“May I buy you a drink?” (his serve).

“I’m good, thank you.” (My weak return lands in the middle of the court).

“Yes, I figured you’d be good. That’s why I asked. (His inside-in forehand).

He’s tall, dark, and handsome, and he knows it. One corner of his mouth is turned up in a lazy smile. His hip leans casually against the polished oak bar. One hand in his trouser pocket, showing off the fit of his white shirt and his package. His steel-grey tie, that perfectly matches his eyes, is open at the neck.

“How often does that line work?” (I clumsily return a flimsy backhand).

“You’d be surprised.” The bartender places fresh drinks in front of us. (His confident forehand passes down the line).

One-Love

“Business or pleasure?” (His serve).

“Business, you?” (My forehand return head straight for him).

“Business, but I’m not opposed to mixing. You?” (His cross-court slice forces me to scramble to the sideline)

“I usually don’t mix.” (I sloppily chip the return).

“But you can be persuaded.” (the drop shot).

I raise my eyebrows, but I’m not fast enough.

Two-love

“What is the nature of your business?” (My serve is rusty and falls short in the court).

“I prefer to talk about pleasure.” (He’s quick with a chip return).

Stalling I take a sip from my drink. The smooth liquor rolls over m tongue and slides down my throat. He patiently waits for me to return the ball.

“Th-then what is the nature of your pleasure?” (Hoping to regain my footing, I send up a lob).

“I would be delighted to show you.” (He smashes for a winner).

Three-Love

“Room 1021. I’ll wait ten minutes.” (His serve).

He slides a hotel key card toward me and leaves. I squirm in my seat and admire him as he walks away. The ball passes unnoticed. (Ace).

Four-Love

I stare at myself in the mirror behind the bar. Will I continue this game and take him up on his invitation. Would following through be a weakness or a strength? Inspire respect or contempt. Does it matter? He’s so far out of my league.

I swallow the last of my drink, slide off the bar stool, straighten my skirt, grab my purse, and take a step back. I stop, pause, and reach back for the card. (Double fault).

Five-Love

When the green light blinks, I open the door. The room is dark, except for one light coming from the open bathroom door. I think I can see his shadow in one of the easy chairs on the far side of the room.

“Come in. Close the door and turn around. I’m giving you one chance. The door is in front of you, leave now or stay.” (His serve).