacks she had put on and looked at the floor over her admission. Gray and Kimmie were the only two people besides Gary and Nick that didn't want anything from her. The money, the fame nor the publicity of making the papers on her arm weren't important to them.

Emily stepped forward and put her hand on Parker's arm. Seeing this vulnerable side to Parker let her know that she had misjudged the person on the plane. This was the real Parker. "No, that doesn't make you immature, Parker, that makes you incredibly sweet." When the blue eyes focused on her, Emily could understand why so many women had fallen victim to them before.

"Thank you for thinking so," said Parker.

"Are your parents deceased?" Emily wondered since there were no pictures of an older couple in any of the frames in the room. The arm under her hand turned to stone at the question giving her the impression that they had died in some horrible accident making her regret asking it.

"No they're very much alive and living in Atlanta. They unfortunately have major difference with my two sisters and I, and we don't speak very often. I don't really like to talk about it." Parker took a deep breath and tried to let out the instant anger that had welled up at Emily's innocent question.

Her parents' attitudes combined with the letters she had been getting were starting to enter Parker's mind more often. It was disgusting to her that the people that were supposed to love her the most basically agreed with the content of the letters she had been receiving.

"I'm sorry." Emily squeezed Parker's arm trying to offer comfort and was glad when the muscles relaxed under her touch.

"Don't be, it's not your fault and it isn't mine. My parents have condemned us all to hell for the way we live our lives. One gay child would have been bad enough, but three was over the top as far as they were concerned. The cherry was that one or all three of us are constantly in the sports page or on television rubbing their noses in it." Parker made quotation marks with her fingers as she spoke. "They've never attended a match or been there for any of us since I was sixteen. The gulf between us is so big now that it won't ever be crossed, and at this point I don't think any one of us wants to."

"Well those two ladies did a wonderful job with you then," said Emily pointing to the picture she had admired before. With that the smile returned to Parker's face and Emily noticed that her hand was still on the tall woman's arm. "You mentioned something about eating?"

Parker looked down at Emily and laughed. The night before Emily had eaten twice what she had and had been eyeing the piece of fish Parker had left on her plate. Only after the second piece of cheesecake Parker had brought out for dessert did she looked satisfied. "I did indeed, but you are going to have to wait until I make one stop." There was a pout on Emily's face for that and Parker almost laughed again. The woman before her was a little older than she was, but looking at her in the sundress she had put on, they looked the same age.

"Can't it wait?"

"No my book dealer found a first edition "Confederacy of Dunces" and I want to go and pick it up. If you're patient with me, I promise to make it worth your while." Parker held her hand out in invitation and gave Emily a pout of her own.

"You are an enigma, Parker King. I would have thought that jocks only read sports magazines and watched ESPN on television." Emily took the hand that was being offered to her hoping her palms weren't sweating. She was a little nervous being here with Parker having Gail so close to them. Emily was sure Gail would have found the note by now and started her search for her. Her one wish was that her soon to be ex-lover would get help and get interested in someone else before they ran across each other again. For Emily it was over, she wasn't willing to be Gail's support system and excuse maker anymore.

"I only read sports magazines when I'm on the cover, and ESPN when they are showing highlights of me." Parker said it as serious as she could pull off wanting to make Emily smile.

"Ah, the Parker King I know and love." The last part came out before she could sensor it and the smile on Parker's face matched the blush on Emily's.

Parker squeezed her hand letting the comment slide without further embarrassing her. "The truth is I read more books than sports magazines and I only watch television on occasion. That doesn't fit the tabloid image of me, but then again I never have been one to conform to what other people want to define me as."

Emily followed Parker to the back of the house as the tennis player gently pulled her toward the door of the garage. "And what about what all those tabloids say about your nights of wine, women and song?"

"Well there's no enigma there, Emily. I like women, I like to have a good time and I don't apologize for that. The day will soon come when people will say 'Parker King who', when my name is mentioned and that doesn't bother me as much as it has others who have come before me. I will be replaced by some other bad boy or girl who will make better press, and when that day comes the girls who are calling me now for a night on the town will move on." Parker reached for her keys and opened the door to the garage. Emily noticed there was a black Mercedes parked next to the SUV she had seen Parker in before. With a quick press of a button the lights on the car flashed once and the doors unlocked.

"And when they do, what will you do?"

"When they do, I will live my life pretty much the way I do now. I play tennis, I read books and I teach my old dog some new tricks. I know that the way we met hasn't made the best impression with you, but I'm not all that bad. At least I don't think so. Would it surprise you to know that no woman that you have ever read about in connection to me has ever stepped foot in my house? Hell they don't even know where my house is. You do realize I'm only twenty-two, hardly enough time to have earned the reputation that I've been saddled with." Parker opened the car door for Emily and helped her into the passenger seat. Emily smiled as she watched Parker cross in front of the car thinking about what she had just said.

"Why am I here then?" She looked at the chiseled profile next to her and put her hand on Parker's arm. Parker was quiet for so long that Emily didn't think she would answer, or was trying to find her answer written on the wall of gardening equipment hanging in front of the car.

"You looked like you could use a safe haven, and this is what this house is to me. It's not completely secluded but it's close enough. Tomorrow you will move on and I may never get to see you again if that's what you want, so I guess I wanted to spend just the one night with you. It sounds cliché, my dear Emily, but there is something about you that I find, well I don't know what I find about it but it makes me want to know more about you. So tonight I will buy a book, take you to dinner then drop you off at your bedroom door and wish you good night. Tomorrow I will drive you to the airport and hope that I have made your bad time a little easier for you." When she finished, Parker pressed the garage door opener and started the car. Before she pulled out after putting the car in gear she looked toward Emily and added, "I did forget one thing."

"What's that?"

"I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look tonight." Emily self-consciously smoothed down the sundress she had put on. The bright yellow cotton garment had thin straps holding it up and looked good with her hair and the sun she had gotten. Emily hadn't been fishing for compliments, but had been a little disappointed when Parker hadn't said anything. This is not a date, Em, why would she say anything? Emily smiled even though she was mentally chastising herself. The only thing she hadn't planned on was wearing a light sweater over the dress, but when she had gotten out of the shower the bruise that was a perfect imprint of Gail's fingers was visible on her arm. A reminder of just how out of control Gail had gotten.

"Thanks." When Parker put the car in drive and pulled out onto the highway Emily took back possession of Parker's hand. If it was only going to be one night she was going to make the most of it. She didn't feel guilty about wanting to be happy, no matter if it was only for a few hours.

"Emily, I want you to meet Barnaby Philpot Perry." Parker stood behind Emily with her hand on the small of her back as she made the introduction. Bending down a little she whispered, "And yes, that's his real name."

The older gentleman with a full white beard and almost black eyes came from behind the counter and took Emily's hand into his and kissed it. "Parker, you've been holding out on me, this creature is simply divine."

"Thank you, Barnaby, we just met, knows all about me and still agreed to go out with me. I just ran by to pick up my book and take the divine creature out to dinner." Emily looked around the store admiring the stacks of well cared for antique and collectible books while Parker talked to the seemingly eccentric old guy.

"You have a lovely place here, Mr. Perry," Emily added trying to get the conversation off of her.

"Thank you, my dear, but as lovely as you think this is you can't compare it to the library my friend here as in her home. It makes me happy to know that every time she takes one of my babies away from me, they are going to live in that wonderful room. I predict that for years to come they will talk more of the King collection than they will of that silly game she plays." Barnaby handed Parker her book and gave Emily a small parcel as well. Emily was about to protest when Parker shook her head from behind the storeowner.

"Are you holding out on me, Parker, the King collection?" asked Emily getting Barnaby to turn around and shoot a mock glare at Parker.

"For shame, Parker, that is the best room of the house and you didn't show it to her?" The creases around his eyes told her that he was kidding with her. Barnaby looked forward to Parker's return from her travels knowing that it wouldn't be long before she either dropped in or called him for something new.

The widower had met the tennis player two years prior when she wandered into his shop one day looking for new reading material. It amazed him that a young person still read the classics and enjoyed sitting with him and talking about them. When she bought the house, Parker had transformed one of the rooms into a library with comfortable chairs and a multitude of oak shelving. They had spent a great deal of afternoons after her practices just sitting across from each other reading a book. For Barnaby it was a treat in that since his wife had died he was left with no family, and Parker never made him feel like she was just humoring an old man.

"A mistake I'll correct when we get home, Barnaby. Now be good and call me this week for lunch. Oh and before I forget, I brought you something." Parker stepped out to the car to get a book she had gotten for him in England.

"She is a lovely girl, Parker is," said Barnaby. He was talking to Emily but looking at Parker get something from the back seat.

"Yes she is. I've only just met her but I can see that there is more to her than most people would guess. She seems to be a good friend to people she cares about." Emily was also looking at the bright young woman now walking back toward the storefront.

"You would consider yourself lucky to have her call you her friend, Emily." The bells over the door chimed and the old man put his hands out for his gift. "What did you bring me?"

"It's not in the greatest shape, but you will forgive that when you see the print date. Enjoy it and don't stay up all night trying to get through it." Parker handed over the leather bound edition of Shakespeare sonnets she had gone looking for during her off time at the tournament. Shakespeare was one of Barnaby's all time favorites and had one of the biggest collections of his writings she had ever seen. He looked at the book and just wrapped Parker in a hug.

The two women said their goodbyes and got back in the car for the drive into Tampa for dinner. Parker had put both of the books they had left with in the backseat after she had gotten Emily back in the car then waved to Barnaby who was standing in the window with his book under his arm.

"That was so sweet of you to do that for him." Emily took Parker's free hand back into hers as soon as they were back on the highway. She was glad that Parker wasn't one of those people that disliked their personal space invaded.

"I haven't gone to college yet, so I consider Barnaby my professor of life. He likes to find stuff for me to read and then talks to me about it. His wife died about four years ago and the big bookstores took a chunk of his business, but he perseveres through it all." Parker looked at her for a moment before turning her attention back to the road. Emily was starting to regret that she was leaving in the morning. There was so much more that she wanted to know about Parker King.

"Will you show me Barnaby's favorite room?" Emily turned her body without letting go of the big hand so that she was resting her back on the door giving her a better angle of Parker's profile. Without looking at her Parker smiled, nodded her head and squeezed her fingers, they didn't feel the need to talk about anything else for the rest of the drive.

The restaurant Parker picked was an Italian place with romantic lighting, a great view and even better food. The young woman that showed them to their table was the daughter of the owner and had met Parker on a few previous occasions. When Emily arched her brow at the friendly greeting the tall woman got, Parker just laughed. This must be the big workup to getting me softened up for later on tonight, was the one thought in her head when she realized Parker had eaten there before. Because, baby, you don't eat in places like this by yourself.

"How are Gary and Nick?" asked the hostess.

"They are fine, I'll tell them you said hello."

"They're not joining you tonight?"

"No it will just be Ms. Parish and myself this evening, Francesca. How about a bottle of Chianti while we decide on what to eat?" The young woman turned and headed for the wine racks along the back wall looking for the wine Parker liked.

"I thought…" Emily started not knowing how to finish her sentence. Parker looked at the dinner specials listed in the menu not looking up when Emily broke the silence left when Francesca walked away.

"I know what you thought. Candles, romantic music, wine and an ocean view add up to having to sleep with me later. I come here sometimes when I'm home with Nick and Gary, and trust me I'm not interested in sleeping with either of them. Francesca's father makes a great sauce and even better veal dishes that I thought you might like, but if you prefer we could go someplace, I don't know, better lit?" Before Emily could say anything Francesca came back to the table with the bottle Parker had ordered and two glasses. She poured a little into Parker's glass waiting for her to approve of it before pouring some into Emily's glass.

"I'm sorry, Parker."

"You don't have anything to be sorry for, Captain. In a way you are right, I'm that person all your girlfriends warn you to stay away from. But I promised you I'd behave and I intend to." Parker held up her glass and waited for Emily to do the same. She leaned forward to tap her glass with the blonde's and recited a verse from her favorite poem. "I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

"Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken," whispered Emily. She took a sip of the wine and enjoyed the warm feeling it gave her when it slid down her throat. "You could turn a girl's head with such romance, Parker. Somewhere ages and ages hence there will be a woman that will have loved her life because she got to share it with you." She lifted her glass in salute again and swore that nothing else that evening would bother her about Parker's much written about exploits. Spending time with the tennis player would help her to learn more about the person she was than from reading about her in The Enquirer.

The dinner lasted three hours by the time they had made it through the various courses, dessert and after dinner drinks. They kept the conversation light and the other patrons looked their way often as they laughed at a variety of things. It was just the type of evening Emily had looked forward to on her vacation, only she never imagined it would be shared with Parker King. Her idea of the perfect ending would have been a walk on the beach but a walk through Parker's vast collection of rare books was good enough.

Slipping out of her shoes Emily made one request. "Read me your favorite thing in here."

Parker walked to the other side of the room climbed the rolling latter to the top shelf and pulled down a book. She put it on the coffee table as she sat back to take her own shoes off loving the sound of Emily's laughter when she saw the title. " War and Peace? You do realize I'm leaving tomorrow don't you?"

"I just wanted to see if you were still awake after those two and a half desserts you ate." She ducked the small pillow Emily tossed at her in mock anger then got up to pull down another book.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Parker read all of the verses of the Robert Frost poem she had quoted at dinner. When she was finished, Parker looked up to see Emily relaxed back into the chair with her eyes closed.

"Thank you for today. It was the most fun I've had in forever, and I'm just sorry that it has to end so soon." Emily said her peace without opening her eyes just enjoying the space Barnaby had talked so fondly of. When she opened them Emily accepted both Parker's hand to help her up and her invitation to walk her to the door of the room she was staying in.

Parker handed Emily her sandals and smiled, "Good night, Emily, I hope you have good dreams." Parker kissed her softly on the lips then turned and headed toward the master suite. Emily closed her door and leaned against it bringing her fingertips up to her lips. It wasn't the type of kiss you get from your lover or even a date, but it had left her tingling just the same.

"Good night, Parker, and I think that's going to be impossible now."

Chapter 4

Emily wandered around the house with Abby looking for Parker the next morning, hoping to have breakfast with her before they had to head out to the airport. Her plane wasn't scheduled to leave for another three hours so they had plenty of time to eat and talk. The music coming from room beyond the kitchen led her to Parker. The dog stood in the doorway and waved a paw at her to get Emily moving.

Lying on a padded bench, the tennis player was doing bench presses. Emily admired the practiced fluidity of her movements, surprised that it took so much to play the game well. Parker was dedicated to keeping as fit as she could to prevent injuries.

"Good morning." Emily waited until the weight had put back before she spoke. It wasn't even seven in the morning and Parker was already sweating.

Parker looked up from the towel she had her face pressed into to see Emily standing in the gym in her pajamas. "Hey, did you have a good sleep?"

"Yes I did, thanks. You have a great house here, Parker, very conducive to peaceful sleeping. Are you almost done?"

"That was the last reps I'm doing today. Let me take a shower and I'll take you out for breakfast." Parker threw the towel in the hamper sitting in the corner before downing the rest of the juice she had been drinking throughout her workout.

"I want to cook for you if you don't mind me using your kitchen. Think of it as my thank you for all that you've done for me in the past couple of days. It's not much, but I would enjoy doing it for you."

"You don't mind?"

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to. Go take that shower and meet me in the kitchen." Emily smiled and had a desire to hug Parker good morning, but her tall hostess hadn't made a move toward her as she headed out the door. Her thoughts stopped cold when she heard the banging on the back door. Parker stopped at the door and smiled in an effort to relax Emily. It surprised Parker that the idiot staying next door had taken this long to come over and bitch about what had happened.

"Why don't you sit and enjoy the view for a minute and let me take care of this." The wall of windows only went along the back of the gym and it faced the beach. Whoever was on the deck couldn't see in.

"You don't mind." The lost look on Emily's face was so far removed from the confident woman that had stood up to her on the plane that Parker was having time making the comparison.

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to." Emily laughed at having her own words tossed back at her. "You forget I'm an expert when it comes to volley. Seriously though, I'm used to dealing with difficult women, Emily, trust me on that one. Gail is just a sore loser that needs time to cool down." Parker was trying to make Emily laugh but the opposite happened and tears sprung to the green eyes.

"I'm sorry, it's just that the last time we spoke it wasn't pretty, and I'm not ready to see Gail again so soon." Emily brought her arms up in an effort to comfort herself making the short sleeve of her top ride up enough for Parker to see her bicep.

"What happened?"

"She didn't like the answer I gave to a question she asked," was all Emily could think to say. More tears fell down her face as she wondered how she had ended up in this situation.

"She won't hurt you, I promise." Parker moved closer and gathered the scared woman into a hug and tried her best to comfort her and make her feel better about the persistent knocker. When Emily relaxed against her, Parker whispered, "I'll be right back."

Parker could see Gail through the glass in the door. The broker looked like she had slept in the clothes she had on and there was sweat running down her face. She fell forward when Parker yanked the door open. Parker looked down on her when Gail used her taller body to steady herself. "Yes, can I help you?"

"Where's Emily?" Without the car Gail knew Emily couldn't have gone far without the help of her new friend. The tennis player just crossed her arms and stood just inside the door looking at her. "Look I just want to talk to her. We had a little falling out and I just want the chance to set it right."

"The next time I see her I'll let her know that you want to talk with her. It's her decision to make if she wants to do that so why don't you give her some space to think things out. Or at least for the bruise on her arm to fade." Parker waited to see if Gail was going to say anything else or if she was going to leave quietly. Parker wasn't worried about Emily's safety, only how she was taking this unexpected visit, it was the reason she had left Abby in the gym with her to keep her company.

"I'm not going away without a fight, Parker, just remember that. Emily's mine, and what happens between us is none of your business." Parker just slammed the door in the woman's face. Anyone that felt that way about women didn't deserve to be with one as special as Emily.

"Butt head," Parker muttered to herself. She stood in the kitchen looking out the window to make sure Gail was on her way back to the house next door. Parker had wanted more time with the pilot before she left, but having the girlfriend she had just left right next door didn't make for the best of situations. She walked back into the gym to find Emily on the floor with Abby.

"Gail wants to talk to you." Emily had such a sad look on her face that Parker stopped any other teasing comment she thought of making. "She's gone so don't worry about it, Emily. We'll put Abby out for awhile just in case so smile for me."

"I should have put a stop to this relationship a long time ago. It's my fault really, I didn't love Gail the way she was expecting me to but it just got to be something comfortable. That wasn't fair to her for me to have stayed this long, but I'm just tired of the arguing we're constantly doing." Abby rolled to his other side so Emily could rub him some more. The small blonde found him waiting for her outside her bedroom that morning, and she was coming to like him as much as his owner.

"You don't owe me any explanations. The most important thing for you is to do what's right for you. Do you have a place to stay once you get back into the city?" If Gail was capable of violence, Parker didn't want Emily anywhere near her.

"Yeah I'm staying with a friend until I find a place. Let me go and get breakfast started and you go take that shower. No, Parker, it will help me take my mind off all this stuff." Emily spoke over the objection Parker was about to make. "I don't get many vacations so I think I should get to do what I think is fun, and for me that's cooking."

"You're the boss so have at it. Abby, go outside boy." The dog put his paw over his eyes as if he knew what Parker had asked would put an end to his massage. Both Emily and Parker laughed at the ham's antics getting him to move from his spot next to Emily.

Parker slipped on a robe when she heard Emily calling her to breakfast after she had finished with her shower. Her guest did indeed know her way around the kitchen Parker could see when she sat down to a wonderful omelet, toast and hash browns. To make Parker happy, Emily had made hot chocolate instead of coffee smiling when the blue eyes rolled at how good it was.

"What is it about you and hot chocolate?" Emily held her own mug of the hot brew watching the cloud that marred Parker's face for a moment. Parker looked like she reliving a nightmare and Emily was about to tell her it was all right not to answer, but Parker surprised her by telling her something very personal.

"When I was little it was the happiest memory I have of my father. We would be the first ones up and he would stand at the stove and make us each a cup of the stuff. Not the mix either, my dad shaved chocolate and stirred it in slowly with sugar until it was just right. Over the years it became our ritual every morning, sitting at the table and discussing all kinds of different things. Then at around sixteen or seventeen he found out that I was like Gray and Kimmie and he stopped talking to me all together. I would wait for him before I had to leave for practice, but he wouldn't step out of his bedroom until I had left. Maybe it was all for the best since when we did talk all we could do was scream at each other." Emily reached across the table and put her hand over Parker's. It seemed absurd to her that people who were so rigid and bigoted had children.

"I'm sorry for asking, Parker."

"It's all right. All those cups I had as a kid just make me love the stuff. My parents may not accept me now, but drinking hot chocolate reminds me of a time they did." The big smile Emily had seen on television a million times when she watched Parker play was being aimed at her from across the table. Things could have been better in her life, but Emily was grateful that her parents had accepted her choices without censor. They just wanted her to be happy and find someone that would share her life.

"You're a wonderful person, Parker, and in time your parents will come to realize that. I've only known you a couple of days and I have at least that part figured out." Parker turned her hand over and squeezed Emily's fingers. She was glad that she had offered the pretty blonde a place to stay the night. Emily would leave in little over an hour and she would in all likelihood never see her again, but she was still glad she had done it.

Parker packed all of Emily's bags into the trunk of the car after Emily had gotten dressed. She saluted the pilot when she came out of the room in her uniform getting a slap on the arm for her trouble. When they pulled out, neither of them saw the disheveled woman sitting on one of the dunes that separated the houses. It wasn't noon yet, but Gail held a glass of scotch in one hand and the scrap of paper she had found on the beach the day before in the other. She had just known that Parker was lying about Emily and seeing her girlfriend in the car just proved that.

"You can't say that I didn't warn you, Parker King."

************************************************************************

Emily was in line for take off behind five other jets, so her thoughts turned to the last two days of her life. She had left Gail and met Parker; the latter made her smile. Parker had dropped her off at the airport and insisted on parking and walking her in. It was incredible how many people on the way to her gate recognized the tennis star walking with her.

At her gate Parker had handed over her bag and a card with all her numbers on it. Before their last good bye a woman had come over with her young daughter and asked Parker if she would take a picture with the girl. Parker handed the camera to Emily and posed with both mother and child. Emily almost teased the two that she was going to have to back up to fit their smiles in the frame.

Like the night before Parker kissed her gently on the lips then turned and walked away. Emily would go back to her flight schedule and Parker to her grueling practice schedule to prepare for New York and the Open. The voice from the control tower spoke in her ear and they were cleared for take off.

"Goodbye, Parker." Her copilot looked at her to see if she had said something but Emily was focused on getting the jet off the ground. Emily was sure that in the next two months Parker would forget her and move on to someone else. From the ground Parker watched the jet take flight as the same thought went through her head about Emily.

************************************************************************

"You are ready, Boris. I think the other women at this tournament, they are in big trouble," said Natasha after their practice one day. Parker had used the month to work on all of her shots and to improve her stamina through workouts. Gary had planned for the higher than normal heat factor in New York that summer through extra running time.

"Thanks, Natasha, I'm feeling good and looking forward to playing. You promise you'll come up to practice with me?" Parker wiped her face off and packed her rackets after her last practice at home. They were taking the next couple of days off to take care of last minute stuff before heading to New York. Abby was staying with Nick for the next couple of weeks until her friend flew up to meet her and Gary in the city.

"I wouldn't miss it especially since Gray will be there. If I can't have you, my friend, then I will make a play for that sister of yours." With careful planning both of Parker's sisters would be there for most of the play. "If I'm lucky then I will get to compare her ass to the billboard of yours you did a while back."

"Please don't remind me of that. I'll put in a good word for you and I'll see you in two weeks. Gary set up some playing time for us once you arrive." Natasha kissed both of Parker's cheeks before leaving promising she would call once she arrived in New York.

Four days later the tennis player and coach arrived in New York and checked into the Renaissance Hotel. After they registered and unpacked the couple headed to the Stage Deli for sandwiches and a slice of cheesecake. It was their first indulgence after settling in.

The next day Parker walked over to Central Park for an early morning run. As she took time to stretch she couldn't help but notice the woman that was staring at her as she went through her own stretching routine. The letters threatening her life has started coming more regularly and Parker found herself looking around for threats whenever she was out alone. There had been more than enough arguments between Gary and her on the subject, but she refused to bend to what he and Nick wanted. If she started living her life in fear or altered the way she went about her routines, the idiots sending the mail would start to win in her opinion.

"I'm sorry to stare but I just wanted to say good luck." The blonde woman broke her silent staring and addressed Parker. When she straightened out Parker noticed that the woman equaled her in height.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." Before they could get into an in depth conversation Parker put the earpieces to her radio in place and started down the path. It was at this time of the morning that she missed the tranquility of the beach.

The next two weeks was like in any tournament Parker played in, the toughest. The waiting to play was the one thing she had never gotten used to, but it was she attributed to the fast starts that marked her style of play. There was one thing that was biting into that boredom this time though, and that was whether she would try to find Emily or not. The pilot hadn't called all summer and Parker was trying to figure out why that was. Had Emily moved on, or gone back to Gail? Even if she had, Parker felt the woman had owed her at least one phone call.

Parker finished her run then put in two hours of practice on the court. Gary found her in her room sitting by the window reading a book a few hours after they had gotten back. He hated to disturb the boxer and t-shirt clad player, but it was time Parker got out of her funk.

"Want to go out tonight?" He took the chair across from her after knocking her feet to the ground.

"Aren't you supposed to keep me indoors eating healthy foods and drinking distilled water, or something along those lines?" Gary laughed at the arched eyebrow aimed in his direction. "Not surely to lead me astray in the big city?"

"I was thinking dinner, Parker, not a night of picking up hookers."

"I don't know, a hooker can be a new bonding experience for us. I promise not to tell Nick anything."

"No thanks, how about dinner at Gotham instead? I got us an eight o'clock reservation." He laughed as he poked her with his foot over the hooker comment.

"How pray tell did you manage that, Coach Gary?" The book in her hand snapped closed so that she could give him her full attention.

"That's easy, I made the reservation in your name. It comes in handy for me to know the tennis god so well. Come on, you've looked a little flat lately so this might be fun. We can get dressed up and hit the town." Gary gave her his best pleading look.

"Sure, what could happen?"

The cab dropped them off in front of the restaurant fifteen minutes early so they had to wait in the restaurant bar until their table was ready. Sprinkled throughout the eatery were enough celebrities to take the pressure off Parker, so she was looking forward to trying the much talked about restaurant.

"Welcome, Ms. King, and thank you for joining us this evening. If you and your companion are ready please follow me." The hostess led them to a table almost at the center of the restaurant. A few people nodded their heads in Parker's direction but otherwise left her alone to enjoy her evening.

Parker took the chair facing the door and accepted her menu from the waiter. When she glanced up she noticed the same woman from the park that first morning, only now the woman was wearing a light summer suit and her hair was pulled into a bun at her neck. The fan stepped into the bar and sat at one of the stools as if waiting for someone by the way she was looking at her watch.

"What are the chances of seeing the same person twice in a city the size of New York in different locations?" asked Parker. She put her menu down and reached for the wine list while Gary turned around to see who she was talking about. "The Opus One, please." The waiter nodded and left to retrieve her selection.

"Who are you talking about?" Gary turned almost completely in his chair to get a better view of the patrons seated around them. Parker was about to complement him on his superb table manners when a group of people walked through the front door. Two she recognized right off.

"Holy shit, what in the hell was I thinking when I asked what could happen? I should have stayed in and finished the chapter I was reading."

"What?" Gary did another quick visual inventory stopping on one woman surrounded by an entourage.

"Holy shit," was all he could think to add to the moment. If I had this kind of luck for the lottery, I could retire from coaching, thought Gary as he continued to stare towards the entrance.

Emily stood off to the side in her pilot's uniform watching as the staff fell all over the pop sensation Alicia and the group that had come in with her. She spotted Bobbie in the bar and walked over to meet her. The tall blonde she was living with wrapped Emily in a hug and kissed her hello.

"How was your trip over from the airport?"

"Not too bad, it was a slow traffic night. It seems more crowed in here than on the street." Emily took in the happenings of the restaurant from the circle of Bobbie's arms. The touching greeting wasn't missed by the blue eyes at the center table, it was the main reason Parker missed Alicia's spotting her sitting with Gary.

"Ah, poor baby," the tall blonde said kissing the Emily again.

"Park, heads up, man." The waiter had just poured their glasses of wine after Parker had told him the bottle was fine giving Alicia ample ammunition. Parker turned her eyes from the second kiss exchanged at the bar to see the irate singer standing next to her.

"The fucking least you could have done was to blow me off yourself, asshole, not have your flunky do it." When she wiped the Merlot from her face she couldn't help but think how good it tasted. If the first glass Alicia had thrown made Parker think that, Gary's glass only confirmed it for her. The restaurant manager was the only thing that prevented the scorned woman from dumping the rest of the bottle in Parker's lap.

"How about Chinese to go with all this good wine?" Parker wiped her face again and asked the question as calmly as possible. Gary couldn't help but laugh as Parker's white shirt stuck to her collar.

"Sounds like a doable plan, Parker, let's go." Gary threw two hundred dollar bills on the table and they got up to leave. The manager wanted to give him his money back, but they insisted on paying. It wasn't the restaurant's fault that Alicia had exacted her pound of flesh.

Emily almost pushed Bobbie down to get to Parker before they left. The tennis player had not looked in her direction and Emily was surprised into inaction for a moment when she saw that Parker was with Gary instead of with a date. For weeks she had convinced herself that Parker had moved on and had tried her best to try and deal with the fact their little summer fling was just that. One nice evening that would turn into nothing.

There was a couple getting out of a cab when they walked out and Gary held the door for Parker. He saw the person run out of the shadows when he turned around to tell Parker to hurry. The distance between them prevented him from doing anything but watch helplessly, but the shocked look on his face made Parker turn.

A dark blue ski mask covered his face but the large hunting knife in his hand was very visible. All she heard before the pain bloomed was, "Death to those who go against God."

Parker held the assailant's hand with the knife in it by the wrist, it was the only reason it prevented the wicked looking blade from going in all the way and causing more severe damage. From where Gary stood he could see the red stain commingling with the purple of the wine on Parker's shirt and jacket. Before he could get his feet to move the attacker ran back into the alleyway and out of sight.

The cut was almost in the middle of her chest as if the guy with the knife was aiming for her heart and it was deep enough that blood ran through the fingers of Parker's hand she had pressed to her chest. The inane thought of not being anemic crossed Parker's mind as she saw how dark her blood was against the white of her shirt.

"I'm thinking maybe some tapioca pudding from the hospital is in order, Gary. And take a note down for me as a reminder, to never accept a dinner invitation from you again. You are like a walking magnet for disaster when it comes to me and women," teased Parker.

Her voice shocked Gary into moving and helping Parker into the cab. Emily walked out just in time to see Parker's grimace as she bent to get into the vehicle; the blood covering her hand was visible to her in the light outside the restaurant. The tennis player and her manager never saw Emily, as she stood frozen in the entrance to the restaurant.

************************************************************************

"It's not fatal, that's the good news. The bad news is that I'm going to have to put in a minimum of six stitches to close the cut." The emergency room doctor had cleaned the wound and was in the process of deadening the area before he started his suturing as he gave them his diagnosis. He was still giving thanks to any deity that happened to be listening for being at the desk when Gary walked in with a pale Parker.

"Will it affect my play?" asked Parker.

"Well, Ms. King, I wouldn't recommend playing at least until these come out."

"You are kidding right? I haven't busted my ass all summer to watch the U.S. Open from my hotel room." Parker was about to get up and walk out in search of another hospital if the guy's answers didn't change.

"No, one pull from playing tennis and these babies I'm about to put in could rip. I would advise against playing until you are healed."

"Parker, could you just lie there until the nice doctor is finished? The tournament isn't for another two weeks, we'll be fine." Gary was busy studying the bulletin board in the room in an effort to keep his eyes off Parker's bloody chest, and the wicked looking slice running along her ribcage on her left side. The police had been called, but without a description of the attacker they were at a loss as to were to begin.

"These are going to take longer than that to come out," the doctor added as he probed the area with his fingers trying to decide if it was all right to proceed.

"Just start sewing and let's get this over with." Parker wasn't about to argue her playing capabilities with some guy she had just met who looked like the ink on his diploma was still wet.

"I really enjoyed your play at Wimbledon this year." The ER doctor started suturing when the local he had administered had taken effect. The last person he had expected to see during his shift was Parker King.

"Doc, don't take this the wrong way ok, but more suturing and less talking would be good. I appreciate what you said but I really would like to go back to my room and lie down. Religious zealots with large knives do that to me, so please forgive me if I'm being rude." Parker just watched after that as the young attendant placed ten small neat stitches in her chest. She had put the attack out of her mind as she buttoned her stained shirt back up and concentrated instead on seeing Emily again.

Small world indeed, Captain. What were the odds of sharing her morning run with the woman Emily was now sleeping with? Parker's gracious acceptance of the woman's good wishes that morning was polite, but did not invite any further invitation for a long conversation. She wondered now if the knowledge she had now would have changed that since she had felt the tall blonde's presence running just behind her for almost the two hours she was out there. I wonder if Emily told her that she knows me? Parker figured they were having a good laugh at her expense now.

"Ready?"

"What, I'm sorry?" Parker finished dressing and looked up to a worried Gary.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's go. Doc, thanks for the great service. If you need tickets just let Gary know and he'll set you up," said Parker shaking hands the man and signing a few autographs for the nurses before leaving.

The next morning Parker woke up with a throbbing pain in her chest and someone banging on the door of her room. "Gary, we are going to have to talk about these accommodations, man." Parker grumbled to herself as she got up and opened the drapes so she could find her robe. With an impatient yank, she opened the door pulling her stitches a bit. "What?"

"You royal bitch." More than one guest was standing at their door so they could watch Alicia scream at Parker having been awakened by the pounding. The tennis player smiled and waved to one young woman standing at her door in just a t-shirt and a smile of her own.

"To what do I owe this pleasure to this morning, sweetheart?"

"Don't sweetheart me, you bitch, how could you?" Alicia slammed the tabloid she had rolled up into Parker's chest before walking passed her into the room. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, Park." The small singer went back to help Parker back into the room since she was doubled over in pain. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, but if you insist on hitting me any more this morning, I will be forced to ask you to leave." Parker leaned on her former lover and walked over to the chairs by the windows. She could understand why the woman was upset with her, but after the wine incident from the night before Parker thought the temperamental artist had gotten it out of her system.

"Come on, Park, you know I didn't mean it but I saw that trash this morning and I was upset." The news rag Alicia had brought with her was lying unforgotten by the door. Alicia went over and picked it up handing it to Parker. When she unfurled it, Parker felt like she had been hit for the second time that day.

The headlines read 'Lovers' Quarrel Lands Player in Hospital and Singer in Jail.' The picture underneath it was of Parker and Gary leaving the ER the night before. The photographer had gotten a great shot of her wine and blood stained clothes as they stepped through the door of the emergency department.

"Come on, sweetheart, people aren't going to believe this garbage." Parker smiled and held her hand out to Alicia. She let out a small chuckle when all Alicia did was cross her arms over her chest and tap her foot.

"I am many things, Parker King, but easy isn't one of them." Despite her words, Alicia moved closer to Parker but stayed out of reach.

"I don't think you're easy, just like I don't think you are a rabid ex-lover who stabbed me." Parker held her hand out again and this time Alicia took her up on the invitation. She sat in Parker's lap getting reacquainted with how great Parker felt.

"You hurt my feelings."

"I'm sorry. You're right, I'm a bitch. I was heading home for the summer and I figured that's not how you wanted to spend yours so I bailed. I'm just a tennis bum with a couple of good years left if I'm lucky, while you have years in the limelight. This was my way of helping you out."

Alicia let out a laugh of her own for the lame explanation before standing up and pulling the tie of Parker's robe open. She dropped to her knees and placed a gentle kiss on the swollen patch of skin that was help together by the black stitches. As her hands caressed the long legs at her sides, Alicia asked, "You know something, Parker?"

"What's that?"

"You're so full of shit." Alicia leaned forward again and bit down on an inviting nipple. She sucked at it until she heard Parker moan. "You know something else?"

It took Parker a moment to pick up the pieces of her brain that formed coherent speech before she could answer. She was betting that every guy and gay woman that had seen Alicia on stage would give their right arm to trade places with her right now. "What?"

"I happen to find that an adorable trait in you." Slowly Alicia rose from her knees and stood before a now aroused Parker. "You like what you see?" Parker nodded her head as Alicia raised her arms over her head and waited. This was the part where the beautiful scorned woman usually said 'too bad' and walked out she was guessing. Alicia surprised her by stripping off the tight pullover she had on followed by the jeans. With the slow sexy walk that drove her fans into a frenzy when she did it in her show, Alicia moved to the bed and laid down. "Then come on over here and see how much better it feels."

Parker hesitated. She wanted nothing more than to make Alicia happy, but it was only sex. Do I want to continue to go after relationships I know won't last? She liked Alicia but there was no chance for love. Alicia saw the uncertainty that clouded Parker's face and helped her out.

"No strings attached, lover, none at all. Call it pity sex since you're hurt."

"It's the least you can do since you stabbed me and all." Parker threw the paper toward the bed getting Alicia to laugh. When she got up and dropped the robe, Alicia sighed.

"You're a bitch, but goddamn if you aren't the best looking one I've ever laid eyes on." The wetness between the singer's legs doubled when she felt Parker's skin cover her own when the tennis player laid down and covered her. I'll make it harder to walk away this time, Parker. Alicia couldn't believe how much she had missed this with Parker.

She had spent her summer moping through Europe until they finished the tour. This was the first thing on her to do list and it was working out perfectly. If getting Parker back into her life was as easy as getting her back into her bed, Alicia was planning on a ring for Christmas. It was the last thing that flew through her mind as Parker put her hands to good use.

Continued in Chapter 5

Comments to: terrali20@yahoo.com

The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive

~ Game, Set and Match ~
by Ali Vali

Disclaimers: See Part 1

Chapter 5

"You can't have been sleeping all this time?" Gary's phone call had woken her up out of an exhausted sleep. For a minute, Parker wondered who the naked body pressed up against her back was, until she became fully conscious and remembered how she had spent her morning. If that didn't pull a stitch, playing tennis should be a cinch.

"No, not sleeping." She kept her voice low so as not to wake Alicia.

"I'm coming over." Gary heard the rough sounding voice and thought Parker was still upset over the night before.

"Give me an hour, then you can come over." Parker pulled out of the tangle of limbs behind her and sat up.

"Why?" Gary asked arching a brow Parker couldn't see.

"You can wait, or you can come over now and see a naked Alicia in my bed - your choice."

"Maybe if we beat you a couple of times a day with a tightly strung racket, you would start learning from your past mistakes," said Gary as he dropped down to the bed after hearing the news.

"Yeah, well when Brad Pitt shows up in your room and lies down on the bed naked with a come hither look, we'll talk about your stronger than steel will power, coach. Until then, give me a chance to take a shower."
"This might be good, the papers have been calling all morning after you and I made the headlines. Take her out to lunch this time and let the press see you together. It's the least you can do for the girl. Because let me tell you, if you want me to dump her again for you, I'm quitting." Gary relaxed his breathing; he was off the hook this time in letting the emotionally charged Alicia down when Parker didn't want to see her again.

"I'll keep that in mind if I want new representation."

"Where are you going?" The voice from behind Parker sounded just as rough as hers had when she was on the phone with Gary.

"To take a shower then I'm taking you out to lunch. I figure it will help you out to have the sharks take some pictures of us together so your fans won't think you are a homicidal maniac." Ok, Alicia, let's see if this no strings attached thing was for real. I have got to start thinking these things through more carefully, and then maybe I can sit and enjoy a glass of something instead of wearing it, thought Parker as the ramifications of the morning became as bright as the light streaming through the window.

"Can I join you?" Alicia sat up and let the sheet pool at her hips. Parker was staring and it wasn't at her bed head. She sat back on her hands and arched her back a little enhancing Parker's view.

"Huh?" Parker smacked her lips together and tried to get back to her thoughts before Alicia's surgically enhanced features smashed her reasoning with a big two by four.

"You know, help keep your stitches dry and all." Alicia pointed to Parker's chest and waited not wanting to push too hard too fast.

"Nah, relax and I'll be out in a minute."

Parker, Parker, Parker, you aren't playing by the rules, baby, and it's really starting to piss me off. You should be all over me not walking into the shower alone. Alicia got up and called her agent to tell him where she was and where she was going so that there would be reporters waiting for them when she and Parker got there. In her mind they were a couple again, now it was time to let the rest of the world in on the happy news.

Alicia walked out toward the waiting car first while Parker picked up her messages from the front desk. She smiled at the petite blonde walking up the street with some flowers in her hand and Emily, to be polite, smiled back. Parker walked out of the front door and walked to the open door of the car without looking around. One more lunch with the pop star and she would be off the hook. While she was checking her messages she reviewed everything she had said up in the room and was pleased that nothing sounded like a promise.

"Come on, lover, we have reservations and I'm starved." Alicia slid in first and when Parker was clear of the door the driver closed it and moved to the front to get them moving. Parker never saw Emily hand the bouquet in her hand to a homeless woman walking passed the front of the hotel.

No wonder she didn't call. Emily walked away in the opposite direction so that Parker wouldn't have the opportunity to see her.

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Practice was slower paced in the next few weeks as Parker played to see what her mobility was. Gary would wrap her chest every morning to protect against popping the stitches in the healing wound in her chest, and to keep her pain down to a minimum. The tournament started the next day and he felt the games would last longer since Parker had lost some of the power in her first serve, but hopefully the strength of the rest of her play would pull them through.

"You want me to go with you?" Gary packed all her rackets and picked up the bag so she wouldn't have to strain herself. "Maybe a change in tradition will be lucky for you this time."

"I know Nick bought you both some tickets to see Rent tonight, big guy, so no, I'll be fine. My tradition got me to the finals last year and if that's where I end up this time, I'll be happy." Parker scratched her chest and wanted nothing more than to get into the shower in her room. As the wound healed, the more it itched. She just hoped she could control herself from looking like she was feeling herself up in front of the cameras starting tomorrow.

"Ok, but we'll come with you if you want."

"Gary, hand me that bag and get the hell out of here." Parker held her hand out for the racket bag and glared at her coach.

"No, I'll carry it for another twelve hours thank you. It will be waiting in your room when you get back don't worry. Have fun tonight and I'll see you in the morning. Call me if you need anything. And don't worry about the family, Nick is picking them up and bringing them over from the airport." They took a cab back to the hotel and went their separate ways.

In the two weeks since the attack, Parker had worked on getting stronger and tried to live down the headlines in the local papers that covered the story of her and Alicia getting back together. A story that the singer didn't seem to be denying and one that Parker was trying to forget about. One lunch did not make for a joyous reunion.

Her table was waiting for her by the wall of glass that looked out to the lit trees in Central Park. It was set up for one and the other patrons looked up from their conversations and meals when she walked in and sat down. Under one arm was a thin book of Robert Frost poetry that she placed on the table when the waiter handed her a menu.

"Welcome back, Ms. King, would you like the usual?"

"Thank you, Barry, and yes the usual would be fine." Her waiter moved off to get the drink she ordered, giving her time to look over the menu.

Parker never did mind eating alone and always did so before the beginning of every major tournament she played in. The solitude found in a crowded restaurant and a good book let her forget about tennis for a couple of hours, since it would be all she would think about for days to come. The next opponent, the review of her mistakes made in the last sets, the aches that accompanied her after a couple of grueling afternoons on center court, and all the other things Gary would want to cover once play began.

Barry came back and put the mug in front of her and took her order. When he left, she opened the leather bound book she had brought with her and started reading as she took sips from the cup sitting on the table. Parker tuned out the whispers being said about her from most of the patrons in the restaurant that night. Some of them wanted to come over and wish her luck, but her engrossment in the book and the fact she was sitting with her back to most of them kept them in their seats.

"You're staring." Bobbie took a sip of her mixed drink and tried to engage Emily in conversation again. They were out having a celebration dinner after Emily had found an apartment she liked. The pilot would be moving as soon as the furniture she had ordered was delivered.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Emily answered but kept her eyes glued to the woman drinking hot chocolate three tables away from them. She and Bobbie were sitting by the windows too, but Parker had never looked in their direction since she had sat down.

"I said you're staring. I didn't take you for a starstruck tennis fan, Em. The precocious Ms. King and I met not that long ago, if you want I can introduce you." Bobbie took a sip of her drink and tipped her head back in Parker's direction.

"You know Parker?" Emily finally moved her eyes from Parker to her dinner date.

"Parker? My, I may have over emphasized my relationship with the pin up girl of tennis. Do you know her?" Bobbie put her drink down and reached over to hold Emily's hand. The pilot had been sulking for the last couple of weeks and no amount of trying on her part would make Emily tell her what was wrong.

"Yes, we've met. How do you know her?"

"I wished her luck in the park one morning when I saw her stretching for a run. She thanked me then took off like Satan was chasing her through Manhattan. Ms. King actually gave me the run of my life when I tried to keep pace with her, after that morning I had to take a week off to recover. If she does that every morning no wonder three sets of tennis seem to be a breeze for her."

"Yeah, Parker seems to take on everything in her life with the same type of vengeance." Bobbie arched her brow at the statement, as Emily's attention went back to the lonely looking player.

"I saw her looking at us that night at Gotham too. It seemed to be fate that I would run into her again after seeing her that morning. As intently as she was looking, I chalked it up to her thinking the same thing, but if you know her, maybe she was looking at you."

"What do you mean, she was looking at us?" Emily forgot Parker for a minute and turned her eyes to Bobbie. All she could remember from that night was the blood coming through Parker's fingers when she went to get into the cab.

"I was looking at her when you walked in and her eyes followed you to the bar. She was watching us say hello before that Alicia girl gave her a wine bath. You know you read about stuff like that but you never think you will actually ever see them play out like that." Before Bobbie finished her observation she found herself sitting alone as Emily moved to the table where Parker was sitting.

"You hurt my feelings," said Emily in a soft voice as she stood next to the empty chair at Parker's table.

That must be the mantra I instill in women, thought Parker as she looked up from the book in her hand to the woman that had now taken a seat at her table. "How pray tell, did I do that?" Parker looked up from the verse she was reading passed Emily to the tall blonde that seemed to be her constant companion. She lifted her mug of hot chocolate and saluted the now shocked looking woman that was watching her dinner date sitting with someone else.

"You never called me this summer." Emily played with the napkin in her hand that she had inadvertently brought with her from her table. She was taking deep breaths trying to organize all the thoughts running through her head. It was the stuff she had wanted to talk to Parker about and now it was coming out as accusations.

"That's right, I didn't." Parker took a long look at the woman that had taken up most of her thoughts when she wasn't immersed in playing tennis over the past summer.

"I thought that you would at least once, after well, after the time we spent together."

"I thought so too, Captain, but you didn't reciprocate and give me your numbers so I didn't know how to get in touch with you. If you wanted to talk to me, you have every single number that will find me at the other end. Virgin Airlines is very accommodating, but giving out employee information is not part of their customer service. So you see, I tried, but you apparently didn't want to be found." Parker hadn't closed the book she was reading and hadn't really asked Emily to join her. The fact that she was getting pissed hadn't escaped her notice either.

Emily didn't make her any promises when she left so there was no reason for her to be mad now that the pilot was here with someone else. The someone else that had been kissing all over her two weeks ago in the other restaurant she had seen them in. You reap what you sow, Parker, and since you have planted row after row of miserable women all over the globe this is what you get.

"I did too give you my numbers." With Parker's clipped tones, Emily wasn't sure what to do.

"Captain, I am not going to sit here and argue with you, but no you didn't. You stayed at my house, you played with my dog, but there was no information on yourself that you left behind. Besides, I see that you are getting on just fine with your life. I don't see a purpose for us to talk unless you just want to gloat, and that, my dear, seems a little beneath you." Parker lifted the mug and saluted Bobbie again. The woman was sitting at the table with her chin resting on her palm watching the action taking place not that far from her lifting her glass to Parker again. Her eyes went from Parker to Emily like she was watching a special type of tennis match.

"What in the hell, is that supposed to mean?" Emily sat back and tried to figure out why Parker was being so obnoxious.

"Your date is getting lonely, Captain."

"I'm sure that my friend doesn't mind sitting alone for a minute while I'm over here telling you hello. Not that I'm sure why I bothered since you seem to have some sort of bug up your ass about something. Bobbie is who I've been staying with, she is not my date, well not technically."

"Is there a problem, Ms. King?" Barry came back with her appetizer and noticed the woman sitting with Parker. He and everyone around them noticed that neither one of them looked very happy.

"No problem, Barry, just an acquaintance that wanted to wish me luck." Parker smiled up at the waiter then at Emily. "Thank you, Emily, you have done your duty and are free to go."

"Why, is Alicia going to be here any minute?" Why in the hell am I talking like she owes me something? Get up and leave, Em girl, before she calls security, thought Emily as her feet refused to move back to her own table.

"I've told you once before, Captain, don't believe everything you read in the paper. If there is something you are dying to know, then ask me. I'm a dog, but honesty is not my problem," said Parker as she leaned forward. She made the statement sound as menacing as she could through a whisper.

"Did you sleep with her since I've seen you last?" The book finally snapped closed and Parker noticed that Barry wasn't moving after hearing Emily's question.

"Is there something else you needed to ask me too, Barry?" Parker looked up and asked the waiter. She did so not need this shit tonight.

"No, I'm sorry please excuse me." He looked disappointed that he had been dismissed before Parker answered the question.

"Now to answer your question, yes I have." The one good thing she reflected on later was that the hot chocolate she had been drinking had come to room temperature and there wasn't that much left in the mug. Parker took her napkin and wiped her eyes off so that she could see the shrimp cocktail Barry had put down.

Emily watched her as Parker took a bite out of only one of the jumbo shrimp before fishing her wallet out of her front pocket. With a quick mental addition Parker left enough for the items she had ordered but wasn't sticking around to eat plus the tip. With as much dignity as she could, Parker pushed away from the table and walked out with out gracing Emily with another word. The pilot was torn on whether to break out into tears over the fact Parker didn't care about her, or the fact she had made a complete ass of herself in front of a room full of people.

"You know, Parker, one of these days you will have to learn that honesty is not always the best policy. Next time take a clue, from let say President Clinton. You look them right in the eye and say 'I did not have sex with that girl.' End of story, since it's no one's business anyway." Most of the people walking around the entrance to the park that took you to Tavern on the Green looked at the tennis player and wondered if she was on something as she walked along the street covered in chocolate and talking to herself.

Parker walked for a while then sat on low stonewall that surrounds Central Park to get her thoughts in order. Emily didn't have the right to be mad at her. If she had cared enough about continuing where they had left off, she would have called. "It's not like I didn't think about her at all this summer, or try to get in touch with her. She was all I thought about."

"That's nice to hear, but I would have still preferred that you hadn't slept with Alicia again. I missed you, Parker, and believe me, you have taken up more than your share of time in my head as well. You forgot your book." Emily sat beside her on the wall holding the damp book Parker had left behind.

"Not the way to treat a first edition Frost," said Parker holding up the chocolate sodden book.

"No, I would imagine it's not. I'm sorry for throwing that on you, I don't know what came over me."

"I know exactly what came over you, call it experience, but tell me, Emily, what are you hoping for here?"

"I want to spend time with you, Parker. This past summer, for a couple of days I thought we had started something that was special to both of us. If you had asked, I would have stayed with you for a few more days to see if something was there."

"Why didn't you, stay I mean? I wouldn't have thrown you out."

"A girl wants to be asked, Parker. If not it makes us look desperate if we just move in." Emily moved closer and reached out for one of the big hands she remembered holding the night they went out to dinner.

"And you think I'm going to ask you anything now? You bathed me in hot chocolate in front of a restaurant full of people. I have enough problems with people thinking I'm an ass to women without any outside help."

Emily looked at her feet and let go of Parker's hand thinking she had lost before they had even begun. The summer was just a fluke that wasn't going to repeat itself or continue where they had left off. "I'm sorry, just send me your cleaning bill."

"Captain, do you think you are getting off that easily? If you do, then you're delusional as well as forgetful about leaving phone numbers so people can call you."

"What do you want?" asked Emily letting her smile show for the first time in weeks.

"I want lots of things, but first I want to know if you kissed your date good night?" Parker smiled at her and Emily's heart started to warm up.

"Yes, against my better judgment I did."

"Good, now tell me why you didn't call me this summer?"

"I thought it would make me look clingy."

"I see, would you mind terribly if I were to kiss you now?" Parker leaned further into Emily until their shoulders touched.

"Yes."

"Yes, you want me to, or yes, you would mind?" Parker stood up and towered over Emily after the woman had not given her the answer she was expecting.

"Yes, I would mind." Emily smiled and moved closer to the scowling woman before she went on. "This is a new dress and I don't want to get chocolate on it." Parker smiled back before crushing the smaller woman to her chest making sure that some of the chocolate got onto Emily.

"Send me your cleaning bill, Captain." The kiss surprised Emily because of how quickly Parker had scooped her up.

It was similar to the one Parker had given her the night they went out to dinner and she left her at the guestroom door. Only this time Emily parted her lips and invited Parker in. Emily could feel the calluses on Parker's hands as they came up and framed her face, but instead of concentrating on their roughness she thought about how the strength of Parker's hands made her feel safe. The contrast was in her lips though, in that they were silky soft and they touched hers with just the right amount of pressure to keep her wanting more.

"I missed you too." Parker kissed her again before taking Emily's hand and started the walk back to her hotel.

"Where are we going?" As they walked Parker told her about her pre-tournament tradition of eating alone and laughed at the slight frown that had taken over Emily's face. She thought it was a brush off from Parker not two minutes after they had kissed.

"Well I thought that this was the only city in the world where that tradition of mine doesn't work, so I thought I would change my tactics just this once. Did you get to eat tonight?"

"No I was busy becoming fodder for the tabloid news. How about I treat you to dinner, and then you'll have to give me joint custody of the trophy if you win the Open?"

"How about I pay, and you just go along for the ride?"

Emily sat on one of the chairs while Parker stripped out of her soiled clothes in the bathroom. She just stared at the bed and imagined Parker rolling around on it with Alicia. There was no way in hell she could compete with someone like that, or any other girl Parker had been associated with over the past couple of years.

"My dress is stained." It was a poor excuse to get out of the room but Emily didn't want to be there anymore. She wanted to be back in that library in Press Cove with Parker reading her something from the hundreds of books that lined the shelves.

"I thought we could stop at your place and you could change and maybe drop that in cold water or something so the stain won't set." Parker pointed to Emily's dress feeling bad now that she had stained it.

"You don't mind?"

"Mind what?" Parker's brows came together in confusion over the question.

"Leaving here." Emily waved around the room that had all of Parker's stuff thrown about. Parker figured this had more to do than just the room.

"I want to have dinner with you. I've actually wanted to have dinner with you since the last time I took you out to dinner, and the time you cooked me breakfast. Abby and I have been pining away for you, Captain, so don't disappoint me now that I got you back."

They took a cab to Emily's new apartment that had no furniture and just the bulk of the clothes she didn't need at Bobbie's. Parker walked around and looked out the windows in the front room as Emily went to change. When she walked out of the bedroom she was dressed similar to Parker in jeans and a casual shirt. She smiled when she stepped out and saw Parker holding the book that Barnaby had given her when they had stopped in the night before they had gone out to dinner. It was a collection of love poems and sonnets by Shakespeare, Barnaby's favorite author. Since it was his favorite, Emily had appreciated and enjoyed it that much more that he had thought enough of her to part with it. With any luck she could convince Parker to read some selections out of it tonight.

"How about take out and we'll come back here and eat?" Emily had just gotten Parker back and wasn't ready to share her just yet. The apartment only had a bed that she had taken from the place she had shared with Gail. It was the one thing that she had taken from home when she moved out, and only because it had the sentiment value of having been the one she had had since she was a child.

Parker looked around and saw only the hardwood floors that were present in every room, but was game for whatever Emily had in mind. "Sure."

The cartons of food were spread out throughout the living room and their conversation was finally coming as comfortable as it had when they had first spent time together. When Parker looked at her watch, she was surprised to see that it was almost midnight and it was time to go if she was going to be in any shape to play in the morning.

"Am I boring you?" Emily knew that when a date looked at their watch, the night had come to an end.

"No, I just need to get going if I want to stay awake on the court tomorrow. The networks frown on center court matches when one of the players is napping on the sidelines. Tell me that I can see you again and I'll go away happy?"

"You can see me again, but why don't you stay here and take a cab back early?"

"Because I'm doubting I can serve or lift my arms over my head for any reason if I sleep on the floor tonight. Come on, I'll walk you home, and if you behave, I'll give you and the blonde bombshell some tickets for tomorrow's match."

"You don't have to sleep on the floor, silly, I have a bed, and I was planning on staying here and not at Bobbie's anyway." Emily walked Parker to the only bedroom in the place and showed her the neatly made bed that stood alone pushed up against the back wall.

"It's a double bed." Parker stood in the doorway with her hands crammed into her pockets looking at the sleeping surface like it was a bed of nails.

"Yes, so what?"

"Emily, I'm an inch over six feet. That means I won't fit in that bed." She pointed to the bed and wondered where Emily was planning on sleeping.

"Come on, Kong, we'll make the best of it." Emily stripped her pants off and pulled her bra through one of her sleeves before she lay to one side of the bed. The one thing she hoped that Parker understood was that this wasn't about sex. It was about getting to know each other and building a trust between them. One more headline putting Parker and Alicia together in anyway and she would kill Parker in her sleep.

She's leaving? Emily's heart just stopped beating for a moment when the tennis player turned and walked down the hall. Her smile returned when she heard the light switch in the bathroom click on. When Parker walked back she was dressed in only her underwear and the t-shirt she had worn under the light sweater she had on. Parker sat on the other side of the bed and fluffed up her pillow before stretching out for the night. She could hear Emily laughing because her feet were hanging off the end of the bed.

"Good night, Emily."

"Aren't you going to kiss me good night?"

"Only if you want me to."

"I want you to." Parker rolled over a bit and pressed her lips to Emily's and lengthened the kiss when she felt the pilot's hands in her hair pulling her closer.

Parker slowed them down knowing that it was too soon to move into that type of relationship with Emily. She rolled Emily to her side of the bed as she thought that for the first time she felt like this was a woman that she could come to care about enough to have a relationship with that didn't last the normal three dates. Emily held on to her hand and was close enough that Parker could feel her body heat but it was only their hands that were touching. What would the papers say if they could see you now, Kong? Parker asked herself as the fruity smell of Emily's shampoo reached her nose.

The next morning Emily got up and found the space on the bed next to her empty. She panicked when she thought Parker had just left until she saw the slacks still folded next to the bed on the floor. Emily found the tennis player sitting on the floor in the living room with her eyes closed and her legs folded under her like she was meditating. The quiet of the room and the early morning light coming through the naked windows made the empty room almost seem like a temple so Emily stayed quiet not to disturb whatever Parker was thinking about. Parker never opened her eyes when there was a light knock on the door, nor when Emily went to see who it was.

"Good morning, Emily." Gary stood in the hallway with two large black bags waiting to be invited in.

"Good morning, she's in there if you are here for Parker."

"I am, but why don't we let her finish before we go barging in there." Gary set the racket bag down by the inside of the door and unzipped it to get some medical supplies out of it. He dropped the other bag at Emily's feet letting her get a close up view of the tennis outfit full of sponsor logos at different spots. Even the socks she noticed had something sewn on to the tops when Gary pulled them out and laid them on top of the other stuff.

Gary saw her looking over what Parker would be wearing and smiled. "The talent is what gets all those companies to use her as a walking billboard, but that's what pays the bills once you can prove you can play."

"Does seeing Parker wear this on her sleeve really make someone want to drive a Lexus?" Emily asked as she pointed to one side of the pullover shirt.

"Do you buy office supplies at a certain store because they have a bowl game for college football?" Emily laughed at his analogy and knew that this was probably an argument he had often with fans and sponsors alike.

"What's she doing?" She pointed to the quiet woman sitting in the other room.

"She's going over every shot in her head. Reviewing every possibility so that there will be no surprises she hasn't given thought to, no weakness she isn't busy erasing now instead of on center court. Parker's the real deal, Emily, she gives the folks what they pay big money to see. Just straight forward power tennis that takes no prisoners and makes the shelf life of the balls next to nil."

"Is that on, and off the court?"

"I don't know, you spent the night with her, did she force you?" Gary didn't like the tone of Emily's question, and the fact Parker was messing around the night before a major tournament.

"No she didn't, I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything."

"Nonsense, Gary, just likes to cause me trouble whenever the opportunity presents itself. Are you working today?" Parker had gotten up and walked quietly on bare feet to where they were talking.

"No, I'm not. I was planning to watch you on television today if you must now my deep dark secret," teased Emily hoping Parker wasn't insulted over her question to her coach.

"How about you and your friend join Gary and my sisters in my box?" Gary handed Parker the tickets she had requested that morning when she called. Emily took them and kissed Parker on the cheek for them. Bobbie would be thrilled since she loved women's tennis.

Emily watched as Gary helped Parker get dressed first changing her bandages and wrapping her chest tightly enough to cover the stitches but still leaving her the ability to breathe. It was like watching a gladiator getting ready to step into the arena. Only this one could chip your bones if you weren't careful, with little yellow fuzzy balls. With a good luck kiss from Emily, Parker was out of the door.

Parker turned before getting into the cab and looked up to the windows of Emily's apartment. The pilot stood there with her fingers pressed to her lips looking a little dazed from the kiss they had just shared. She waved and smiled before disappearing into the car making Emily sigh. Things were looking up and it wasn't because she had scored tickets to a tennis match.

Chapter 6

The stands around center court were filling up, and down on the court the line judges and ball retrievers were taking their places. Gary had watched Parker warm up with a critical eye making sure that his star showed no signs of pain. Parker's younger opponent was trying to find some weak spot as she too watched Kong warm up. If the story was true about the attack outside the restaurant, Mendela her opponent couldn't find where it put any cracks in Parker's game.

Emily and Bobbie sat watching the crowd around them waiting for the rest of Parker's guests to show up. Gary had waved to them before disappearing down the tunnel that led to the locker rooms. He wanted to check to make sure the bandage on Parker's chest was still all right before the match started.

"I hope she'll be all right. That cut on her chest looks nasty." Emily's comment was overheard by more than just Bobbie and they were both surprised by the deep voice that commented back.

"It will take more than stitches to slow Park down. Mendela will be eating fuzz by afternoon's end is our prediction." Both Emily and Bobbie looked up to the two women that were towering over them effectively blocking out the sun. "When she was ten, she played in a tournament with a broken arm. Hell if the tadpole didn't come in third," continued Kimmie trying to make Emily feel better.

"You must be Parker's sisters." Emily went to stand when Kimmie put her hand on her shoulder keeping the small blonde in her seat.

"I'm Kimmie and this is Gray." The oldest of the three sisters stuck her hand out and greeted Parker's two friends. They tried to ignore the buzz from the fans around them that recognized the two volleyball stars. Today was for Parker.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Emily Parish and this is my friend Bobbie Daley. Parker was so happy you two could make it up to watch her play. The last time I saw Parker, you two were headed to south Florida for your own tournament, how did it go?"

"Are you kidding, Em, they kicked butt. The Viper and the Terminator took the title and the cash pot without breaking a sweat. I saw it all on ESPN II," said Bobbie. Emily could see that her friend was having a hard time not falling to her knees and worshiping the two giants that had taken their seats so they wouldn't have to crane her neck looking up at them.

Emily almost laughed at the look of rapture on Bobbie's face. The avid sports fan was going to swoon before the day was over if one more of her idols showed up. First she scored center court seats to the Open and now was getting to share them with two of volleyballs greatest players.

"I suggest you breathe at regular intervals throughout the day, if not you are going to miss the match when you pass out." Emily whispered the warning as a joke to get Bobbie to calm down a little. The woman that was Parker's practice partner was coming down the steps to join them, and Emily watched as Gray King's eyes stayed glued to the tall Swede.

"Kimmie, why don't you slide in here next to Bobbie and let Natasha have your seat?" suggested Emily.

Gray turned her head to the small pilot and smiled. "Thanks, Emily, I see that my little sister is starting to wise up in her choice in women." The announcer introducing Parker and Mendela helped take the attention away from Emily and the blush Gray's compliment had caused.

The crowd got to their feet when the two players walked out to the court and sat down on opposite sides of the judge's chair. Parker's tan looked even darker against the tight white shirt she was wearing, and she looked like she was anxious to begin.

The players picked their rackets and took their places, both nodding to the judge that they were ready to begin. "Quiet please." The man pointed to Parker after a hush fell over the crowd.

Two new balls were thrown to Parker from the ball girl in the corner behind her. She bounced them both on her racket before selecting one and throwing the other one back to the young lady that had given them to her. Parker squared her shoulders and let out a long breath as a way to blow out the pain and forget about it for the next couple of hours. After four bounces she threw it into the air, connecting with it dead center on her racket. It flew past her opponent so fast, the girl didn't bother to move her racket from the ready position. Mendela got out of her stance when, "Fifteen love," was announced from the chair.

"If you were hoping for a slower paced game from Parker King, sports fans, you have come to the wrong place." The sports announcer calling the game on the radio reported happily as the first shot went over the net. Gray had been nice enough to bring earpieces for everyone so they could listen to the commentary during the match. "I thing she was giving Mendela a warning shot across the bow with that one. The stitches will not do the Spaniard any favors today."

"Quiet please." Parker waited for the crowd to cooperate before setting up for her next shot. This one nicked the net on the way over so she had to serve again. The second serve was a little slower paced and Mendela returned it. The young player hit it back to the baseline then ran to the net to establish an early aggressive game against the number one seeded player. It was a mistake when Parker hit a two handed back hand that hit just inside the baseline. If there was going to be anyone volleying from the net, it was not going to be from Mendela.

For the next forty minutes Emily watched Parker almost surgically remove every aspect of her opponent's game, all while barely breaking a sweat. When her opponent would rush the net Parker would send some blistering heat toward the baseline with deadly precision. When Mendela took the hint and moved to the baseline, Parker would drop the ball right over the net almost making her opponent lose some skin when she went diving after one of them.

Watching the game at the USTA Tennis Center had been an experience for both she and Bobbie. The atmosphere and energy of center court live was not easily captured on the small screen of her television, and Emily was still smiling at the 'Kong' chant the crowd was still shouting. The big tennis bag was repacked and shouldered, but Parker took a few minutes on her way out to sign autographs for the fans hanging out of the stands.

Up in their seats, the King sisters high-fived each other before turning to hug Nick and Gary. In their celebration Gary failed to notice the attendant standing in the aisle holding a folded piece of paper. The coach cringed when the young man tapped him on the shoulder and handed him the note. Gary decided he was going to exercise his promise to quit if it was directions from Parker to ditch Emily. For the first time he had open one of Parker's short pennings, her coach's face creased in a smile.

"Let's go take a tour of the locker rooms, girls." Both men moved to escort the four others to meet Parker when they were stopped by the last person they expected to see at the match. Alicia had attended with her manager, their seats not quite as good without Parker's help. The young rocker had given three interviews on the way in when she was recognized by reporters, so there would be no misunderstandings about her feelings for Parker.

"Gary, could you tell Parker I'll wait for her outside? I figured we cold share a limo back into Manhattan." Alicia was looking at the small blonde trying to remember where she had seen her before. She was figuring to make Parker suffer a little for forgetting to invite her to the match. Getting her back was not going to be so easy for the jock this time around.

"Sorry, Alicia, Parker has a ride back into the city. I'll tell her you came to watch the match. Thanks from both of us. After all as you know, dedicated fans are what it's all about." He didn't want to be rude but he pushed his group forward before Alicia had any chance to cause a scene. Maybe tonight Parker could have dinner and stay dry throughout the meal.

Emily stood back and let Parker have a moment to greet her two sisters. It looked like Bobbie kept pinching herself at the good fortune their day had turned out to be. Getting to see the match would have been good enough, but on the way in they had seen a number of other players milling around the locker room waiting for their time to play.

"You think if you slept with her, we can come back this weekend?" Bobbie asked Emily in a whisper.

"I slept with her last night and you got court side box seats out of it, so don't push your luck." Before Bobbie could ask her about what she had said Parker called them over.

"Congratulations, that was an awesome match you played." Parker accepted Emily's hug and kept a long arm draped over the pilot's shoulders as she waited to be introduced to Emily's friend.

"Yeah, great game, Ms. King. Thank you so much for the tickets, that was a once in a lifetime experience," gushed Bobbie as she pumped Parker's hand.

"Bobbie, honey, she needs that hand to play this week," said Emily. She smiled up at Parker hoping the player didn't mind over exuberant fans. "Parker, this is my friend Bobbie Daley, and in case you haven't caught on, she's a big fan of women's tennis."

"Ah, my running companion. You kept up pretty good until that last two miles." Parker laughed at the tall woman's blush. Emily's friend was all right now that she knew they weren't sleeping together. "How about I treat you two to dinner?"

"Don't you want to go with your sisters?" asked Emily.

"They are doing a spot for the local sports channel tonight so they can't make it, but if you two have plans that's ok."

"No, I'd love to. How about it, Bobbie, wanna go and eat?" Emily sunk closer into Parker and wrapped her arm around her waist.

"I don't want to get in the way." Bobbie wanted to go, but hesitated on being a third wheel.

Parker reached out and patted Bobbie on the shoulder. "Come on, I want you to go. That way if the mad bomber here throws any more hot chocolate on me, I can use you as a shield."

Bobbie moved around the space looking at the multitude of pictures that chronicled the past tournaments giving Parker and Emily some time alone. All the winner had to do was put her shoes on to finish getting dressed and she was sitting on one of the benches putting her socks on.

"Thanks again for the tickets, I loved watching you play." Emily sat beside Parker wanting to be close to her. That morning had been bliss when she woke up and felt the long body pressed up against her back. Emily was so comfortable she had drifted back to sleep with a smile on her face.

"Will you still be in town on Saturday?" asked Parker tying off one shoe.

"Yeah, my next flight isn't until Sunday at noon, but I'll be back that night. I'm on a light schedule until I get settled."

"Good, you can make the next match then. If you want that is." Parker played with the other shoe waiting for Emily to say something. The pilot's close proximity was throwing off her usual cocky personality.

"I would love that." The pilot leaned in some more reaching to take the shoe away from Parker. The lure of what they had discovered in Florida was starting to become more enticing to her.

Parker leaned the rest of the way and kissed her. It wasn't erotic but both of them felt the jolt. "Do you think she would survive another match?" Parker pointed to Bobbie who was studying the wall like it was a fascinating piece of art.

"Do you know CPR?" Emily looked at Parker with a serious face.

"I'm more of a mouth to mouth kind of girl."

"I'll just bet. Come on, star, your groupies are taking you out to dinner." Emily gave Parker her shoe back and stole another kiss before Parker leaned down to put it on. "Clear your schedule on Saturday, Daley, we've been invited back." The happy dance the woman by the wall did almost made Parker fall off the bench she was laughing so hard.

Bobbie took a cab home alone after they had eaten, leaving Parker and Emily alone for the walk to Emily's new apartment. They had decided on a small Chinese restaurant where Parker's presence had caused pandemonium with the staff. Emily was sure their picture would be framed and hanging on the wall the next time she went in for take out.

"Will you come up for a little while?"

"You aren't getting tired of me yet?" Parker picked up their joined hands and kissed the back of Emily's.

"I was thinking that it would be you that would be bored by now." She wanted to sound confident, but Alicia up close and personal that afternoon had messed with her head.

"For someone who has taken up a lot of my thought process since this summer, you aren't very bright." Emily laughed at the insult ready to say something back when Parker bent her head and kissed her. The passion in the soft lips erased Emily's doubts. Parker King was young, but she was the person Emily had been waiting for. The one that had awoken her soul as well as other parts of her anatomy.

"Good night, sweet Emily." Parker kissed her again before letting her go.

"Please stay."

"Take some time and think about what you want. I'm not in a hurry, Emily, but for once I'm not playing around either." The distance between them, even though it was less than three feet, was unacceptable to Emily.

"My problem up to now is that I think too much, now I just want to feel what it's like to be alive. To feel like the person you see when you look at me like that." Parker forgot about her stitches and scooped Emily up and off the ground. "Just stay and hold me. We don't have to go any further than that for now," said Emily wrapping her arms around Parker's neck for the ride upstairs.

"Come on, if I could play tennis after last night, one more evening in that bed won't kill me." The cab at the corner was asked by the passenger to just wait before reaching its destination. When the couple went upstairs together the back door opened and a twenty was handed to the driver through the plexi glass partition. A disgusted sigh was expelled from the sidewalk when the bedroom light went out and the apartment was plunged into darkness.

"Soon, my darling, soon." No one heard the promise as the cab's engine muffled it out. A man walking his dog gave the person a wide berth when he passed, hoping that the menace in the person's stance wasn't directed at him.

************************************************************************

"Don't forget to pick up flowers. Women love that," shouted Gray from the bathroom. Kimmie was busy straightening Parker's collar and making sure their little sister looked her best.

"I'm not trying to score here, Viper, I'm just trying to get the girl to want to see me again."

"She's seen you plenty and the thrill isn't gone so you must be doing something right, kiddo. I think the camera crews have caught on after all the pan shots of the box yesterday. What's Captain Emily going to say when she makes the cover of the Enquirer as Alicia's replacement?" Gray was kidding but the way Parker acted around Emily let Kimmie and her know this one was different.

"Hopefully not good bye." Parker sighed not knowing how Emily would take being thrust into the limelight simply because of who she chose to date.

"No chance of that, Park. Go get the girl and tell her we said hello, and don't stay out too late. Tomorrow's a school day and Marsha Cooper wants to feed you tennis balls for lunch." Kimmie held up Parker's coat so she could finish getting dressed.

Sunday had gone at a slow pace except for her morning practice session with Natasha. Emily had left early that morning for the airport and her flight down to Miami. She was due to return at nine and had made arrangements to meet Parker in the city. After Parker's win on Saturday, both Emily and Bobbie had made arrangements to be at Monday afternoon's game. Parker had grown fond of Bobbie, laughing when the tall blonde offered to give her a kidney should she need it after the fabulous tennis she had gotten to see.

"Should I wait here, miss?" The limo pulled up to the Virgin gates and the driver was holding the door for Parker.

"This should be great, thanks. It was a round trip so I doubt she has luggage so we should be right out." Parker reached back and grabbed the two-dozen long stemmed pink roses she had ordered before getting out of the car.

"Very good, I'll see you in a few minutes."

A representative from the airline met her at the security entrance and escorted Parker to Emily's gate. The young man told her that because of a storm system over Georgia the flight had to make a detour further over the Atlantic so they were running fifteen minutes late.

The passengers started to get off and run either to pick up their luggage or catch their connections, while Parker stood up and waited for the crew to deplane. The first one into the terminal was Willy, the flight attendant that had been on the London flight she had taken home from Wimbledon. He gave her thumbs up and came to shake her hand smiling after guessing who she was there to see. He motioned for the rest of his co-workers to slow down to see how this was going to play out. Emily deserved to be seen in a different light by her crew and Willy didn't want them to miss the opportunity.

Emily stepped out after taking a minute to power down the cockpit and gather all her things. Getting back to Parker had been her main priority all day and her one wish was there wouldn't be ton of traffic heading into the city. Bobbie had promised to take care of a surprise for here once Parker left for practice and Emily hoped she had pulled it off.

"Excuse me, stewardess, could I bother you for some hot chocolate?" The rumbly voice made Emily snap her head up and look toward the waiting area seats. Parker was standing there looking like a Ralph Lauren model holding a bouquet of roses, and the sight made Emily's heart melt. Romantic notions had not been one of her former partner's traits. Without thought for where she was nor for Parker's injury, Emily ran the short distance, jumped on Parker and gave her a scorching kiss. The only thing that broke their lips apart was the applause coming from the shocked crew led by Willy.

"Welcome back, Captain. How would you like to have dinner with me?" Emily ran her hands under the jacket and up the crisp pale yellow shirt Parker had on once her feet hit the ground and wished Parker would just carry her back to the city so she wouldn't have to pull her hands away.

"You think I'm one of those easy fly girls that'll be swayed by flowers and a handsome younger woman?" Her hands came out of the jacket and went up to Parker's neck.

"You're not?"

"What else you got to offer, tennis pro?" Emily laced her fingers behind Parker's head and pulled a little trying to get the long body to bend a little.

"All I have left is a limo and a reservation at the Four Seasons, but I could probably get you some tennis tickets too, if that isn't enough."

"I'm thinking that your just being here was enough." Emily pulled Parker's head down and kissed her. When someone cleared their throat close to them, Emily broke her lips away from Parker's and turned staying glued to the tall body that was holding her close.

"Emily?"

"Gail? What in the world are you doing here?" The question came out harsh and Emily saw a flash of anger and hurt cross her ex-lover's face. Despite the fact Emily wasn't in love with the woman any more, Gail had shared years of her life so Emily softened her tone. "I mean, how are you?"

Gail had been sitting far away enough from Parker that the tennis player hadn't noticed her. In the months they had been apart, Gail had become consumed with thoughts of getting Emily back but hadn't been able to find where she had been staying. They had talked on the phone a couple of times from Emily's work but Emily couldn't get over what had happened at the beach and had offered that as an explanation of why she couldn't be with Gail anymore. The conversations usually ended with Emily hanging up when Gail started screaming obscenities into the phone. Now Gail knew the truth.

After seeing her on television, by chance, sitting with Bobbie at the Open she had a good idea why Emily had left. Tonight one of the people she had met with Emily at the airline had been gracious enough to provide her ex-lover's schedule, but Parker's being there had not been in her plans. But then again, Parker was the reason Emily had left her. Gail had gone over it in her mind a million times, convinced that her actions and her drinking would have not mattered if Parker hadn't entered the picture.

"I miss you, Em, and I just wanted a chance to talk to you. This summer you left without even giving me a chance to make things right. I'd have come to see you earlier but I didn't know how to get in touch with you." Gail held her own flowers behind her back and hoped the simpler arrangement would be more to Emily's liking.

Seeking comfort, Emily leaned further into Parker hoping she didn't get disgusted and pull away. Not one to disappoint, Parker put her hand on Emily's hip. "I'm sorry you came all this way but I'm not ready to see you yet. We just didn't work out, Gail, and it wasn't the actions over a short vacation that made it that way. It's time for you to move on and accept that, and try to find someone or something to make you happy."

"How convenient for you. What's going to happen when you aren't the flavor of the week?" Gail spat out letting all the venom she felt toward Parker coming out. She and Emily had never had problems until the tennis pro had come into their lives Gail thought.

"Come on, Captain, this isn't worth you time. She just wants to goad you into a fight so you'll feel as bad as she does." Emily took her roses from Parker and turned away from Gail. But there was a little part of her brain that wanted to know the answer to Gail's question. What would happen when Parker moved on to the next conquest?

"Face it, Emily, you belong to me." Gail dropped the flowers and grabbed Emily's arm and tried to yank her away from Parker.

"If you don't want me to force feed you these roses, I suggest you let her go. Now!" yelled Parker. When Gail didn't immediately respond, Parker grabbed Gail's wrist and squeezed until she released her hold. "Unless she invites you to touch her again, don't or you'll have to deal with me."

"Take me home?" asked Emily when Parker turned around and faced her.

Parker put her arm around Emily's shoulder and walked her out to the waiting car. "Are you all right? You seem quiet tonight." Parker watched as Emily pulled one of the roses out of the bunch lying beside her on the car seat and bring it up to her nose.

"Did you know that pink roses are some of the only ones left that still have a fragrance of the ones sold in flower shops?" asked Emily.

"It's because red is more popular thus they are bred for bloom quality and lasting value, so something had to be sacrificed. The pink and yellow ones smell sweet but they die faster." Emily seemed surprised that Parker knew the answer to the question she had just asked, but then thought of all the time Parker spent reading at home and in hotel rooms. Reading in hotel rooms whenever she wasn't entertaining some adoring fan or other famous woman that wanted Parker's attention.

"Sometimes life's like that," said Emily. Parker took the rose in Emily's hand away from her and held it up to her nose before saying anything.

"That the best parts are sweet but fleeting? Is that what you mean?" asked Parker catching on to what Emily was trying to say.

"Maybe. The age old question should be whether to cut them and take possession of them to enjoy their beauty for that fleeting moment, or leave them and just admire them from afar." Emily looked up to Parker's face finally and into the eyes that looked light blue against the yellow of her shirt. The thought of not being able to be this close to look into Parker's eyes again sent a real pain through her chest.

"Stick to the ones that are bred to look good but hold no pleasure for you, huh?" The corners of Parker's eyes crinkled a bit when she added a smile to the end of her question. "They're more reliable for the long haul, but that's not what'll make you happy."

"Something like that."

"Why don't you look at it this way? The red ones have been cultivated for endurance, that's their fate so to speak, but these are complete," explained Parker holding up the pink bloom.

"What do you mean?" Emily asked wanting to be convinced by the earnest face looking so kindly at her.

"They, in their lifetime, can bring you all the happiness they can. A lifetime of caring went into the final product that's offered to you. The flower doesn't know what time it has before it withers and dies. All it wants is for you to be happy until that time comes." Parker handed the rose back to Emily with a smile. The experiences I've had up to now, Emily, are what made me the person I am. It is the only flawed flower I can give you.

"What happens when other people covet the same flower?" asked Emily as their hands met.

"You can't covet something that belongs to someone else, sweetheart. If you harvest it, it belongs to you. If you want it, that is." Emily looked at the long tapered fingers being offered to her. "Too much, too soon?" asked Parker.

"Doesn't the flower have some say?" asked Emily smiling at the turn the conversation had taken.

"The flower just feels lucky." The smaller hand that took hers felt wonderful to Parker.

"How so?"

"Because, look at the beautiful vase it's found to stick her stem in."

The laugh started small and by the end the driver looked in the rearview mirror to make sure Emily was all right. When the deep belly laugh stopped she said from Parker's chest, "I'd have to love you, because you are obviously losing your touch."

"What do you mean?" Parker tried to sound indignant as she pulled Emily closer to her.

"Honey, that's the worst pickup line I've ever heard. Who else is going to fall for that? Wait don't answer that. You look and smell so good, I'm sure people like Alicia don't care what comes out of your mouth." Emily blushed when she thought of other things Parker could be doing with her mouth if they were alone, and the body under her laughed softly at her coloring.

"I love you, Emily, and I don't want to talk about anyone else tonight."

"Say it again," demanded Emily in a hoarse whisper.

Parker felt Emily's lips against her own when she had asked the question they were so close together. "I love you, Emily." She put a hand in Emily's hair and closed the small gap between their lips.

With her eyes still closed from the kiss, Emily confessed, "The minute you turned the corner to step onto my plane all those months ago, I knew you were going to change my life. I love you too." Emily was content to sit and enjoy the ride at Parker's side for the rest of the drive.

They would eventually have to talk about the logistics of their relationship, but the details could wait. Things like how many states separated their addresses and the past lovers that seemed to keep popping up. Emily thought they could deal with all that because they had crossed a significant hurdle. The most important thing was that Parker loved her.

************************************************************************

When they got back to Emily's apartment after dinner, Emily stopped Parker at the front door with the key in her hand. "Close your eyes." Emily held her hands up and wouldn't let Parker through the door until she complied with her demands.

"Emily, you don't have any furniture so there's nothing to see."

"I have a surprise for you, and I want you to close your eyes." Walking backward, Emily led Parker through the small apartment hoping Bobbie had come though. "Sit," she demanded of the woman with her eyes closed tight.

"You got me a chair."

"Have you always been this much of a smart ass?" Emily pushed the larger body to sit.

"Yes, it helps that I look good in tennis whites so people don't seem to mind." Parker put her hands on Emily's hips but kept her eyes closed.

"Lie back."

"Hey, you got a new bed." With her feet on the floor, Parker could still feel there was plenty of real estate above her head. "Thanks." When she opened her eyes she found her packed bags by the door.

"Too presumptuous?" Emily asked with her brows furrowed in anticipation. Bobbie had helped with the bed, but Kimmie and Gray had delivered Parker's stuff.

Parker sat back up and pulled Emily closer to her. "Abby's not here, is he?"

"I could have him flown up if you want."

The zipper to Emily's skirt sounded loud in the mostly empty apartment as it came undone. "No, I'm sure he's loving doggy camp." With the waist loosened, Parker pulled out the blouse.

"Could I get you anything else?" Parker shook her head and started on the buttons. When they were all open, it was Emily's bra that made Parker stop.

"Matching set?" asked Parker. Emily nodded her head then pushed Parker's jacket off her shoulders as she felt her skirt pool at her feet after a gentle pull from Parker to confirm the fact it was a matching set. The big hands were back tracing softly the lace patterns of the black panties she had on.

Thank God I wasn't rushed to the hospital for anything today. Emily smiled through the sexual haze Parker was putting her in, thinking that she hadn't once worn anything like she had today under her uniform. Give it up you wanted this, Emily, she thought as more of her clothing came off.

"If you want, I'll give them to you as a gift." Emily wanted those magic fingers to keep mapping, but over her naked skin sounded so much better. It seemed that faster than one of Parker's serves, she was standing naked before roving blue eyes. "Stand up for me."

Parker did as Emily wanted and the minute she straightened up, two persistent hands were all over her belt. Emily was impatient with the button and zipper on Parker's pants, but they came undone before she had to tear them open. She wanted to feel Parker's skin before she exploded, but it was more than want, it was a driving need. The second Parker's pants pooled around her ankles, Emily pulled her underwear down to join them.

"Take it easy, Em, we have all night."

"I'm sorry, I just need to feel you. I've been thinking about you all day and if I don't get relief I may not be able to fly again soon." Emily pushed Parker into a sitting position again and straddled one of the long legs. When she tipped her hips forward, Parker got a good idea of just how turned on Emily was. The moisture the pilot was painting on the surface of her leg gave her a clue.

"Tell me what you want." Parker held her in place so Emily wouldn't fall off, but not so tightly that it would hamper her movements.

"Kiss me." Parker's hands on her butt and the starched shirt rubbing against her nipples were driving Emily crazy.

Parker complied with her wish and sucked Emily's tongue into her own mouth when she initiated the kiss. Emily's hips were keeping perfect synchronization with Parker's mouth so it took her a minute to realize the contact between her legs was gone because Parker had stood up.

"No, I'm so close," Emily protested.

"Ssh, baby, lie back and trust me. I'll take care of you, I promise." It was the last words Parker wanted to say until Emily's need was sated. Emily was about to protest again, but looked at Parker as she hovered over her. She wanted nothing more than for the tennis player to cover her and take her places she had never been.

The mouth closing in on one of Emily's nipples tore a loud moan out of her and she arched into the exquisite feeling. As Parker sucked both her nipples into hard almost purple points, Emily's hips came off the bed trying to make contact with any part of Parker's body.

"Please, honey, I need you."

"Then you should get what you want," said Parker as she slipped further down the bed.

With what seemed like slow agonizing movements, Parker parted the wet slick lips of Emily's sex and just took a long moment to look at the intimate place. The pilot was so turned on that the one point of her body that needed Parker the most was almost visually throbbing. Emily was about to beg some more when Parker's mouth sucked her in, in one blissful sudden move. The sweet taste that flooded her mouth made Parker take a turn at moaning.

It felt so good to feel Emily moving under her and feel her hands pulling slightly on her hair to keep her in place. Not that Parker had any intention on moving now. When Emily realized it, she moved one hand from Parker's head and took a strangle hold of the sheets instead. Emily could feel the flat of Parker's tongue slide up the length of her wetness when she started to give every part more attention.

"Parker, please, baby, I need you." One of the hands that had been holding her butt off the mattress slipped out and ran the length of Emily's leg after her plea while the other one ran over her abdomen on the way back to her chest and a still hard nipple.

"I want to make you feel good, Em. Relax for me and let me do just that." Parker followed her promise by putting her mouth back on Emily and getting her wetter for what came next. Two long fingers made slow circles around Emily's opening and the blonde started crying she wanted them to go in so bad.

Parker had Emily's hips moving and when they thrust down to the mattress trying to suck her fingers in she pushed them in all the way, getting Emily to let out a scream she figured the neighbors heard when she got what she had been waiting for. With only three strokes, Emily's movements stopped and her legs clamped around Parker's head with a vengeance.

The good thing was they did have all night because the end had come to quick for Emily, but the rush was her own fault. Parker's head was resting on her stomach and her hands were on both sides of Emily's body until she realized that Emily was crying. Parker moved up and took the small woman in her arms until the emotions passed and her breathing got back to normal.

Emily was surprised that she had allowed herself to let go like she had. She felt almost wanton in the way she had nearly demanded satisfaction. It was the first time she had cried out like that at the end. So caught up in Parker's mouth and her fingers, Emily had let out a scream not caring what anyone thought that might have heard.

Sex had never been about passion with her. For Emily it was an obligation of her relationships, just the price you had to pay for companionship. The act itself had never been mind blowing, but that's what Parker had made it for her and now she felt so special.

"If I tell you something, will you promise not to try and take it the wrong way?" Parker looked down at the blonde head after hearing the strange question.

The blue eyes looked almost aqua to Emily as they looked squarely into hers when she lifted her head off of Parker's chest. Parker looked apprehensive when she answered, "Sure, I'll try."

"I have never been fucked like that before." After Emily had said it, it sounded harsh even to her, and the split second she had finished saying it, Parker rolled her off, got off the bed and reached for her pants. "What're you doing?"

"Forgive me, Emily, I thought this was more than just getting fucked. If that's all you wanted, you should've said something back in July." The shirt almost ripped at the way Parker savagely tucked it back into her pants. Two trembling arms came around her neck when she sat to put her shoes on and it took all of Parker's will power not to shrug them off. This is why you shouldn't feel anything, Park, it hurts too damn much.

"I'm sorry, that didn't come out right." Emily's voice was almost to the point of pleading and she had no intention of letting go even if Parker dragged her outside naked.

"I don't know, sometimes the truth's what comes out the easiest in these circumstances."

"It's the truth, but I should've phrased it better. Please, honey, just stop and listen to me." Emily tightened her hold trying to stop Parker from getting dressed further. "No one's ever made me feel like you just did."

"Like what, a groupie?" Emily wanted to cry at the bowed head and dejected sound in Parker's voice.

"No, like a woman that's desirable enough to take like you did. I've never needed anyone to touch me like I need you, and I've certainly never craved someone like I do you. I'm in love with you, Parker, but I'm glad that I won't want to find excuses for you not to love me here." Emily moved so she was straddling Parker's leg again and reached for one of Parker's hands. The hand where the fingers were still moist from where they had been buried and put it back between her legs. "I'm sure for the most part we'll make love and make each other feel good, but the way I feel right now, it was more than that. That's never happened to me, baby."

"Never?" Parker's head came up a little and looked at Emily's face.

"Not until you. Forgive me?" Emily hoped the argument was over because the hand buried between her legs was doing interesting things to the libido she didn't realize she possessed. "Say yes. I really want you to." From her position she began to undress Parker, the whole way this time.

"I guess I could when you put it that way." Parker didn't move her hand as the buttons on her clothes came loose.

"The world will be happy to know you have melted the ice queen. Of course, the bad thing will be that the tennis world will be deprived of one of its brightest stars." Emily moved Parker's hand only to get her shirt and bra off, then put it back. Her hips started to move as soon as Parker started to stroke her and she could fee the wetness starting to pool again.

"Why's that?" asked Parker moving Emily to lie down again. She wanted to take her time this go round and show the pilot just how good this act could be. Parker figured she would be in big trouble if the small blonde ever figure out how much she craved her in return.

"You have a new job now, Kong, and that's love slave." The fact that Parker was laughing so hard made it easy to flip her around so it was Parker with her back on the new mattress giving Emily easy access to the wetness she had been craving since Parker had taken her pants off.

"Christ," was all Parker said when Emily had reached her destination at the end of the bed. When Parker felt the orgasm Emily had been building up in her coming on, she sat upright for a second and pulled the blonde to the head of the bed with her. Taking a second to get them both ready, Parker put Emily's hand between her legs and returned the favor by stroking Emily in return.

Parker swallowed the blonde's screams this time with a kiss as they both plunged to the end together. When it was over Emily stayed where she was and drifted off to sleep after telling Parker she loved her. Her last conscious thought was that she was going to give all her pajamas to charity in the morning now that Parker was in her life.

************************************************************************

"Your legs looked a little weak in that last game. Is something bothering you?" Gary was down in the locker room as Parker was packing her gear back up. Her latest win put them in the semi-final match, but it had lasted longer than any of her previous matches in the tournament.

"Nothing's wrong, Gary, quit worrying. Maybe I just wanted to give the crowd their money's worth this time."

"Sure you did. Could it be some good looking blonde that's keeping you up nights?" He tried to sound upset, but the fact that Parker looked so happy was giving him a hard time pulling it off.

"Does this mean she's not allowed to come over and play anymore?" asked Emily from behind them.

"Hey there, Captain, did you enjoy the match?" asked Parker.

Emily came over and stood by the bag Parker was shoving stuff into and kissed her. Bobbie had gripped her hand so tight at times during some of the games that Emily was sure it was going to leave a bruise. At one point when Marsha had broken Parker's serve twice, Emily was afraid Parker's dream of an Open title was in jeopardy the woman looked so tired.

"You, cute stuff, know how to show a girl an exciting time. Bobbie may need counseling later, but I loved it. Is there anything I can get you?" Emily ran her fingers through Parker's wet hair trying to get her pro to relax.

"A nap would be nice."

"Done. Come on, unless you have something else to talk to her about, Gary?" Parker's coach shook his head and kissed them both on the cheek before leaving. Parker slipped on some sandals and a pair of light sweat pants and was ready to go. Her new greatest fan, Bobbie had offered them a ride back to Emily's apartment making her happy that she wouldn't feel the need to make small talk.

When they stepped outside there were a number of fans waiting for Parker hoping to get her autograph before she left the complex for the day. Emily stepped to the side to let the kids that were trying to get Parker's attention get closer. None of them noticed the black ski mask being pulled down toward the back of the small crowd. Emily was concentrating on the rapt little faces looking up at their tennis god until the glimmer in the sunlight made her shift her focus to the right.

Emily's scream made Parker turn her body around to see what the problem was. They all watched in horror as the knife sliced in to the hilt. It happened so fast that Parker was stunned into stillness. The crying that Emily was doing is what made her look down. The sight made her think she was in shock since no pain accompanied the attack.

"Oh you're going to die for this," threatened Parker when she figured what had stopped the knife from going in.

The player's outrage is what made the attacker look down with her. The knife meant for Parker was now buried in the large black bag slung over her shoulder. One racket less, and at least part of the blade would have cut into her side. Before the idiot that had tried to stab her could pull the knife out, Parker dropped the bag and took a swing. There was no need for another one because security had arrived and taken over for her.

"Are you hurt?" Emily's question was almost not understandable through her tears. She had had been with Parker for less than three weeks and she had been attacked twice. She ran her hands over the long body praying she wouldn't find any blood.

"Em, calm down, I'm not hurt. I can't say the same for that asshole if security gives me a few minutes alone." Parker pointed to the masked assailant who was struggling not to be cuffed.

Once they had them under control, on of the police officers pulled the mask off to see if Parker could identify her attacker, getting a surprise when both she and Emily could. The face was recognizable even with the split lip Parker had provided with the one punch she had gotten in.

"Gail?" Both Parker and Emily asked together.

Continued in Chapter 7 (Conclusion)

Comments to: terrali20@yahoo.com

The Athenaeum's Scroll Archive

~ Game, Set and Match ~
by Ali Vali

Disclaimers: See Part 1

Chapter 7

"Ma'am, please you can't attack a person in handcuffs." One of the security personnel was looking at Parker to see if she was willing to help him pry Emily off the woman the police were trying to take into custody. The second the ski mask had come off everyone had been taken by surprise when Emily had gone after Gail with the intent to cause her major pain, and had actually gotten in a few blows before the security personnel got a hold of her.

"Why the hell not? She just tried to kill Parker. I would think that gives me the right to punch her." She kept her fist balled up in case the security officer agreed with her.

"Come on, slugger, before they drag you off to the pokey too," said Parker. It was Gail that tired to advance on them when Parker came closer and hugged Emily to her body. The tall guy that had been holding her just knocked Gail to the ground and sat on her until the police that had just arrived could take her into custody.

"Do you know this woman, Ms. King?" The man asking flashed his badge as two other officers took Gail toward a waiting patrol car.

Parker explained how she knew Gail and why she thought the woman had attacked her. The one thing she didn't know was if it had been Gail that had attacked her that night outside the restaurant. When Gary, Parker's sisters and Bobbie came looking for them, the police had already taken Gail away.

"Are you sure you aren't hurt?" Emily wanted to cry again now that the reason for her anger was sitting in the back of a police cruiser. She had wanted to die when she had watched the blade plunge into Parker's side with all the force Gail could muster.

"I'm fine, baby, I swear. She didn't touch me, but I wish security hadn't gotten here so fast." The small hands didn't stop until Emily was satisfied that the knife had only ripped into the bag and not Parker.

"Why?"

"Because," started Parker as she bent and unzipped her bad pulling out two of the rackets. "The bitch sliced through all my gut and the guy I like to string my rackets is back in Florida." The two rackets Parker held up both had a matching hole off the center.

"I'm sure we can find someone who can do them to you liking in the city, honey." Emily wanted to laugh at the face Parker was giving her, but figured Parker wouldn't appreciate it. The feeling of overwhelming humor came again considering what could have happened to Parker when Gary noticed what his star was holding and tears sprung to his eyes.

"All of them?" The coach's partner asked. Parker nodded her head to Nick's question getting him to start dialing a number into his cell phone.

Beside him Gary's only comment was, "And Günter's back in Tampa." Emily figured they would eventually clue her into what the big deal was as the group examined every racquet in the bag.

The ride back to Emily's apartment was traveled in silence once they were done talking to the police detective assigned to the case. Bobbie looked in the rearview mirror a couple of times when the traffic slowed to see Emily holding a sleeping Parker. When their eyes met, Emily held up crossed fingers and smiled. Having an ex-lover try to murder the current one was a new experience for her. I didn't know I was worth fighting over to this extreme.

After a shower Parker went in to take a nap alone since Bobbie and Emily were going to walk up the street to pick up some food at the restaurant down the street. Emily had invited the King sisters and Natasha over for dinner after they swore eating on the floor wouldn't be a problem for them. They were a half a block away on their way back when the two women noticed a car drive up and two men get out.

Both of the athletic looking guys retrieved large black bags out of the trunk of their car then consulted a slip of paper as if looking for an address. Before they had a chance to start walking the street looking for it, Emily and Bobbie arrived.

"Can I help you?" Emily shifted the bag of food in her arms and kept a good distance from the two strangers.

"Please, if you could tell me where this address is?" The tall blonde man had a heavy German accent and held the paper in his hand for Emily to take.

"That's an easy one, since it's mine. Is there something you want?" Emily handed him his paper back and waited for an answer.

"We have a delivery for Parker King, and Gary said this is where we could find her." Emily recognized the shape of the bags as similar to the one Parker carried her gear in and smiled figuring Parker would like whatever might be in them.

"Racquets, I'm guessing?"

"Yes, ma'am. A few of the ones that were cut today and some extras our boss thought she would like to try. The company flew Gunter in on a special flight to take care of everything, so hopefully he'll be finished with the rest of them by tonight." The front door of the building opened and Parker came out wearing the sweat pants and t-shirt she had left on the bed that morning. Looking better rested and wearing shoes she stepped beside Emily and gave her a kiss.

"Who's their boss?" Emily pointed to the two men dressed similar to Parker.

"One of the vice presidents for the company that makes Head rackets," answered Parker before moving to shake hands with the two delivery guys. With their greetings out of the way, one of the blondes started opening cans of balls and dropping them into a practice basket he had pulled out of the trunk. Emily was about to ask what he was doing when Parker unzipped one of the bags on the sidewalk and pulled out a slew of racquets.

For the next hour Emily and the guests she had invited sat on the steps of her building watching Parker play tennis in the street. Methodically Parker took each racquet out of the bags and tried them until there were six standing against Emily's legs.

Parker picked up one of the new ones her sponsor had sent over and popped open a last can of balls. With a smile on her face she called out to Bobbie, "Want to play with me?"

"Ooh, Bobbie, I'd be careful, I'm familiar with that look she gets. You may be in trouble." Natasha laughed when Emily's friend gulped beside her.

"Try to remember I don't do this for a living. Ok?"

"I'll do my best." Parker winked at Emily before tossing up the first ball. Some of the little boys that had been watching ran after the ball when Bobbie swung at it and missed. Emily's new neighbors along the block had gotten a kick watching a more personal Open played so they could watch out their windows.

Gray snorted some beer out of her nose when an elderly woman had asked Emily if she was planning on dating Becky Hammon from the New York Liberty next to let her know so she could make it down to the playground to watch. The volleyball player was trying to decide if the old lady's question or Emily's blush was funnier.

"Thanks guys, tell Wilson I appreciate the prompt service." Parker shook hands with the two tennis players that had delivered her racquets.

"His name's Wilson and he works for Head?" asked Emily. Parker cuffed her softly in the back of her head before taking one bag upstairs. Gary and Nick grabbed the other one happy that had turned out all right including having all the tools Parker would need for the rest of the tournament.

Upstairs Emily and Natasha worked in the kitchen heating up the food that had sat forgotten on the stoop when Parker had started to play. Emily took notes on how much to order the next time she had the idea to invite a pack of ravenous athletes to her house for dinner. After the kisses and hugs goodbye at the stoop, Kimmie and Gray offered to get Bobbie and Natasha back to their doorsteps for the night, and the guys flagged a passing cab so Emily took her player upstairs for a hot bath.

"You must've sweat off five pounds out there, and picked up another six in dirt." Parker didn't take Emily's fussing too seriously since the blonde was kneeling next to the tub naked. She stepped in and kneeled between Parker's legs so she could wash her hair. "Move one leg up for me, sweetheart."

Parker draped half of her left leg out of the tub to give Emily room to get closer. When Emily did, Parker sucked in the nipple right in front of her getting Emily to forget what she was doing for a moment.

"You taste so good," said Parker from around her now perky friend.

"Oh no, you can stop right there. I know you don't have to play tomorrow, but you are going to bathe and going to bed. As much as I love watching your cute butt running around the court, I like those short matches much better. I have a feeling you do to." Emily heard and felt Parker release her with a 'pop.'

"You're no fun."

"I just want to take care of you." Emily rinsed the suds out of Parker's hair and finished the task with a kiss.

"And I thank you for it," said Parker with a smile. When Parker was dry and in another t-shirt and shorts, Emily propped her up against the headboard of the bed and fed her dessert.

Parker could hear Emily cleaning the dishes they had used, but the smaller woman had given her strict orders to stay in bed and out of the kitchen. She was hoping it really was because Emily wanted her to rest and not because she didn't know what to say after what had happened earlier in the afternoon. Emily cuddled up to her as soon as she had turned out the lights and slipped into a short nightgown.

"Thanks for coming out for all my games so far. It means a lot to me to look up and see you sitting up in the stands." Parker spoke softly and pulled Emily closer. The compact body loaded with curves felt so good pressed up against her that Parker couldn't help but let her hands roam a little. Emily was so physically beautiful she reminded Parker of a line she had read in a book. "She had an hour glass figure with an extra thirty minutes tacked on for kicks." Or something like that, now I know what he meant. The thought ran through Parker's mind as her hand came to rest on Emily's backside.

Emily's mouth curled up in a smile after hearing what Parker had said. It was sweet considering the amount of people around the globe glued to their televisions so they could watch Parker play, that it'd be Emily the pro was the most excited to have there. "Not more than it means to me to be there to watch you play. In a way it's kind of strange." The long body under Emily's jiggled her a bit when she laughed.

"Strange?"

"Not strange as in bizarre, sweetie. Strange as in seeing someone who does something for a living that other people want to go see and cheer on. Does that make sense to you?"

"I've never thought of it that way."

"I'm not complaining, it's nice looking down and watching you do something you love. I love flying, but I don't have a fan club, and my naked butt isn't on a bill board at Time Square." Emily kissed the patch of skin under her lips wishing the tournament was over so Parker could relax for a couple of weeks.

"Don't be so sure about that, I'm a big fan of yours, and if you want I can have Nick talk to Nike. I've seen your butt, and it definitely competes with mine any day at Time Square."

"I don't know why you'd be a fan of mine. I almost got you killed today." Emily moved up a little and pressed her fingers against Parker's mouth to stop the protest that was coming. "You know I'm right. Crazy wouldn't have tried to kill you if it wasn't for me."

Parker opened her mouth and nipped at Emily's fingers getting her to laugh and forget about the mood the smaller woman was falling into. "I'd want to kill someone too if they stole you away from me, Em. You're so special, and I love you so much," the fingers came back to stop Parker again as a blush colored Emily's face.

The thought of what could have happened to Parker flooded through Emily's brain again like a nightmare and she released a sob from deep in her chest. When Gail's knife had sliced into Parker's bag, in that one second of violence Emily realized she had fallen so in love with her it would have killed her to see Parker hurt. What a tragedy would it have been to know that in one instant, then have it torn away from you in the next heartbeat?

"You didn't steal me away from anyone, Parker. I tried, I really did but all the fighting and drinking wore me down. That night Gail scared me out on those dunes and I've never been able to forget the look on her face as she fought herself not to hurt me. Now she's tried to hurt you," Emily's tears fell in earnest at the admission.

"Hey, Em, it's ok. We are fine and Gail can't hurt us anymore. Come on now, it's going to be fine." Parker gathered the crying woman into her arms and just held her as she talked. "Want to hear what I figured out today?" The blonde head nodded against her chest as the crying slowed and was replaced by hiccups.

"I was playing today and Marsha was kicking my ass, gloating the whole time and for a while there I was thinking I was going to lose to America's sweetheart." Emily looked up from Parker's chest interested in where this story was going. "Last year that thought would have pissed me off because of the work that goes into preparing for a tournament like the Open, but this year I figured you wouldn't think any less of me if I lost so it didn't matter as much. I looked up there and saw you biting your thumbnail and it hit me."

"What did, sweetheart?"

"I love you, Emily. Don't get me wrong, I don't think of you as a trophy, but if I could win your heart, I could never win another game of tennis and it wouldn't matter." In books someone confesses love and the girl gives them a huge kiss, she doesn't break down like her dog just died, thought Parker as Emily started sobbing into her chest again.

"You could tell me that a million times a day and I'll never get tired of hearing it." Parker used the bottom of her t-shirt to wipe Emily's face dry after she got her confession out through her tears.

"Enough tears for one night, cute stuff. Let's get some sleep so you won't be tired at work tomorrow. Where're you headed in the morning?"

"A morning flight to Houston then Dallas, where I'll get to cool my jets for three hours before heading back. I took the shitty schedule this time so I could get off to watch the rest of your matches." Parker rolled them over so she could tuck the blankest around Emily's body. After a gentle kiss, Parker spooned around behind her and relaxed.

"How am I going to sleep when you go back to Florida?" Emily asked putting her hand over the one Parker had rested on her abdomen under her nightgown.

"That's easy, I'm not going back to Florida. At least not without you." Emily smiled in the dark at the answer and pulled Parker's hand up between her breasts. Behind her Parker smiled as well knowing that the answer had put to rest some of the demons in Emily's mind.

************************************************************************

"Sir, we found this in one of the drawers in the desk located in the study. We also bagged numerous newspaper articles on Ms. King and her playing schedule." The uniformed policeman handed the senior detective a bag with a letter in it. The note in the plastic sheaf was like many of the others Parker had received explaining her death because she was an abomination to God.

"This doesn't make any sense." Logan Sully muttered in a low voice after reading the note for the third time. He had listened to Parker's explanation of how she knew Gail and why the broker had attacked her.

"Why not, sir?" One of the officers that had accompanied Logan to search Gail's apartment asked.

"Because she attacked Parker King because the woman stole her girlfriend. Don't you think that would make Ms. Ingles an abomination to God as well? This time there was no threat spoken during the attack." Logan continued when the two policemen looked like they weren't following what he was saying. "Outside the restaurant, Gail Ingles runs up to Parker King and stabs her. But before she does, she say's 'Death to those who go against God,' or something to that effect. Two weeks later she does the same thing, only this time in broad daylight but dressed the same using the same weapon. I don't think the same person did this, but where did the Ingles woman get this note. If you compare it to all the others Parker King's coach showed me, I'd be willing to bet my paycheck they match."

"I'm thinking the bitch is crazy, boss. More crazy now than she was two weeks ago. The head shrinkers call that spiraling mental illness."

"All right, Sigmund, collect the rest of the stuff and let's head back to the precinct. I'm sure that Ms. King would like to know that the nut that sent all the notes is locked up. The sooner the better since I have money riding on the outcome of the Open this year. This Ingles woman could have cost me a fortune had she knocked Parker out of the finals."

************************************************************************

"Do you have some lunch money?" asked Parker as she helped Emily on with her jacket. The question made the pilot laugh and turn around as soon as her arms had cleared the sleeves.

"Yes, but I don't need any. The airline feeds us wherever we land, or in the air depending on the flight. What are you going to do today?"

Parker pulled Emily closer and kissed her forehead. She was worried about Emily after she'd had to wake her three times during the night from the throes of some nightmare Parker was convinced were about her. What she really wanted to do was ask Emily to stay home from work, but figured the blonde wouldn't appreciate the suggestion.

"Play tennis, watch some television then wait for you to get back. I'm going to miss you today, Captain," said Parker.

"Come down here, stretch." Emily pulled on the back of Parker's head trying to get her down to where she could reach her lips. "I'm going to miss you too. Promise you'll be careful and stay away from maniacs carrying knives until I get back?"

"I promise. You stay away from low flying birds and frisky air attendants. I'm the jealous type, so keep that in mind, Sparky."

"I'm not the one that keeps making the cover of the tabloids, Parker." Emily kissed Parker one last time before heading out to flag a cab. With any luck she would get favorable tailwinds and be back in time for them to go out to dinner.

The pilot was almost at the Virgin gates at JFK when her cell phone started ringing, and after rummaging through her purse found it before whoever was calling hung up. "Hello."

"Hey, Captain."

"What you miss me so much already, you're calling me at work?" Emily waved to one of the ticket agents who was walking into the building beside her. She almost sighed in relief when she felt the air conditioning the moment the doors slid open.

"It's true I miss you, but that's not why I'm calling. Remember this morning when you said something about me making the rag headlines every time the papers are printed?" asked Parker from the bench at the practice facility.

"Yes, I'm dating a chick magnet what can I tell you."

"Baby, are you at the airport?"

"Walking down to collect my crew and plane as we speak."

"Before you go flying off into the wild blue yonder, stop at one of the newsstands for me if you would." Parker could hear people around wherever Emily was when the pilot stopped talking and kept her fingers crossed that a big sense of humor part of the woman's makeup.

"You have got to be kidding me, Parker?" Emily looked at the front page of one of the national rags and saw herself staring back under a headline that read, 'Woman That Bagged Kong.'

The photographer had captured Emily in an unguarded moment as she cheered something Parker had done on the court. Despite the FDNY ball cap and sunglasses she had on, it was impossible not to tell who it was.

"I wanted to give you a heads up before you got teased about it."

"Thanks." Emily continued to stare at the photo and from her immobility started to get the customers around her to compare the picture to the woman looking at it with a strange expression.

"Are you mad?"

"No, honey, just surprised that anyone would do this. I'm nobody."

"Are you kidding me? You're the woman that bagged Kong. I think the mayor's going to honor you with a medal this afternoon when you get back." Parker felt better when she heard the laugh at the other end. It was a fleeting moment when she looked up and saw the detective from the day before walk across the court towards where she was sitting making her sigh.

"What's wrong?"

"I'll tell you about it this afternoon. Fly safe and I love you," said Parker before she hung up and faced the unhappy looking cop.

Emily wanted nothing more than to call Parker back and find out why she sounded so frustrated all of a sudden, but she was running late for her preflight checks. She was surprised no one was behind the desk at the gate when she got there so she just walked down the jet way to the plane to meet with the crew. Turning the corner, Emily could feel the heat in her face when every single Virgin employee in the vicinity stood by the door with a newspaper and pen in their hands. The blush only got worse when they started to clap and chant the mantra that had reverberated through center court the day before, "Kong."

"Way to go, killer. We didn't know you had it in you," teased Willy. To make her feel better he came up and hugged her then walked her to the cockpit to get her color back to normal.

"I'm not going to be able to greet passengers, am I?"

"Captain, you're in love and I'm happy for you. Don't sweat it, the only reason those people did that this morning is because they like you, not to embarrass you. If some uptight passenger gives you a hard time over this picture, they shall find an extra-added bonus in their coffee, so don't give up your routine. Besides you were just too tempting to pass up considering what you were wearing. No wonder they put you on the cover," said Willy.

"I thought Parker would get a kick out of it, so I wore it as a joke." Emily looked at the t-shirt in the picture and laughed. When she had gotten dressed after Parker had left, her top selection had been too good to pass up. Hanging off the Empire State Building was King Kong trying to knock some planes out of the sky, with the bottom caption being 'Who's Your Monkey?'

"So?" asked Willy.

"What?"

"What's the answer, silly?"

"William, at times like this it's important to remember how young Parker King is compared to us." Emily paused getting Willy to come closer and nod his head. "It truly boggles the mind how many slang off color expressions Park knows with the word monkey in them. So the simplest way to answer that question is, she's my monkey."

"Any spanking involved?" Willy's question got Emily's ears to turn red again.

"Out."

"Can you sign this for me before I go?"

"Out." Emily pointed to the door of the cockpit to go along with her command.

************************************************************************

"What can I do for you, officer?" asked Parker. She shook the hand that he had offered and wondered why he looked so unhappy.

"Good morning, Ms. King." Logan Sully held his hand out after his greeting and waited for the tennis player to take it. He figured after he told her what he came to say, she would have him tossed out.

"Please call me Parker. Do you have more questions? If you do, I'm not sure how much more I can help you but maybe refer you to my girlfriend. She lived with Gail for a number of years, so I guess that makes her more of an expert on the nut than I am."

"I came by to tell you that Ms. Ingles made bail and was released this morning." It was as if a storm cloud had passed over her face when the news sunk in and Logan almost shivered.

"How much?" asked Parker.

"How much, what?"

"How much was her bail, detective?"

Logan took a seat next to her on the bench and watched Natasha and Gary walking into the facility. "That's an interesting question, I believe it was $150,000. Why do you ask?"

"I'm figuring when Emily gets home and tries to kill Gail it's nice to know that it'll only cost me eighteen grand to get her out of jail. It's only twelve percent of the total right?"

The seasoned police officer laughed at her reasoning and was looking forward to working with the player to catch whoever else was trying to kill her. "That's right, Parker. What I wanted to ask you though is, do you think it was Gail outside the restaurant when you first got into town?"

"Detective Sully, this's my coach Gary and my practice partner Natasha." Parker waved to the two that had come to stand before them staying silent as to not interrupt. "To answer your question, no I don't. I hadn't seen Emily in two months at the time and the fact we're together is why she supposedly stabbed me, it wouldn't have been a motive then."

"Any idea who the first assailant might have been?"

"No clue. All we have are the letters the bozo keeps sending talking about God and sin. Me and my lifestyle being the sin part of the equation, thus the getting rid of me becomes important to achieve the perfect balance. Then again it could've been a crime of opportunity. Crazy person with knife and ski mask whose hobby it is to hang around nice restaurants on the off chance lesbian tennis players have dinner reservations."

Logan shook his head and laughed along with Gary and Natasha. "Good theory but I'm thinking no. I want to concentrate on that crime since we already know who committed the second attack. And please call me Logan. I agree with your coach in that there's someone out there that wants to hurt you for no other reason than how you choose to live your life, Parker. I'm going to do everything in my power to see that doesn't happen." He handed her a card with his information on it and was trying to find a reason to stay and watch a little bit of her practice session.

"Thanks, it'll be nice having someone watch my back aside from Gary and everyone else that loves me. I don't like having to put them in danger as well. Do you play?" Parker asked handing the card to Gary and picking up a racket.

"Just enough to know how bad I am at it."

"Stick around then and see if we can show you some new tricks," offered Parker.

Gary took her place on the bench and put the officer's card in his shirt pocket. The thought of having Gail out of jail and having Emily on the cover of the paper that morning made him nervous. One good thing about the whole situation was that all the danger was not affecting Parker's play. Her shots were clean and smooth, free of the stress that was spilling over in every other aspect of her life.

"I first saw Parker play in the French Open a couple of years ago and I've been a fan ever since. You look at her like this and wonder why anyone would want to hurt her. All of us would love to be as good at something in life as she is at tennis," said Logan to Gary.

"Some people are only good at hate, Logan, and that's why I always have to look over her shoulder for her. Because she sure as hell isn't going to alter anything about herself for someone who disagrees on who shares her bed at night. Thank you for helping out, anything you need from us just call." Gary offered his own card before getting up to tweak a couple of Parker's strokes.

************************************************************************

"Ladies and gentleman, if you would please pick up your trays and bring your seats into their full and upright positions we will be on the ground shortly. The temperature in New York is a balmy eighty-six degrees and the local time is nine fifteen. Any of the personnel picking up drinks will be happy to help you with any connecting flight information. On behalf of myself and the crew we want to thank you for flying Virgin and we hope to serve you with all your future flying needs." Emily turned off the microphone and concentrated on the landing lights that would lead them back into JFK.

"Good job, guys, I'm glad this day's finally over." Emily checked her position again and made some minor adjustments for their final approach. The layover in Dallas had been extended by forty-five minutes because of a stupid passenger that tried to get on with a loaded gun and had made it through the first security checkpoint. That and the newspaper cover were running a close race to trample on her last nerve.

"Anytime, Em. Any chance we'll get to meet Kong at the airport? We heard we missed out a couple of days ago," her navigator kidded her ignoring the quick glare she shot his way.

Emily stood at the door with the rest of the crew to bid farewell to at least the last couple of passengers. If she hurried she might be able to get home before eleven and Parker wouldn't be sleeping. When the crew slowed in front of her, Emily wondered why the waiting area was still crowed with people considering the hour and the fact they were in the domestic corridor of the airport. The sight was a confirmation that if Parker was the person she was going to spend the rest of her life with, that time would never be boring or lack in practical jokes.

Parker was signing autographs for some laughing fans wearing an animal tag from her ear and a leash around her neck. It wasn't until she turned and faced the crew that they could read the t-shirt that answered the question Emily's had possessed. The 'Bagged and Tagged' caption had all of them wiping tears from their eyes and Emily shaking her head.

"Yep, definitely not boring, thought Emily as Parker handed her the leash when she got close enough. "And don't you forget it, King. I have witnesses," said Emily as she puckered up for a kiss hello which Parker readily delivered. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at home resting for tomorrow."

"I have good news and not so good news. And we can talk about that later. Why don't you introduce me to all these good looking uniformed people milling around behind you?"

Emily turned around in Parker's arms and introduced her crew to Parker, feeling the bicep resting against her shoulder flex every time Parker shook hands with someone new. Their captain was thinking of giving more than one of them bathroom cleaning duty if they threw any more flirtatious looks at Parker.

"This might come in handy," said Emily as she pulled lightly on the leash in her hand before unbuckling it from Parker's neck. They walked hand in hand to the drop off and delivery where Bobbie was waiting by her car. Parker had bribed her with another ticket for the match the next day if she would give them a ride into the city. The tall blonde could see that Emily was pissed as she tried to convince the guy about to write a ticket that it'd only be a couple more minutes.

"They let her out? But she tried to kill you, Parker."

"I'm aware of this, a lot of cat gut made the ultimate sacrifice for me," joked Parker.

"This isn't funny. People who do that don't deserve to be walking around. She's probably planning her next strike now."

"Em, calm down. If anything Gail's trying to find a good attorney, not another way to kill me. I just wanted to come down here and tell you so you wouldn't be pissed when you heard it from someone else, but I see that's wishful thinking on my part," said Parker as she opened the back door of the car.

"I'm not mad at you, sweetheart. It's just not fair that you have to worry about this the night before your match."

Parker leaned over and kissed Emily again running her hand through the soft blonde hair she had come to love. "I'm not worried, baby, and I don't want you to be either."

"Yeah, why's that?"

"You should be more worried about what Bobbie's going to think of you when you don't talk to her because you're making out with me in the back seat. But just in case she's listening, she should look at the road instead of the backseat. Because if she gets into a wreck trying to get some new pointers we'll give her name and address to the papers and tell them she's the one that knocked me out of the Open. Bookies everywhere would be happy to come over for a visit." Parker laughed softly when the driver took her eyes off the rearview mirror and gave the road her full concentration.

By the time they got to the apartment, Bobbie needed a cold shower from just listening to the moans coming out of Emily, and Emily needed to be carried up the stairs because her legs refused to move except to come apart.

"Hurry with the key, honey," demanded Emily. Parker had put her down and propped her against the wall to get the door open. "I need you."

Parker got the door open and grabbed her partner to make a quick trip into the bedroom. When she got Emily on the bed and had her skirt half way off, the pilot put the brakes on any further advances.

"We have to stop, Parker."

"Stop? I don't think so."

"Yes, you have a match tomorrow and remember what happened the last time. I don't want Gary make you start staying at the hotel because I can't control myself," explained Emily.

Parker threw the skirt over her shoulder and pulled Emily's panties off in one quick move. When she started on the buttons of the shirt Emily had on, the blonde tried to squirm further up the bed and out of Parker's reach.

"I mean it, Parker, you have to stop."

Parker kneeled on the bed and moved toward Emily coming to lie beside her when she was close enough. "You want me to stop?"

"Yes I do. I don't want to, but we have to be good."

Parker ran her fingers through drenched blonde folds getting Emily to moan again. "You want me to stop doing this?"

"No. I mean yes! Don't do that."

Parker withdrew her fingers and brought them up to paint a wet spot on Emily's blouse over a hard nipple. "How about this? Should I stop doing this too?" Parker asked before biting down gently over the material.

Emily set a new record in getting her top and bra off pulling Parker's head down to her chest as soon as she was done. Once she had Parker latched on to a happy nipple, Emily dragged the big hand back between her legs. The sounds coming out of Emily were starting to drive Parker into combustion when the blonde stopped them again.

"Come on, Em, you know you want this. I can feel you want this," Parker wiggled her fingers surrounded in wet heat to drive her point home.

"Just take off your clothes before you get too caught up, baby, then get back to work." Emily pulled on the t-shirt while Parker pulled down the sweat pants she had on.

Naked, Parker lay down on Emily and just took a second to enjoy the feel of soft skin pressed against her own. The short nails dragging up her back got her to roll over until Emily was laying on her before she put her mouth and hands back to where they were before the stripping break.

When Emily's hips started to move it was Parker that stopped them. "Not yet, honey, I'm not there yet," protested Emily.

"Kneel down for me, Em." Parker was confused when Emily's face that was pressed against Parker's chest got hot and the rest of her body wasn't moving. The heat was coming from the blush and the stillness was coming from hesitancy. "What's wrong?"

"I just don't…what I mean is, I'm not usually so….I've never," rambled Emily.

"Baby, I'd never force you to do something that would make you feel uncomfortable. I don't want to tie you up or hurt you, I just want to make you feel good and what I had in mind was going to do that, I promise. You trust me right?" asked Parker. The slightly red face nodded against her shoulder getting Parker to smile. "And you know we can stop whenever you want, right?" The blonde head nodded again. "Ok, kneel down for me and face the headboard."

Emily was so timid that Parker vowed to kick Gail's ass the next time she saw her. No one acted like this unless the person they had been with had taken their time to make them feel wanted and appreciated.

Emily looked down when she felt movement on the bed, finding big blue eyes looking up at her and from the crinkles at their sides she could tell Parker was smiling. With exaggerated slowness, Parker parted the slick swollen lips of Emily's sex with her fingers before dragging her flat tongue along the same path until it found the hard button that was going to be the focal point for the next few minutes.

The moment her tongue touched the place Emily most wanted her, Parker got the result she was looking for and Emily tipped her hips forward seeking a firmer massage letting Parker breathe. When the licking switched to sucking, Emily closed her eyes and hung on to the bed to keep from falling over the feeling was so intense.

Emily was enjoying the sensations so much, any feeling of embarrassment over her position was forgotten, and she was about to ask for something more when Parker beat her to the punch. Slowly Parker slipped two fingers in and curled them a little hitting just the right spot to get Emily to start keening. When it became too much, Emily released the bed and grabbed onto Parker's head to get her to suck harder.

The only thing that saved Emily from cracking her head on the bed when it was over was the fact Parker was able to hold her up. Emily felt like Parker was slowly changing the woman she was and it was a wonderful thing.

"You doing ok?" Parker asked the top of Emily's head that was lying on her shoulder.

"I'm doing great, thanks to you. I'm sorry…" Emily's apology was cut short by the fingers pressing up against her lips.

"I love you, Em, that means we go slow until you feel comfortable."

"I love you too, and I want you." Emily moved down until she was kneeling again, only this time between Parker's legs.

"The shirt wasn't a joke, baby, I'm all yours."

Emily leaned over and went to kiss Parker when the phone rang. She was thinking of ignoring it, but then thought of all the stuff going on in their lives and reached for it over Parker's objections.

"Hello."

"Hello, Emily. Is Parker there?"

"Hey, Gary, yeah hang on she's right here." Emily handed over the phone then sat on her feet to admire the long expanse of skin on display.

"Parker, are you having sex?" asked Gary as soon as he heard Parker's breathing on the other side.

"Not right at this moment if you must know, so whatever you want make it snappy."

"Could you put Emily back on the phone for me please?" Parker complied hoping it would make him hang up faster.

"Yes?" asked Emily looking into Parker's eyes while she talked to Gary.

"Emily, have you ever heard of Della Sanchez?"

"Should I recognize the name?" Emily shimmied forward at Parker's request, loving the feel of the callused hands running along her body when she straddled the firm abdomen.

"Maybe a subscription to a tennis magazine would do you good. Della Sanchez is the number five player in the world and the person that knocked Parker on her ass last year during this tournament."

"Uh huh," said Emily loosing track of the conversation when Parker pinched her nipples.

"Just a few more minutes, Emily, I promise." Gary could only imagine what Parker was doing to make Emily want to hang the phone up faster. "Think about how much better Park would play tomorrow if she's lacking a little something from you."

"Do you know what you're asking? She's not going to be happy."

"Do you want to live with the world's biggest sulker if she loses?" Gary bid her a good night and hoped for the best.

"Honey, how about a shower?" asked Emily getting off the bed.

"Now, you want to take a shower now?"

"Come on, please." Parker got up and thought about all the things they could do under running water so she followed the path Emily had taken into the bathroom. As a reward for getting out of bed Emily kissed her and turned her around so that her back was towards the tub.

The second the water hit Parker, the shock drove her ardor down so fast she stood there blinking her eyes trying to figure out what had happened. Emily looked like she was trying to figure out a quick escape route before Parker could turn off the cold tab and come after her.

"I didn't want to do it, baby, you have to believe me."

Parker calmly took a towel off the rack and started to dry her hair. "I realize that, Emily. Gary on the other hand is going to die the next time I see him."

Wanting to have sex again in her lifetime, Emily just nodded her head and agreed. The word behave became her new chant as she watched Parker's butt move back toward the bed. Tomorrow afternoon couldn't come soon enough.

Chapter 8

"Gary, I wouldn't do it if I were you, man. She still looked a little pissed this morning, and thanks to you, I'm thinking it spilled over to me too. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that." Emily took her seat in the box and stopped Gary from heading down to the locker room and getting the short end of Parker's fuse.

"It was for her own good, she'll thank me later." The coach sat next to her and looked around for the rest of the group that would be joining them.

Emily smoothed out the linen shirt she had put over her shorts that morning before answering him. She had gotten a call from her mother telling her if she was going to appear on the cover of any more magazines she would be forced to look at in the grocery check out line, the least Emily could do was dress a little nicer. "I'm sure she will, and they are getting some bottles of water so stop looking."

"She's really mad?" asked Gary.

"Let's just say when you called last night, I was one happy camper and you interrupted before I was able to, well you know."

"Return the favor?"

"Keep it up, Coach Gary, and I'll let you foolishly wander into the lion's den down there," Emily pointed toward the locker room area. When she looked to the end of her finger Parker was standing there looking up at them with a muscular looking Della Sanchez standing next to her. "That's a really big girl."

"Yeah, and as powerful I know Parker is, that woman standing next to her scares me. She beat Parker last year in straight sets. That was bad enough but the bitch taunted her throughout the whole match. It made Park so mad that it threw off her whole game including her serve." Gary greeted the rest of the crew that had arrived loaded with drinks and snacks before looking back toward the court.

"What do you mean she taunted her?" asked Emily.

Gray cracked open her water, as she too looked toward her sister's warm up. She answered Emily before Gary had the chance. "You'll see once this match starts. I can't imagine that Della has changed her style that much. She pushed too far last year and was disqualified in England, that's why she didn't play. The bitch's started the shit already telling the papers that's the only reason Parker walked away with the title."

Parker was warming up with some serves trying to ignore the asshole across the net from her. Della smirked at her when the first ball flew by her and just walked to her chair and sat down not giving Parker the satisfaction of trying to hit it back. The ball boy tried not to show any pain from the sting in his hands from catching serve after serve that Parker started shooting over the net as she tried to put her mind where it belonged. Della looked up into the stands looking for Gary and the rest of Parker's family knowing it was where she would find the person she was really looking for.

Emily watched Della as she reached into her bag and pulled out the rag with her picture on it and kissed it before blowing another kiss into the stands. Parker's opponent just laughed when a red faced Emily stood up and put her hands on her hips.

"Gary, get me down there now." The anger in Emily's voice was hard to miss by anyone sitting around them, and the photographers in the audience got ready for anything that came of Della's teasing.

"Calm down, Sparky. She's trying to get to Parker through you, don't let that happen right before the match." Gary dragged Emily back to her seat and tried reason.

"I don't want to see that overgrown adolescent, I want to see Parker before this thing starts."

Parker looked up into the stands for Emily before heading back down the tunnel to change her shirt before the match only to be surprised to find she and Gary waiting for her deep enough into the tunnel that the spectators would see them. "Hey, what're you doing down here?"

"Waiting to wish you luck, and to tell you a few things," answered Emily.

"Hey, Gary would you grab me a fresh shirt?" Gary nodded his head and left to find Parker's stuff. The only one that didn't take the hint was Della, who leaned against the tunnel wall opposite them and just stared.

"Parker, if I asked you to do something for me, would you?"

"Sure, baby, if I can. What'd you want?"

"I want you to go out there and beat the crap out of that asshole over there," Emily pointed to Della and aimed her middle finger at her when the woman blew her a kiss again.

Parker smiled at the little blonde pit bull before pulling her close. "And what do I get if I pull that off. You know she's the one that beat the crap out of me last year?"

Emily could hear Gary coming back so she tugged the shirt Parker had on and peeled it off her body. She took the towel Gary had handed her and mopped off all the sweat Parker had exuded during her warm up before putting the new one on, keeping the old one. When Parker had tucked the new billboard as she called them, Emily dragged her head down and kissed her.

"You want to know what you get?" Parker nodded her head so Emily pulled her back down again and started whispering in her ear. Gary almost fainted when whatever Emily was saying started to make Parker so weak in the knees she had to lean against the wall. When she was done, Emily kissed Parker's ear and looked up at her.

"Really?" asked Parker.

"Yes, and I'll even take the phone off the hook but only if I get to come back here Sunday for the finals to watch you play."

"You should give motivational classes," said Parker, as she and Della watched Emily unbutton the shirt she had on, take it off and hand it to Parker.

"For luck." Emily tucked it into Parker's bag and put on the t-shirt Parker had just taken off. "I have to admit these look a lot better on you." Emily looked down to the loose fitting garment that smelled like Parker.

"I think you look good in my clothes, baby, and as soon as I'm finished kicking Della's ass, you'll look even better out of them."

The opponents had already been introduced and had taken their places by the time Gary and Emily made it back to their seats. Della was serving first and while Parker jumped on every one that came over the net, the level of Della's play held on and she won the game. The first photograph that most of the paparazzi shot of Emily was of her biting her thumbnail when Della broke Parker's serve and went up two games to none.

It was amazing to Parker less than an hour later as she sat toweling off her face that she had lost the first set winning not one game. She looked toward Della watching the last of the water in the bottle she was drinking slide down her throat. The idiot didn't even look all that winded.

"Do you think she'll deliver all the stuff she promised you if I win? Tell her I'm staying at the Hilton if she's only interested in sleeping with the winner. All that delicious looking skin looked mighty inviting." Della was starting the next part of her game plan, which was to mess with Parker's mind destroying what was left of her concentration.

"She's not your type, Della." Parker sounded calm despite the fact all she wanted to do was get up and smash every racquet in her bag over the woman's head.

"Blonde, beautiful and sexy. What about all that isn't my type?"

"She's all that, but she's human, I only thought you were into dogs. Or is that the only kind of bitch you can get to go out with you? You know, you should really be careful about how much you drink when going out for the evening. At closing time everyone seems to look like my girl, but I'm convinced it's the lighting in those places."

"Laugh it up, King. Forty minutes to go before you get to go home to the bitch so she can lick your wounds."

"What Emily licks on me, asshole, is really not any of your business."

"Quiet please." Parker waited for the crowd to follow the man's instructions before she turned around and asked for some balls. It was time to give Della Sanchez a taste of what she loved to dish out.

"Fifteen, love." The score got the crowd into the game and the announcer to scream into every radio headphones in the stadium. Parker King had woken up from the nap she had been taking during the first set.

"I don't know where that came from, but hopefully Parker can keep it up," said the excited radio announcer about the ace Parker had just served up.

Parker was feeling good and looking forward to the next to sets of tennis, because hell if she was losing this. To get Della even madder than she was from swinging and missing the serve, Parker moon walked to the other side of the court to serve again. This time the ball came over the net with the same intensity but Della got a piece of it only to have it skitter off into the stands. The crowd when wild when Parker twirled her racquet and pretended to holster it after the, "Thirty, love," came over the loud speakers.

"She's smoking now, tennis fans, and isn't Della surprised. And Ms. Sanchez should be grateful that the crowd came alive with Parker during those last couple of serves, because her language would have gotten her thrown out had the chair heard that last outburst." The announcer and everyone else watching could read the woman's lips though and he had been right.

The next hour was pinpointed by long blistering volleys that started to show wear on Della's face. The power player wasn't used to the amount of running Parker was making her do, and with each short run from one end of the court to the other, her face was starting to turn red.

In the middle of the third set, Della stopped play for at least five minutes to have an argument with the line judge over what she deemed to be a questionable call. Parker just bounced the ball on her side and looked up into the stands waving back to Emily who had stood and blown her a kiss for the tennis she had seen so far. Most of the reporters in the stands had not missed the change in attire when Emily and Gary got back to the stands. The new couple was making women's tennis even more exciting than it already was.

"Game, set and match, Miss King." The announcement came after Parker had broken Della's serve for the third time in the third match. Parker shook hands with her at the net and tried to ignore the quick 'fuck you' Della said when Parker turned and waved toward the crowd. The win put her that much closer to the only title she didn't have.

Like in all her other matches, Parker stopped at the entrance to the tunnel and took the time to sign autographs. She picked randomly from the pieces of paper that were being held over the side along with pens. In an automatic move she grabbed the one closest to her hand when the item she had just finished signing was handed back to its owner. It wasn't until she had it in her hand that Parker noticed it was an envelope and it had her name on it. There was no way to tell in the sea of faces who it belonged to when she looked back into the crowd. With a quick wave she turned and walked back into the tunnel leaving a hoard of disappointed fans clutching unsigned programs.

"Honey, that was brilliant," yelled Emily when they made it down to the locker room after the match. Parker looked pumped by the win but tired. The heat in New York was starting to become a drain, the clay of the courts only intensifying the heat.

"I aim to please." Parker bent down to kiss her lover before picking up her bag.

"What you did was aim for the baselines and kicked the shit out of Della," said Gary.

"You I'm not talking to, and if you put your fingers anywhere near a phone to call Emily's apartment you will find New York City not big enough for you to hide, you putz."

"Parker, apologize to Gary," chastised Emily.

"I help you win and this's the thanks I get?" Gary tried to sound wounded.

"It's nice to know that you attribute all my skill to sexual frustration, coach."

"If that's the case, you ain't getting any until after next Sunday," teased Emily. She started squealing when Parker picked her up and threw her over a broad shoulder and started walking toward the door. "Parker, my mother has seen me on the cover of the Enquirer once this week, you make it two and there will be hell to pay."

Parker put her down and tried to maintain her good mood. It was hard considering the love note she had been handed before coming down the tunnel. She was kicking herself now for not paying attention to who had handed her the envelope. Whoever it was, was the stalker that had been sending the notes all along. Parker recognized the fanciful handwriting the moment the paper slid open in her hand. The decision not to tell Emily, Parker convinced herself was to protect the pilot from worry.

Later when they got to the apartment, Emily showed her what seemed to be the three hundredth lesson in relationships, centering on an open dialog lecture when Parker let her read the note. It was just one of the many ways Parker figured Emily would change the way she lived her life, but getting to share her days with the pilot made a lecture on anything worthwhile.

************************************************************************

"Call him right now."

"Let's go take a shower then I'll call. Come on, Em, it's not like the stalker is going to burst in here and kill us both," Parker tried to reason. The argument had started in the car when she had made the mistake of showing Emily the letter she had gotten.

The nut that was sending them had attached the picture of Emily that had been in the paper with a promise to the blonde to save her from Parker's evil influence. The more Parker looked at it, the more it niggled the back of her mind that she should recognize something about the letters and the way they were written. The old fashioned calligraphy was an odd way for someone who wanted to kill you to pen the death notice. It was almost like an invitation to die at the time they decided.

Emily picked up the phone and handed it to Parker along with the card Detective Sully had given her when he had dropped by her practice. The police officer had left an extra in case Parker needed to call him since Gary had taken the first one he handed out.

"This is serious, Parker. There's some nut case out there that wants to send you to the big tennis court in the sky, and I think that it's time for you to start taking that with some degree of respect." She put the phone down for a moment and walked to where Parker was sitting on the bed and stood in between her legs. "I love you, Kong, and I want you around for years to come. Please do it for me?"

"Ah, come on not that look." Parker got up, picked up the phone and dialed the number. It didn't take a lot of arm-twisting to get Logan to agree to meet them at Emily's apartment.

Emily got Parker to lie down until Logan arrived hoping a short nap would ease the exhaustion from Parker's face. She never heard the knock or the conversation Emily had with the detective when he arrived. He took the letter and envelope with him to be dusted for prints, promising to come back later to question Parker. Logan had watched the match on television and couldn't blame Parker for shutting down for a while. As he stepped back into the heat, Logan Sully never saw the figure leaning against a tree further up the street.

Had he bothered to look, Logan might have questioned the rosary hanging down from clenched fingers. The soldier of God had methodically moved from bead to bead as he prayed for the opportunity to rid the world of Parker King. She would be the first of the King sisters to receive salvation through death.

"The lord will cleanse the evil that runs through you, Parker. I'll see to it myself." With the rosary finished, the slightly bent figure turned and headed in the direction of the lower end hotel where the tools for the job at hand were housed. It was time to do some cleansing of his own soul, so that when the time came his hand would be true and holy.

The man behind the desk never looked in as the renter passed him on the way to the slow elevator toward the back of the entrance hall. There had been no complaints about the lodger that had arrived two weeks before the big tennis tournament, and the maid hadn't been in the room in that long, turned away every day by the do not disturb sign on the door. Had she ventured past it, the police would have been alerted from just the screaming alone.

The man looked at no one as he moved down the hall. The hotel still used keys and he had to jiggle it in the lock to get the mechanism to work before it allowed him to enter. On one bed there was a collection of knives that could have been used as mirrors the shine was so great. Only one of them was wrapped in a piece of heavy linen material, which could've easily been the nicest thing found in the room. This one was special because it had the blood of the beast on it from his first attempt outside the restaurant.

He fell to his knees in front of a small children's inflatable pool with a wire mesh over it and started his purification ritual. "I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and end. He who believes in me shall know the kingdom of heaven." The lord didn't care if he remembered the words exactly as the nuns had taught him years ago, what mattered was he believed.

"Lord, I need your help in defeating the beast. She is loved by the crowds who know no better." He lifted the mesh from the pool slowly and reached inside. The movement of his hand caused the warning rattles to sound, but it didn't stop him from continuing. God was on his side and would protect him from the serpents.

"Show me a sign, Lord." The thick strong body of the rattler coiled around his right arm leaving itself enough room to still be able to sound his death rattle. Instead of instilling fear, he reached for another one and it too wrapped around his other arm. He lifted both agitated snakes into the air and looked at the viper's eyes. They were unblinking as both heads were poised for a strike. Their handler had given them enough room to do that if that was their choice.

His life had been spent on trying to serve the god he believed existed. A god that struck down those who went against his word by using holy soldiers carefully chosen to do his bidding, this god had no compassion for those who lived their lives outside of the norm. The faithful servant holding the snakes had spun off from his church and formed his own religion along with the type of Supreme Being he followed. There was no room for decent.

He watched in amazement as a drop of venom dripped from the larger one's mouth but he didn't strike. "I shall do your bidding, Lord God." His arm still tingled where the venom had come to rest as he put his tests of faith back in their lair. The time was at hand.

************************************************************************

"Why does your hair always smell so good?"

"I saw the brand of shampoo you wear on your right sleeve and decided to try it out," answered Emily. She was curled up on the bed with Parker pressed against her running her fingers through the blonde hair.

"Keep this up and I may have to spank you."

"As lovely as that thought might be, Logan's due back any minute and I want to be dressed when he arrives."

"Where's your sense of adventure, baby? Wouldn't Mother Parish love to read about her little girl's wild and sexy ways?"

"Keep it up and my mother will have a field day with you. She already thinks you're a bad influence on me."

"I can't be that bad since I can't talk you out of these shorts." Emily turned around at the tease and ran her finger along Parker's lips.

"Would you come with me to meet my mother?" The question sounded almost tentative to Parker who put two fingers under Emily's chin and lifted her head.

"I'd go anywhere with you, baby, never fear that."

The knock on the door was what ended the kiss they were sharing. Parker was starting to think it was some conspiracy to keep her from touching Emily. She looked at the front door of the apartment with the same sentiment she held for the phone next to Emily's bed.

"Logan, how goes the manhunt?" asked Parker.

"Interesting."

"I'd offer you a place to sit but Emily hasn't gone furniture shopping yet. How about the three of us go and grab an early dinner? When you're finished telling me about the psycho chasing after me, I'll give you some tennis pointers."

They took Logan's police sedan to a small family owned Italian restaurant the detective was partial to before the talk of stalkers began. The results the FBI crime lab had come up with were still baffling not only them but the New York police staff as well. The Fed boys had run an analysis on the ink that proved to shed some more light on the perpetrator, but exactly what the spotlight showed was unknown.

"We gave them all the letters that have been sent so far, and they all came back with no prints but with one thing in common," explained Logan.

"What's that?" asked Emily. She reached over and took the fifth bread stick headed toward Parker's mouth away from her.

"What? I'm hungry."

"It's going to spoil your appetite for the tremendous amount of food you ordered so be quiet and pay attention." Emily turned her head back to Logan and nodded for him to continue.

"The ink this guy used is mixed with a toxin. My contacts at the FBI thought that if he was using some sort of different ink we could trace it to were he or she bought it and get a bead on them that way. Turns out the ink is fairly common, but what makes it unique is that the prep mixes it with rattle snake venom."

Emily sat and stared at the salad the waiter had put down while Logan was talking. Next to her Parker picked up her fork and started to twirl the fettuccini she had ordered as an appetizer getting ready to take a bite. It was as if Logan had complimented her on her shoe selection Emily thought, the tennis player acted so unaffected.

"Where does one buy rattle snake venom?" asked Parker. "I mean, I've never been to the grocery when an announcement was made for a price check on register two for rattle snake venom." The joke made Emily get up and run toward the bathroom. "Excuse me a minute, will you?" Parker put her fork down and followed the upset woman.

The last stall in the tiny restroom was closed and Parker could hear sniffling coming from the other side. "Can I come in?" asked Parker. When she didn't get an answer, Parker stepped into the middle stall and stepped up on the toilet. "Please don't shut me out, Em."

"I don't know what it's going to take for you to start treating this like a threat? It doesn't seem fair that I just found you and someone's trying their damnedest to kill you, and you treat it like it's fan mail."

"Open the door for me a second, please?"

Emily reached over and unlatched the door. The size of Parker's body seemed to fill the opening when the door swung back and hit the wall. Not caring for how clean the floor was, Parker kneeled in front of the upset woman and cradled her face in her hands.

"I can't live in fear, Em, it's not who I am. While nothing of this magnitude has happened before, I won't let it change the person I am inside. To do that would mean that I'd have to walk away from you, and no one can ask me to do that. As long as they're intent is set on me, I don't have to worry about you, and I want to keep it that way. I love you, and I know you worry, but this is not going to beat us or me."

"You can't promise that." Emily looked at her like she wanted to believe what Parker was saying, but the tears won out.

"I can and I will. I promise you, baby, this creep with the snake ink is not going to get near me. The right to get in and stay in my personal space is reserved only for you."

"Is it wrong to want you to be careful?" asked Emily.

"No, and I promise I'll start to check our my surroundings more carefully. If this idiot went through all the trouble of milking some deadly snake to pen me a letter, I'm thinking they bare a little more caution on my end. Come on before your salad gets cold."

"It's a salad, Parker, it's supposed to be cold." Emily accepted the hand up, but appreciated the hug she got more when she was on her feet.

"Yeah, but I'm thinking Alfredo's turning over in his grave when he sees what a congealed mess my fettuccini has turned into."

"Sorry, Logan," said Emily when she made it back to the table.

"I understand what you're going through, Emily, don't worry about it. This case is confusing in that there are plenty of gay athletes out there, I don't understand why this guy is so fixated on Parker. The only explanation is that she maybe makes the papers a little more than the others with her life off the court."

Emily stabbed into her salad and looked up at Parker with an arched blonde brow. "Those days are over, detective, I can promise you that. Otherwise she'll be making the papers for another set of reasons."

"It was bound to happen," said Parker.

"What's that, honey?" Emily asked reaching over for Parker's hand.

"I've gone from being the Hugh Hefner of the courts, to henpecked so fast I'm having a case of whiplash."

Logan laughed at the confession, but the lovesick look on Parker's face let him know she wasn't too torn up over the development. "To bring you two up to date on our investigation, besides the venom laced ink, the letters contained no fingerprints and the stationary can be found in thousands of stores across the country. The guys over at the FBI did agree to work up a profile on our stalker and see where exactly we should be concentrating our efforts. I keep saying he, but in reality this could be a woman."

"Well if part of the profile turns out to be throwing drinks on Parker for any reason, you may have your work cut out for you," said Emily. Logan looked at her like he didn't understand and Parker was looking at her through blue slits.

"Happens that often, does it?" asked Logan with the same teasing tone Emily had used.

"You can count me out now since I'll let you know my whereabouts when the notes where sent since I'm guilty of doing it myself once. There's that and the fact I'm terrified of snakes." Emily leaned over and kissed Parker's cheek trying to get of the pout that she had helped put there.

The group spent the rest of the meal talking about Logan's tennis game. Emily decided to go out and buy a racket and try to learn the basics. With any luck she would be able to talk Parker into playing a slow game with her on that great court she had at home. Their new friend gave them a ride home with a promise to keep them informed on what both the NYPD and FBI discovered in the investigation.

One of Emily's neighbors shook her head at the pilot who was teasing Parker unmercifully as she tried to unlock the front door. The fear that had prevailed earlier in the evening had vanished as Parker had done everything she could to clear Emily's mind of the current threat.

"Hurry up, honey, I have a promise to keep," said Emily as her hands went under Parker's shirt.

Parker jumped a little when the small hands hit a ticklish spot causing her to drop the keys again. "If you don't behave you're going to have to get naked out here in the hall."

The lock finally relented and Parker picked Emily up and felt the strong legs wrap around her waist as Emily hung on for the ride to the bedroom. Emily was biting Parker's bottom lip softly trying to rile her up for what was to come. It felt good to feel the bed under her and Parker on top of her when they reached the end of their walk through the apartment. Then one little sound stopped them both cold.

"Emily, don't move, honey." Parker looked up slowly and saw the lump right next to Emily's head under the sheet. Neither of them had noticed it when they walked in so caught up in each other, and even if they had studied the bed the spot that was now moving looked like a fold in the sheet.

"Parker, what is that?" The rattling got louder and Emily felt like if her heart beat any faster it was going to start shaking the bed.

"It's either a really big vibrator that's motion controlled," started Parker.

"I don't own a vibrator," whispered Emily trying to control her laughter at Parker's pitiful attempt to cheer her up right then.

"Then my second guess is it's a rattle snake."

"What're we going to do?"

"Lock your legs around my waist and slowly bring your arms around my neck," instructed Parker.

"Why?"

"Baby, I love talking to you, you know that, but having long conversations in a bed with a pit viper is not my idea of a hot time." Parker watched as the snake uncoiled and slithered closer and the rattling got louder.

They moved as a unit off the bed and toward the door with Emily hanging on for dear life. The last thing Parker saw was the fangs that had broken through the sheet inches from where Emily's head had been. Whoever had done this had gone too far now, and she hoped she was armed with her tennis rackets when the bozo finally did decide to come out of hiding.

"Wait here," ordered Parker when they had reached the living room. She had to get rid of the snake before the damn thing crawled off somewhere in the apartment and laid eggs or something. It was a long shot, but she had seen too many movies in hotel rooms around the world not to want to take the chance. Parker unzipped her bag and pulled out one of her practice rackets.

"You can't leave me here all by myself, I'm coming with you. Can I borrow a racket?" asked Emily. Parker pulled another one out of the bag and handed it to her shadow. "This is the first time you've let me touch these things," said Emily grasping it with two hands.

"Make a mental note for the future. If there's any type of dangerous critter in the room, please don't hesitate to come out swinging."

The rattle was visible when they got back into the room, but thankfully the dangerous end was still caught up in the bedding. Parker didn't have a lot of experience with reptiles, but whoever this one belonged to must have fed it well it was so thick. The first swing Parker took made the rattle stand almost ridged before it started in over time again. She kept at it until there was a visible bloodstain and the damn thing wasn't moving any more.

"I bet that guy Steve Irwin would have me beaten if he had witnessed this," said Parker.

Emily shivered thinking about the whole thing as she clutched Parker's racket to her chest. "How do you think it got in here?"

"Aren't rattle snakes indigenous to New York City?" asked Parker.

"Only on Wall Street, honey."

"Touché, pretty lady. Are you ok?"

"I have to admit that I should be more freaked out with the fact there was a snake in my bed, but having you here made it all right. You make me feel safe, Parker." Emily dropped her racket and ran to Parker for a hug. "It's kinda creepy that someone we don't know was in here though."

"Yeah, cause that puppy was too chunky to slither under the door. Let's call Logan to come and do whatever needs to be done and then check ourselves into the Plaza. Maybe I can have the thing skinned and made into a headband for the finals."

"Are you going to buy us a new bed?" asked Emily.

"Not just that but a couple of chairs so I can put my socks on in the morning." The siren outside signaled Logan's return along with another couple of units to dust the apartment and interview the neighbors who might have seen something.

The two women left as soon as the police were through with their questions getting a promise from Logan to lock up when he was done. Gray, Kimmie and Gary were waiting for them at the Plaza when their cab arrived wanting to see in person they were all right. When they were finally alone, Parker held onto to Emily as the shock of what happened leaked out in a jag of hysterical crying.

The stalker had gotten so close that Parker made no more promises. Keeping Emily safe had been paramount in her mind from the moment she had heard that rattle, and now would be no different. She was going to accept the police protection that Logan had offered initially, if only to keep the blonde in her arms whole.

************************************************************************

"Good morning, do you need help finding your seats?" The usher at the Open looked eager to escort Emily and her companions to the box near the court. He had recognized her from the picture in the paper a week before along with the two other brunettes that were with her.

"Thanks, we can find it. Any of you seen Bobbie?" asked Emily. The finals were set to begin in an hour and their friend was nowhere to be seen. The one that did make an out of place picture was Logan, who was wearing a jacket to conceal his weapon. He was supposed to be guarding Parker, but the tennis pro had told him if he wouldn't sit in the stands with Emily he couldn't come. Emily's only concern now was that he'd be so engrossed in the match, a rapid gorilla could join them and he wouldn't notice.

"She's parking the car. The sweetheart dropped us off at the gate saying she didn't want us out in the open too long," answered Kimmie. Behind her Gray and Natasha sat holding hands and sharing a bagel.

Downstairs, Parker thought about all the games it had taken to get her to this point. A position she had found herself in on numerous occasions only to fall short of the goal. On the other side of the locker room sat Lee Darnell, the underdog that had fought her way through the ranks to become the hero of the tournament. All the seeded players that had underestimated the up and comer from Texas had gone home scratching their heads at her level of play.

In a change of pace, Parker let her mind wander to other things besides the up coming match trying to get her stomach to settle down. It never failed and pre play jitters had scared Emily that morning. Finding Parker puking in the bathroom was not on her list of things to expect and it had taken a while for the pilot to believe her it happened before every final she played in.

Their friend the snake charmer had been quiet since their scare at the apartment and Parker hoped it stayed that way until play was over. Having a police officer watching over Emily was one less thing to worry about so she turned her attention to Lee Darnell to see what she was doing.

The young woman was sitting with her head back and her eyes closed like she was bored and waiting for a bus. It wasn't until they were called out for practice that she stirred at all. The sound of cameras going off started as soon as the two emerged from the tunnel. Parker took time to look up into the stands and smile at Emily. She felt warm inside as she unzipped her bag and got out a racket. The tension melted away and Parker was ready to play.

************************************************************************

"I do this to please you, Lord."

"I'm sorry did you say something?" asked the older woman sitting a row up from the court. The gentleman sitting next to her had been mumbling to himself since the time she had sat down.

"I said, may the Lord be with you."

"Thank you." She smiled at him before going back to talking with her husband about the condition Parker was in and her chances at winning this year. On the court Parker had walked back to her chair and fished out a towel to wipe her eyes. Something in the wind had irritated them enough that she was blinking furiously.

It was the old lady's cry that made her turn around and see what had upset her. The voice was the same from the night in front of the restaurant. "Death to those who go against God." The pain and blooming red stain on her tennis whites happened almost simultaneously.

Parker wasted no time and used the towel to keep the end of the knife away from her when the guy pulled back for another swipe until she could pick up her racket. She swung and the sharp blade cut right through the gut. "What is it with you people and my rackets?" Parker was so intent on looking at where he was swinging the knife she never got the chance to look up at his face.

Ignoring the pain she swung again and connected with his jaw sending him back a few paces shaking his head as if to clear the blow away. The man staggered forward again not wanting to fail in his mission to kill Parker. She was ready though, bouncing on the balls of her feet like she was waiting for a serve to come over the net. The racket flew forward again and knocked the knife out of his hand making him turn around.

From the stands, Logan flew down the stairs before the attacker had another chance to cut into Parker. All four of the women that had been sitting with him weren't too far behind the policeman.

"All right, asshole, here's for having to make me go out and buy my girl a new bed." The blow made the man's head snap backward sending him toward the net. "And this one's for the worry you caused my girlfriend. That's right girlfriend, you son of a bitch." With a great deal of satisfaction Parker watched him fall into a non-moving heap. Logan had no problem cuffing him when he jumped down to the court. Parker's last hit had knocked the guy unconscious.

Security personnel arrived to help the detective remove the stalker from the court, and when they rolled him over it was Parker who felt like someone had hit her. He had aged since the last time she had seen him, but the woozy man that was starting to come to didn't resemble the man that had made her hot chocolate all those mornings ago. But that's who it was, Daniel King, her father.

Everyone sat in silence as Parker dropped her racket and walked off the court. An official announcement came over the loudspeakers that there would be a delay in play until everything was sorted out.

The women that had been sitting in Parker's box watched her walk out without looking back at the man the police were now carting away. Kimmie and Gray had recognized him the minute he fell into the net but were paralyzed with disbelief that the man that was their father would want to murder one of his own children. Gary and Nick had gone down to the locker room to see about Parker's injuries and now that the show was over, they all walked up the stairs to join them. Parker's sisters had come close to breaking their promise to keep Emily safe no matter the costs when they saw the blood on the stark white shirt. Now they were more worried about their little sister's mind than the cut.

The medic sprayed a deadening agent on Parker's side so he could stitch the cut that was still bleeding. Parker looked at her coach and his partner with a look that could only be described as sorrowful. "It was him, guys, my father was the person that sent all those letters." She remembered then why the handwriting looked so familiar. Every Christmas Parker would watch him pull out that special pen and methodically dip it into the inkwell on his desk and address the card envelopes.

"Parker, you have to believe that he's sick and didn't know what he was doing," said Nick.

"He used that same scrolling fancy writing to fill out cards at the holidays. It was the only time he took the time to make sure every letter in every name was perfect. I guess it was useful to send death notices as well."

"Try and not think about it now, Park. We can just walk out of here and try to put this behind us, grateful for the fact we know he can't hurt you anymore." Gary kneeled next to her and wanted nothing more than to get her on a plane back home. The one place he knew she would heal.

"I've got a match to play, coach, and I have every intention of playing. That righteous bigot will not take this away too. He put that damn snake in Emily's bed yesterday and I will not forgive him for what could've happened to her. He and mother can rot for all I care, there's no going back from this."

"Parker, are you ok?" Emily stood back not sure if Parker was ready to see anyone including a new girlfriend. She didn't hesitate to take the hand Parker held up in invitation.

"I'm just fine, baby. Want to sit with me while I get patched up?"

"Is your life always this action packed?" It was Emily's turn to try and lighten Parker's mood.

"Only in big cities. At home Abby and I usually just sit and howl at the moon for entertainment."

"That sounds oddly blissful. You ready to go home?"

"I promised you joint custody of this trophy and I try never to renege on my promises. Look over there and tell me if the Texas Tarantula's looking confident of victory."

Emily looked over Parker's shoulder and saw the blonde sitting with her eyes closed with a smile on her face. "She looks like you don't even have to play since she has it all sewn up."

"All done, Miss King." The medic tied off five neat stitches and put a pressure bandage to keep them from popping if she chose to play.

"Are you sure about this? I don't want you getting hurt anymore than you already are," said Emily looking at Parker's side.

"Em, those people out there paid to see good tennis, not the acting out of my family problems, so that's what I plan to give them. Or at least I'll deliver a full match. It might not be my usual finesse game."

"Finesse game?" asked Emily almost laughing out loud. "Not that you don't possess finesse in other aspects of your life, honey, but playing tennis wouldn't fall into that arena."

"All right I'm the WWF smash mouth player of women's tennis, sue me."

"I'd much rather," Emily finished the rest of her statement in a whisper into Parker's ear. The dark tan couldn't hide the blush that ran up her face and she shot a glare toward Lee.

"Come on, Darnell, it's time to kick some ass."

"I'm glad you're willing to go along so graciously, sugar, cause that's exactly what I'm planning on doing to ya." When Lee was finished talking it took Kimmie, Gray and Natasha to carry Emily out of the locker room.

************************************************************************

"Well, sports fans, barring any other crazies running out of the stands wielding sharp implements I think we're ready to play tennis," said the announcer as the camera panned to Parker sitting on the sideline sipping from a bottle of water. What the camera didn't show was the turmoil happening inside her head.

Gray King stood up and glared into the booth cutting off any other smart comments the guy had in mind. She turned to Emily next and offered her some peanuts. "Try these, they taste a lot better than nails."

"I can't help it, I'm nervous for her."

"Trust me on this one, kiddo, she's nervous enough for the both of you. This is Park's year, Em, I can just feel it."

"Service, Miss King." Parker walked to the base line and waited for the balls to be thrown to her. She took a deep breath and let it out with a slump in her shoulders in an effort to relax.

Gary and Nick held their breath as she threw it into the air in preparation in sending it over the net. This serve would be an indication of the power Parker still had left considering she now had two healing cuts on her torso. She must have used every meditative tool she had learned in her short life because both men swore they saw pieces of fuzz come off the ball when it made contact with her racket.

"Fifteen, love." The chair pointed toward Parker's side of the net and waited for the next serve to come over the net. The players had to wait for a couple of minutes until the crowd calmed down. As much as they appreciated Lee for her struggle to get to the final, now that the match was being played their loyalties were firmly ensconced on Parker's side of the net.

The third game of the first set was being battled out when Logan returned to his seat. He had removed his jacket and looked like every other fan there to enjoy the tennis. After loading Mr. King up into a police cruiser, he had placed uniformed officers around the stands to keep on eye on any other problem fan.

"How's she doing?" he asked.

"She won the fist game and came close to breaking in the second, but Lee hung on." Emily stopped talking as soon as Parker put the ball back in play. She stood on the baseline and sent Lee for quick sprints around the court with her ball placement.

"Forty, love." Again the chair pointed toward Parker's side of the net. That service was followed by an ace winning the game. The first set was finished in less than fifty minutes and Parker looked good to the people watching that loved her. Gary studied her face for any signs of weakness or pain but had been surprised to just see Parker's usual game face.

It happened in the third game of the second set. Parker had won the first two and Lee was starting to get fatigued from the running and from the heat. In a desperate chase to get a ball Parker had sent in a direction she wasn't expecting, Lee hit back a high lob. When Parker reached up to smash it over the net she almost could hear the stitches popping and the pain was instant. The ball fell inside the baseline as a point for Lee followed by Parker's racket.

"Miss Parker?" The sideline judge asked when she grimaced when bending to pick up her racket.

"I'm ok."

"Thirty, fifteen," was the score announced giving Parker the advantage but now Lee had found her weakness.

The lobs began with more frequency and Parker was having more and more difficulty getting the ball to go over the net no matter what angle she hit them from losing her the second set quicker than Lee had lost the first.

They were tied at six games apiece in the third when Parker finally had to call time. The constant stretches had taken their toll and the bandage could no longer hold back the blood. The only good thing about the whole situation was the medic who had put the stitches in was waiting for her just inside the tunnel like she had asked. Parker stripped her shirt off and grimaced from just that movement.

"Fix it so it'll last through at least ten more serves."

"Miss King.."

"Call me Parker, and I don't want to hear about how bad it looks, fix it. You have thirteen minutes before I have to forfeit the game."

The man got to work, admiring how Parker just sat in the tunnel not flinching no matter what he did. Before putting another pressure bandage he sprayed the area with a massive amount of deadening agent. It wouldn't last long but it might give just enough relief for Parker to go after some of the cheap shots Lee had sent her way. The medic figured one more lob and the Texan should fear for her life from the crowd.

"Miss King, are you ready to resume play?"

"Yes, sir." The man in the chair adjusted the microphone back into place and signaled the time out period was over.

"Tie break for the match, Miss King will serve first."

Parker looked up into the stands and looked for Emily before she made any move to serve. The blonde stood up making herself easier to find and smiled when their eyes met. Emily put her hands over her heart and nodded her head getting Parker to smile as well. Parker tapped over her own heart with her fingertips and swore she heard a collective sigh come out of the crowd.

The first serve went over the net and Parker was surprised how pain free her side was all of a sudden. Lee hit a backhand and the volley began. It was hard-hitting and fairly straightforward back and forth without a lot of flare for about twelve strokes. At her first opportunity, Lee sent a high lob over the net. Parker gauged it and stood waiting for the right moment.

"Point, Miss King." Parker had sent it over the net almost directly at Lee Darnell. If the kid was going to win it would be playing tennis, not by way of playing to Parker's injuries.

For fifteen minutes the audience in attendance and at home got the kind of tennis they had come for as both women battled for dominance. The trophy and title was just a shot away.

"Advantage, Miss King, match point." Parker had waited a lifetime to hear that one line. The crowd was just as pumped, standing and starting their chant of 'Kong.' Before them was a true champion who had clawed her way back into the game. There was blood on her shirt, she was covered in sweat and up in the stands Emily provided the tears.

"Quiet please."

Parker set and let one fly over the net sending Lee scrambling to try and get it. Her one salvation was the line sensor went off and the ball was called out. All Lee had to do now was jump all over the second more traditionally slower serve and bring the game back to deuce.

"Out," yelled the line judge followed by, "second serve," from the chair.

The only thought in Parker's mind before she served again was that it was time to go home. She could hear the waves hitting the pilings under her court at home and longed for an afternoon game that didn't have so much riding on the outcome.

"Quiet please."

There was no one more shocked than Lee Darnell when the second serve flew passed her faster than the first one did. She almost wanted to say she wasn't ready and wanted to play the point again, but it was too late, it was Parker's year to deliver the slam.

"Game, set and match, Miss King."

The center court stadium came alive with camera flashes as Parker lifted the trophy over her head and walked the complete circuit around. She stopped when she got to Emily and her family so they could share in the victory. Parker knew she hadn't accomplished this alone, and the people smiling down at her deserved a great deal of credit and their own time in the spotlight.

************************************************************************

"Long month, huh?" asked Gary as they sat in the airport waiting for their plane.

"Turned out ok, so it was worth the hassles." Parker scratched around the first cut that was for the most part healed. The emotions of who had done it and why would take longer, but time would resolve that as well.

Daniel King had been placed in a state hospital until he was competent to stand trial for both assaults on Parker. Over Gary and her sisters' objections, Parker had given Gail's attorney a statement for her part in the melodrama the tournament had turned into. Parker just hoped Gail would crawl out of the bottle long enough to get the help she needed.

"Miss King, if you'd like you and your friends can board early." The Virgin employee smiled at the only two people sitting in their VIP lounge and offered to take their bags. Nick had gone to buy some magazines for the flight to Miami and was just as anxious to get back to Press Cove. "Congratulations on your win this afternoon."

"Thank you." Parker followed the small brunette through the door thinking that Emily must have called ahead to assure the special treatment. The pilot was meeting her in Florida in a few days so they could decide their future.

A sense of déjà vu came over Parker as they turned the corner and the crew was standing there waiting to greet them. "Welcome aboard, Miss King, I hope you enjoy your flight, and congratulations on your win." It was the same line Emily had ever told her the day they met.

"Yeah, yeah, but if you really loved me," started Parker.

Emily narrowed her eyes and tried to look mad. "I'd do what?"

"This." Parker dropped her bag and moved toward the pilot. The crew and Gary looked on as they kissed and held each other, neither willing to let go first. When air became an issue Parker did pull back and looked down at her favorite face. "Though a chicken salad sandwich and some hot chocolate might just hit the spot."

"Go sit down, smart ass, I'm taking us home.

************************************************************************

Epilogue

Almost a year later, Emily's apartment had been furnished and kept for the occasions they were in the city, but the pilot had chosen to move and live with Parker in Florida. Living with the tennis player was the easiest decision she had ever made, never looking back at the life she was leaving in New York. Virgin had made the transition easy by allowing her to change her departure hub to Miami.

Parker liked to cook, read and take walks on the beach with her. If she were any more perfect, Emily would swear Parker was like a living personal ad. She watched from the kitchen window as Gary and Natasha put her lover through her workout in preparation for Wimbledon.

Emily turned the oven off and took out the roast she'd been basting before heading out the door. "If you go back in there and go anywhere near that pan, I'll drive you to the pound myself, mister, and come back with a cat," she threatened Abby.

The dog put his paw over his eyes and whined giving her his best innocent routine. "Don't give me that 'who me' act, Abby King. You're just like your mom in that respect so I'm not buying it."

He followed Emily out to the court; tail wagging at the prospect of chasing tennis balls. Parker shot one over the fence in their direction sending Abby into doggie heaven.

"Go home, people, the boss has arrived for a tennis lesson," said Parker to Gary and Natasha.

"Can we tell her good bye first?" asked Gary.

"Make it quick. She's cuter than you and I missed her being out here all day with the two of you."

Emily laughed and waved to their two departing friends. Knowing they would be there to take care of Parker until she could get to England was a comfort. The discomfort was thinking about the nights she would have to sleep alone when Parker left.

"You aren't' too tired?"

"Nah, I'm never too tired for you, Em. How about an incentive game as our lesson for today?"

"An incentive game of tennis?"

"Yeah, you lose a piece of clothing for every point you lose." Parker wiggled her eyebrows along with her suggestion.
"You want me to play strip tennis with the number one player in the world?"
"Um, yeah. Come on it'll be fun and I'll give you first serve."
"Oh, I'm sure that'll do it for me." Emily took the racket Parker was holding out and walked to the baseline. When Parker was ready Emily tried to remember everything she'd learned about serving. Abby barked from behind Emily making the ball fly off at an odd angle when she did try to hit it. "Enough from the peanut gallery. It's not like I'm holding any cards here."
Emily tried again and Parker, true to her word, slowed her game down a lot. Even with that Parker won the first point. With exaggerated slowness Emily stripped her shirt off and threw it behind her. It barely had hit the ground when Abby took off with it. The pilot bounced the next ball longer than normal when Parker's eyes stayed glued to the dark green silk bra she was wearing.
On the next shot Parker forgot herself and hit the ball back so hard Emily didn't even try to hit it and just took off her shorts. "Could you come over here please?" asked Parker standing at the net. The matching panties had proved to be too much for her to even think about concentrating on the game.
"Do you give up?"
"I surrender, baby." Parker lifted Emily over the net and kissed her. Emily wrapped her legs around the slim waist as Parker walked them off he court and to the water's edge. She put Emily down long enough to get all their clothes off before heading out into the surf. The water was still on the cold side but being pressed together made Emily feel just fine.
"I love you," said Emily. The words were so easy to say to Parker.
"I love you too. You like it here?"
"I love it here. I get to be with you, and I get my clothes buried on a regular basis by our dog. What's not to love?"
"He buries your stuff to keep it safe, it means he likes you," said Parker before kissing Emily's neck.
"How about you, do you like me?"
"I more than like you, baby. How about I take you inside and show you just how much?"
Emily's feet never touched the sand as Parker walked to the backdoor. Parker had checked the closest house to make sure it was still tenant free that morning not wanting Emily upset by peeping neighbors.
The house décor had changed a little over the months Emily spent making it a home for both of them. Mixed in with the tournament pictures were shots of Emily's family her mother had given them on one of her numerous visits. Lucia Parish and Parker shared a great relationship much to Emily's relief. Her mom had confessed the night she met Parker, she'd never cared for the way Emily and Gail had acted around each other. With Parker, the world could see how she felt about Emily.
It was the look Emily was getting now as she was set on the bed by the gentle soul that had carried her inside. Parker touched her with such want that Emily never felt it was done out of obligation, only love, and the more Parker touched the more she wanted.
"You're so beautiful," said Parker. She lay next to Emily and ran her hand from Emily's hip to cup a breast. The nipple instantly puckered under her palm and Parker loved the moan that accompanied the motion. Parker replaced her hand with her lips and sucked on the light pink bud.
"I love when you do that." Emily's hands kept Parker's head in place in case she didn't know what she was talking about. The suction increased as Parker's hands went back down her body. "Let me feel you, baby," requested Emily.
Parker moved so she was covering Emily holding most of her weight up by leaning on her elbows. She loved this position since it allowed every inch of skin to touch. Emily just lay still for a moment and enjoyed the same thing before moving her hands to Parker's hair to drag her down for a kiss.
"Make love to me," said Emily as she moved her legs further apart to mold the larger body more closely to her. Parker could feel Emily's hands along her back as her own hand made its way to Emily's center. She had to lift her hips up a little to reach the spot Emily wanted her, and by doing so, opened enough space for Emily to touch her in return.
Both centers were wet and both women were ready so it didn't take much. Emily felt the crescendo coming fueled by the grunting Parker was doing in her ear. It never failed to amaze Emily that with Parker, making love was as exciting for her as the first time. Even on days like this when the end snuck up on them sooner than they'd like, Emily felt cherished as Parker went rigid over her before turning into a giant marshmallow.
"If this is how you learned to play tennis, don't tell me ok?"
"You don't care for my teaching techniques?"
"I didn't say that, honey, I just don't want to know where you learned your technique, Romeo. Especially from whom you learned them, got me?"
"Gotcha."
"Are you hungry?"
"You cooked so I'll get it and bring it back here, how's that sound?" asked Parker.
"Like you'll be in there eating roast directly from the pan while I'm back here starving."
Emily kissed Parker's forehead before rolling out of bed and holding a hand out to help the lump up.
Emily was still laughing at Parker's antics when they walked into the kitchen to eat when she noticed two things. Abby sitting there looking like if he could whistle he'd be doing it, and half the roast was gone. He opened his eyes wider and shook his head when Emily shot a glare his way.
"What happened to my dinner?" demanded Emily. It was hard to keep a straight face when Abby lifted a paw and pointed at Parker.
"No way, buddy, she's done a detailed search of my mouth." Having learned from his master's mistakes when it came to upsetting Emily, Abby put his paw down and backed toward the door slowly. He made a break for it when was sure she couldn't catch him before he cleared the doggie door.
"I swear you two were separated at birth. What am I going to do with you?" Emily turned around and put her arms around Parker's waist. She'd let Abby know later their dinner was still in the oven. The extra roast on the stove was for him all along.
"You could keep us."
"Oh, I'm keeping you and Abby all right, don't worry about that. I want to sit by a fire, eat roast and listen to you read me a poem."
The smile was hard to tame as Parker pulled Emily closer. "You sure are easy to please." Parker carried Emily into the library and sat her on one of the comfortable couches while she prepared a tray to take in.
The fire was burning nicely by the time Parker made it back and found Emily staring into it so profoundly that she hated to disturb her. "We have fire, wine and a nice spread," said Parker.
"All I need is you."
"That you have, sweetheart."
"Read me something." Emily watched Parker roll the ladder to a section at the end and climb so she could reach the top shelf. Parker pulled down an old leather bound edition with faded gold lettering on the cover and when she opened it, the pages looked almost translucent.
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance, or nature's changing course untrimmed;
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest,
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest;
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee."
Parker's voice faded away to nothing on the word thee, and Emily sat with food forgotten listening to what she had selected. For some reason the sonnet brought tears to her eyes and Parker wiped them away.
"If it's going to make you cry, I won't read you any other love sonnets."
"I'm crying because you love me enough to kneel here and do it for me." Emily wiped away the tears that had escaped from her eyes.
"Actually I'm kneeling for another reason," said Parker.
"Why's that?"
"Abby wanted to come and apologize about the roast, and I thought I'd butter you up for him."
Emily leaned forward and ran her finger along Parker's top lip. "It'll take a lot more reading out of this book to accomplish that, Shakespeare."
With a snap of Parker's fingers Abby came running through the door coming to a stop next to his master. He had a basket in his mouth and he put a paw up for Emily to shake.
"Emily, Abby and I love you, and we wanted to give you something that'd show you how much you mean to us. If I were a poet this would be much more eloquent, but I'll try my best. Will you give me the chance to make you happy for the rest of your life? I promise that if you say yes there'll never be another moment in your life that'll pass where you don't feel like the center of my universe. I love you and I will do so until there's no breath left in my body." The dog put his basket down on Emily's lap, put his paw next to it so she would look inside and let out a soft woof for his part of the proposal.
Emily cried again when she saw the ring box lying on the straw inside. "Yes."
"Is that yes to me, or the dog?"
"To both of you, goofy, I happen to know you come as a pair." Emily leaned forward for a kiss to seal the deal before Parker thought of changing her mind. She felt like she was home for the first time since being out on her own and Parker gave her the freedom to hope for the future.
"Shall we have a toast?" offered Parker. Emily laughed when Parker picked up two mugs from the tray she'd brought in. Hot chocolate was the one memory Parker had chosen to keep of her father.
They didn't need any other words as they tipped the mugs against each other and took sips of the hot, almost velvety, drink. Emily leaned on a strong shoulder and gave thanks that Parker lived her life by choosing the road less travel by. In the end it had led the tennis player to her doorstep, and there, Parker would always find the love she deserved Emily vowed. This was only their beginning.