Blake looked satisfied and said, "Your form looks genuinely professional."
Ayla missed the next ball and bent down to pick it up.
She asked, "When did you learn to play?"
Her mom Juliana had taught her tennis.
Ayla always thought Ms. Juliana could do everything. That never changed even after she grew up.
She said, "I learned when I was in elementary school."
Blake said, "That explains it. Your posture looks sharp." She lifted her own racket and said, "James, you play with me."
James had wanted to poke at Draven, but Ayla caught him off guard.
He figured she lied the first time because she didn't know them. She showed up today, so he dropped the attitude and joined Blake.
Ayla's swing still looked clean, but she had not played in a long time. Her arm strength was weak.
Draven hit hard and fast. After a few rallies, her form almost fell apart.
She pushed herself to hold on.
She felt his next shot come in lighter. She noticed it right away.
She looked at Draven.
Draven stood far away with a cold face and said, "Keep going. I'll train with you."
The fragile look was long out of style. Women needed strength and muscle. Only enemies wanted her weak, and Ayla wanted power. She needed to work out.
She said, "Okay."
A partner like Draven was a gift. She would not waste that chance.
Tennis was hard without strength training. Most people needed pairs so they could rest between sets.
Herman and Will showed up late.
They entered through the west gate.
They saw Troy and did not say a thing as they passed.
Troy saw them too.
Ayla had already walked over to that side.
He hated seeing Ayla in front of him and told her to leave.
She stepped out of his line of sight without a word.
Troy looked at Herman and suddenly had doubts. Maybe Ayla was not here for the reason he thought.
A different possibility hit him. His face darkened.
Troy threw the racket aside and pushed open the fence door. He walked after Herman.
Skyla wanted to go too.
If Herman was here, then James and Draven might be nearby.
And if Ayla was playing with Draven, that thought made her chest twist.


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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla)
Why is half of each of these chapters missing? The story sort of trails off in the middle of the chapter. That’s unfortunate....