tennis slash - The International Diner (10)
Title: The International Diner (10)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt/Andy Murray
Other Players: John Isner, Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon, Tommy Haas
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author’s Note: I have a request thread if anyone is interested.
Chapter 10 - The Drinking Pool
Marat prides himself on being unpredictable but Roger knows he is quite predictable about this particular issue. It has happened since Roger bought the diner, every year around this time. It starts the day before and lingers for a week. Roger stretches out in his bed, smelling the coffee and sausage coming from his kitchen downstairs. Marat isn't much of a cook but he pulls out all the stops in this particular week. Either he'll use the key to sneak in or, in the case of today, linger in bed while Andy gets ready for work, then rise as soon as Andy exits and prepares the meal.
Roger knows what he'll face in the kitchen. There will be some expensive roasted coffee, sometimes-edible eggs, sausage and a Mimosa on the table. Marat will have come out of the shower, wearing a t-shirt and jeans - well, that's not a major surprise as he usually looks like that on mornings he's not on day shift. Everything is meant to entice Roger to concede. Not happening.
"No," Roger says simply as soon as he enters his kitchen. Marat is at the stove, making the eggs but everything else is ready. The plate is next to the pan and the beverages are on the table.
"Roger..."
"No. I'm not applying for a liquor license." Roger is prepared for Marat's argument. "This is a one day only thing. Too much money to waste and not worth the headache. We are mainly a breakfast and lunch establishment that happens to be open for dinner. We'd have to upgrade the menu and staffing. I know you're bartending at that Russian dive tonight-"
"Hey! I don't moonlight at a dive! It's a real club."
Roger rolls his eyes as he continues his speech. "Okay then. I know there was a time Andy bartended as well - surprised you haven't tag teamed with him on the issue this year, maybe Monday when you both can sleep in - but no. You can get personal enjoyment out of the once-a-year event."
Marat turns off the stove and adds the eggs to the plate before bringing it to the table. "Well, yeah, of course we enjoy it. Andy is quite proud of the Mojito concoction he tweaked from Sam. Of course, I could give the boys lessons this year now that Novak and Other Andy are 21. Maybe Gilles if he's interested - can he legally drink?"
"Yeah. Surprisingly, he is a couple years older than them. But be careful. Don't take too much advantage of the situation." Roger tries to put a fork in the eggs but they're both rubbery and runny. He makes due with the rest of the food.
"Oh please. None of them were picked in the 'who will get the drunkest' pool. I have ten bucks on Lleyton. Tommy and Nicolas have Mario - evening crew loyalty of some sort. Andy has told Sam he picks Mario but when he gave the money, it was on Sam. Lleyton, as usual, picked Sam. Other Andy also picked Sam, purely out of spite but decent guess. John, Sam and Novak pick Andy because there's a plan to get him to face off with someone. Who do you want?"
Roger shakes his head and laughs. "I'm kind of surprised you're wagering on Lleyton. All these years, he's seemed good at holding his alcohol. Sam challenged him to shots and he drank the big guy under the table, hence why Lleyton bets on him in the first place."
"Believe me. He pulls a good scam. I don't normally talk about him as an ex but it's that intuition that tells me he will be drunk." Marat doesn't want to go into detail about his hunch so he shrugs it off. "Then again, maybe I'm slipping. I usually win money wagering on Mardy. Even if Mardy shows up, which he wasn't sure last time he talked to Andy because the painkillers have him sleeping through the day, he obviously won't be drinking."
Roger can't figure out what insider information Marat has. He grabs his wallet from the other end of the table and throws a ten dollar bill down. "Sam, and I refuse to even try to eat these eggs."
* * * * *
Lleyton assumes it will be a quiet Saturday morning. Sam has taken the day off, meaning that Marin is in as the third cook. Marin works here purely as a detour, some quick money on early shifts while he trains with the great chef Goran Ivanisevic across town for dinner shifts.
John, meanwhile, isn't usually very talkative to Lleyton without provocation. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially in light of yesterday's events. Which makes the comment all the more stunning, coming midway through the shift while John is cooking a large batch of home fries. "I think the meeting may have freaked him out."
Lleyton tilts his head, pretending he doesn't know what John is talking about. That goes along with Marin, who really has no clue.
John glances Lleyton’s way and lets out a loud sigh, wishing he didn't have to explain. "Don't play dumb. Other Andy worked the rest of the shift at the counter, not saying more than two words to anyone on staff, then fled the moment his shift was over. Didn't want anything to do with the kitchen."
"He'll get over it. Although I don't think Sam will. He was on such a high from that story and never got to say anything to Andy. Due to the work schedule, they won't collide until Sunday's party."
Marin raises an eyebrow, trying to figure out what he missed. "Is Andy scared of Sam liking him? I could see his point, given how they are usually at each other's throats."
John shakes his head. "Sam temporarily thinks Andy is awesome. Give it a few days and Sam will remember that it's Other Andy."
Marin places the pancakes on the plates, with bacon on the sides. "I know I'm not here that much but I never thought Andy was so bad, especially when Sam isn't around. Is it just me?"
John considers that. "Let's see, when Sam isn't here... yeah, now that you mention it, he's actually tolerable. Then again, before yesterday, I never really knew much about him. Maybe a bit closed-off but okay." Marin accepts that answer and heads to the pantry to get something. "The thing is, when he realized Roger was going to tell that story, he panicked. He couldn't have stayed in the kitchen because then everyone would have seen him as vulnerable and he can't have that. Even though it sounds as if the better you know Fabrice, the more you feel he deserved it."
Lleyton mutters, "Yeah, Andy hates being seen as sensitive." If Sam was lingering around, Lleyton probably would have dropped the subject. Lleyton suspects John has seen more than he has let on and definitely hasn't spoken to Sam, so continues, "Novak still doesn't get why forgetting his birthday was such a big deal. Andy would have preferred that I didn't find out anything."
John narrows his stare on Lleyton. "Is that all that happened that night? Novak says you two hooked up..."
"Don't believe him. I should have set that boy straight myself instead of thinking Andy would."
Lleyton may be withholding information but John doesn't believe this is part of it. John rereads the order, making sure he's deciphering Roddick's handwriting correctly, before getting to the eggs Florentine part of the order. "He's the type who can be really, seriously hurt by someone and that person wouldn't even know until it explodes."
"Well, yeah, Novak..."
"I'm not talking about Novak. I'm talking about you. I see the looks, as if he's studying..." John stops as he notices the wide-eyed shock on Lleyton's face and backpedals. "Maybe not... I don't know. Just spouting off theories. Dropping subject now."
If John is right, Lleyton doubts Andy will set foot in the kitchen before absolutely necessary and that he'll make himself busy as long as Lleyton is still there. That leaves the party tomorrow night. He needs to determine how to drag out the truth.
* * * * *
Novak is counting the minutes until his shift is over. It was quite busy earlier but now it's too quiet. It is also weird to be sitting around with Andy Roddick and Gilles. Usually, Andy is hanging around Roger by this time but Roger had called to let the staff know he'd stop in tonight instead and then let Andy know he had to meet with the bank about a loan.
Andy doesn't normally hang around Novak and that is now awkwardly obvious. "So, any plans for tonight?"
Novak shrugs. "I have homework to catch up on, especially since I'll be here practically all day tomorrow." Andy nods along; all three of them will be doing that.
Gilles says, "Same here. Although homework in my case is making a dessert for my cooking class Monday."
Andy raises an eyebrow. "Oh? You want to be a chef?"
"I don't know. I just want to learn all I can about the restaurant business."
Novak asks, "What about Richie?" Andy glances Novak's way, connecting this as a guy he's interested in. Although he's confused as to what happened to Rafa.
"Oh, yeah. He wants to bake. I have to call him later for ideas. It's just an introductory course, even though you wouldn't know it from the teacher."
Novak explains to Andy, "Arnaud of that French couple early in the morning that always points out the culinary aspect..."
Andy rolls his eyes and nods, already picturing the guy in his head. "Sounds like fun."
Tommy walks in at that point, wearing a grey suit and tie, holding what appears to be a leather portfolio. He looks toward the counter, then around the dining room. When he spots Andy, he asks, "No Roger?"
Andy shakes his head. "Business. Why?"
"Is Lleyton still around?"
"I would guess so. Haven't seen Mario yet." Andy grins as he notices Tommy appearing nervous. "What were you doing today, all dressed up?"
"Business," Tommy says in a mocking tone, then retreats to the kitchen.
Novak tries to return to the previous conversation. "It was supposed to be a double date..."
Andy interrupts, "I thought their date didn't work out."
Novak glances to the side, realizes Andy isn't talking about the same date he is, and says slowly, "What date?"
"Lleyton and Tommy. I don't understand this. Lleyton said it was simply 'okay'."
"Tommy is working here tonight, not picking him up."
Andy nods, then realizes what Novak said before didn't connect to this. "Who's double dating?"
Novak says, "It was supposed to be with him," pointing to Gilles, "and Andy. Which you could still..."
Gilles snaps, "You could still drop the subject and stop obsessing over fixing him up."
"He is mad at me. I'm just trying..." The phone rings. Novak is supposed to be at the desk, not sitting at a table, so he shoots out of his seat to answer.
When it is obvious from the useless gesturing that Novak is giving driving directions, Andy says, "Bad blood?"
"There will be blood - Novak's blood - if he keeps this up. He's a persistent bugger. Good news for Richie, who needs someone like that. Not so much for blind dating when neither party is interested."
"No. I meant bad blood involving Other Andy."
Gilles shakes his head. "Not the issue for me. I didn't know him that well at Santoro's. It's not him... Richie thinks I got dumped. Yes, there was a fight and Gael wasn't speaking to me for a few days but I do sometimes put my foot in my mouth and we kind of made up. I informed Andy yesterday and he replied that he just wished Novak would drop the subject. Not sure he's angry so much as irritated with the set-ups."
Andy glances at Novak, then chuckles. "So there's a lot of drama? I mean with you and Gael?"
"You could say that. I was going to bring him to the party as the way to tell Novak but he's out of town this weekend. Oh well. I guess I'll try to get him to show up at the end of shift another time." Gilles smiles brightly. "I sense he's a lot of fun to mess with."
Andy chuckles. "Yep. Just hope he doesn't figure it out."
* * * * *
Tommy slams his hand down on the counter. Lleyton had been sitting on the bench, no customers at the moment. He jolts up, saying automatically, "Good afternoon."
"Still have the meeting tomorrow?"
Lleyton relaxes upon realizing it's Tommy. "Yeah. I'm leaving here at 2." Tommy pulls out a large plain envelope from the portfolio and holds it out for Lleyton to grab. Reluctantly, he gets up and approaches, a smile gracing his face. "You seriously wasted time on this?"
"Just some sketches," Tommy says, attempting to downplay. "Not much but I figured you could use something like this as motivation for the meeting. Assuming Roger's conversation with the loan officer proves successful."
Lleyton wants to see the work so badly but doesn't want the questions that go along with the sketches from the rest of the staff. Maybe tomorrow night, assuming the meeting goes as hoped.
* * * * *
Novak is still on the phone when Andy Murray shows up. Andy has his hands resting on the counter near the phone and a cold, narrow glare fixed on the Serb. Based on the white knuckles clutching the phone, Novak can feel he's in trouble without looking up.
Gilles glances toward Roddick. "It is a pity because, although he's a pest, I wouldn't wish bodily harm on Novak."
Andy Roddick says, "It's a fun little contest we have here, called What Did Novak Do This Time. It usually involves Marat and shift changes but, yes, it could be myself, Tommy, Andy... or you, in fact. If you hit the mark, you win ten bucks from the other participants. In this case, only me."
Gilles nods. "Ten bucks. Okay, sounds intriguing."
"Now, although Novak woke Marat up very early yesterday to blab about Santoro's, I doubt it's that. You're here, so it would have been discovered anyway. Maybe Novak tried to fix him up again even though he's still pushing for you."
"Novak mentioned earlier about a wedding of a long-time friend next weekend."
Roddick nods. "That's right. Andy's brother's wedding. But I doubt it’s that."
Sure enough, as soon as Novak is off the phone... "Did you really have to involve Ana and Jelena in my personal life? It's bad enough to have to hear them fretting all morning about the bridesmaids’ dresses but when they tried to fix me up with the florist? This would have been bad enough but I knew the guy from here! One of the Four F's - Ferrero. So he now believes that I've had a crush on him all this time!"
Novak may be in fear of Murray's temper but Roddick can't help but laugh. He knows perfectly well which one from the group Ferrero is - he's the one who tried to get a date with Marat while Roddick was talking to Marat about their previous night's activities.
Both of them turn to Roddick. "I'm sorry. It's just... it's Ferrero. Ask Marat. You definitely deserve the wrath, Djok.” He digs for the bill in his pocket and drops it in front of Gilles. “I’m ruling in your favor because technically Novak didn’t do the arranging here but it definitely involves the wedding.”
"Hey!" Novak exclaims, turning to Roddick. "One, I thought you stopped that game because Fish kept winning your money. Two," to Murray. "I was only relaying stories with Ana. I didn't mean..."
"Don't do this." Andy Murray groans.
"I was supposed to be a good friend and then Lleyton was the one there. He took advantage..."
That catches Roddick’s attention, as well as has Murray hold his hand up to get Novak to shut up. He leans over the counter to get close to Novak. "Pay attention to me care-ful-ly, Novak. Stop blaming him. Lleyton did nothing... listen to me - nothing happened, absolutely fucking nothing. There is no version in which what you're insinuating ever could happen. All is forgiven so please go back to your regular action-packed life and stay the fuck out of mine." He then storms in the direction of the kitchen, barely making it in when he stops in his tracks.
From their vantage point, it is difficult to see but since they know Tommy went in, probably still in suit and tie, and Lleyton was back there, that was enough. Tommy is saying, “Hey Andy,” then a long pause, “Is everything okay?” then a long silence until a sudden slam of a door jolts all three of them.
Tommy heads out of the kitchen, shaking his head. When he spots Novak, he says, “What’d you do this time?”
Novak turns around to the table, hoping someone can help explain. Andy Roddick says, “I don’t know if he’ll win but I think I’m beginning to understand why Marat made that wager in the drinking pool.”
Chapter 11 - Andy Roddick Knows Too Much (Before the Party)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt/Andy Murray
Other Players: John Isner, Marin Cilic, Gilles Simon, Tommy Haas
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author’s Note: I have a request thread if anyone is interested.
Chapter 10 - The Drinking Pool
Marat prides himself on being unpredictable but Roger knows he is quite predictable about this particular issue. It has happened since Roger bought the diner, every year around this time. It starts the day before and lingers for a week. Roger stretches out in his bed, smelling the coffee and sausage coming from his kitchen downstairs. Marat isn't much of a cook but he pulls out all the stops in this particular week. Either he'll use the key to sneak in or, in the case of today, linger in bed while Andy gets ready for work, then rise as soon as Andy exits and prepares the meal.
Roger knows what he'll face in the kitchen. There will be some expensive roasted coffee, sometimes-edible eggs, sausage and a Mimosa on the table. Marat will have come out of the shower, wearing a t-shirt and jeans - well, that's not a major surprise as he usually looks like that on mornings he's not on day shift. Everything is meant to entice Roger to concede. Not happening.
"No," Roger says simply as soon as he enters his kitchen. Marat is at the stove, making the eggs but everything else is ready. The plate is next to the pan and the beverages are on the table.
"Roger..."
"No. I'm not applying for a liquor license." Roger is prepared for Marat's argument. "This is a one day only thing. Too much money to waste and not worth the headache. We are mainly a breakfast and lunch establishment that happens to be open for dinner. We'd have to upgrade the menu and staffing. I know you're bartending at that Russian dive tonight-"
"Hey! I don't moonlight at a dive! It's a real club."
Roger rolls his eyes as he continues his speech. "Okay then. I know there was a time Andy bartended as well - surprised you haven't tag teamed with him on the issue this year, maybe Monday when you both can sleep in - but no. You can get personal enjoyment out of the once-a-year event."
Marat turns off the stove and adds the eggs to the plate before bringing it to the table. "Well, yeah, of course we enjoy it. Andy is quite proud of the Mojito concoction he tweaked from Sam. Of course, I could give the boys lessons this year now that Novak and Other Andy are 21. Maybe Gilles if he's interested - can he legally drink?"
"Yeah. Surprisingly, he is a couple years older than them. But be careful. Don't take too much advantage of the situation." Roger tries to put a fork in the eggs but they're both rubbery and runny. He makes due with the rest of the food.
"Oh please. None of them were picked in the 'who will get the drunkest' pool. I have ten bucks on Lleyton. Tommy and Nicolas have Mario - evening crew loyalty of some sort. Andy has told Sam he picks Mario but when he gave the money, it was on Sam. Lleyton, as usual, picked Sam. Other Andy also picked Sam, purely out of spite but decent guess. John, Sam and Novak pick Andy because there's a plan to get him to face off with someone. Who do you want?"
Roger shakes his head and laughs. "I'm kind of surprised you're wagering on Lleyton. All these years, he's seemed good at holding his alcohol. Sam challenged him to shots and he drank the big guy under the table, hence why Lleyton bets on him in the first place."
"Believe me. He pulls a good scam. I don't normally talk about him as an ex but it's that intuition that tells me he will be drunk." Marat doesn't want to go into detail about his hunch so he shrugs it off. "Then again, maybe I'm slipping. I usually win money wagering on Mardy. Even if Mardy shows up, which he wasn't sure last time he talked to Andy because the painkillers have him sleeping through the day, he obviously won't be drinking."
Roger can't figure out what insider information Marat has. He grabs his wallet from the other end of the table and throws a ten dollar bill down. "Sam, and I refuse to even try to eat these eggs."
* * * * *
Lleyton assumes it will be a quiet Saturday morning. Sam has taken the day off, meaning that Marin is in as the third cook. Marin works here purely as a detour, some quick money on early shifts while he trains with the great chef Goran Ivanisevic across town for dinner shifts.
John, meanwhile, isn't usually very talkative to Lleyton without provocation. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially in light of yesterday's events. Which makes the comment all the more stunning, coming midway through the shift while John is cooking a large batch of home fries. "I think the meeting may have freaked him out."
Lleyton tilts his head, pretending he doesn't know what John is talking about. That goes along with Marin, who really has no clue.
John glances Lleyton’s way and lets out a loud sigh, wishing he didn't have to explain. "Don't play dumb. Other Andy worked the rest of the shift at the counter, not saying more than two words to anyone on staff, then fled the moment his shift was over. Didn't want anything to do with the kitchen."
"He'll get over it. Although I don't think Sam will. He was on such a high from that story and never got to say anything to Andy. Due to the work schedule, they won't collide until Sunday's party."
Marin raises an eyebrow, trying to figure out what he missed. "Is Andy scared of Sam liking him? I could see his point, given how they are usually at each other's throats."
John shakes his head. "Sam temporarily thinks Andy is awesome. Give it a few days and Sam will remember that it's Other Andy."
Marin places the pancakes on the plates, with bacon on the sides. "I know I'm not here that much but I never thought Andy was so bad, especially when Sam isn't around. Is it just me?"
John considers that. "Let's see, when Sam isn't here... yeah, now that you mention it, he's actually tolerable. Then again, before yesterday, I never really knew much about him. Maybe a bit closed-off but okay." Marin accepts that answer and heads to the pantry to get something. "The thing is, when he realized Roger was going to tell that story, he panicked. He couldn't have stayed in the kitchen because then everyone would have seen him as vulnerable and he can't have that. Even though it sounds as if the better you know Fabrice, the more you feel he deserved it."
Lleyton mutters, "Yeah, Andy hates being seen as sensitive." If Sam was lingering around, Lleyton probably would have dropped the subject. Lleyton suspects John has seen more than he has let on and definitely hasn't spoken to Sam, so continues, "Novak still doesn't get why forgetting his birthday was such a big deal. Andy would have preferred that I didn't find out anything."
John narrows his stare on Lleyton. "Is that all that happened that night? Novak says you two hooked up..."
"Don't believe him. I should have set that boy straight myself instead of thinking Andy would."
Lleyton may be withholding information but John doesn't believe this is part of it. John rereads the order, making sure he's deciphering Roddick's handwriting correctly, before getting to the eggs Florentine part of the order. "He's the type who can be really, seriously hurt by someone and that person wouldn't even know until it explodes."
"Well, yeah, Novak..."
"I'm not talking about Novak. I'm talking about you. I see the looks, as if he's studying..." John stops as he notices the wide-eyed shock on Lleyton's face and backpedals. "Maybe not... I don't know. Just spouting off theories. Dropping subject now."
If John is right, Lleyton doubts Andy will set foot in the kitchen before absolutely necessary and that he'll make himself busy as long as Lleyton is still there. That leaves the party tomorrow night. He needs to determine how to drag out the truth.
* * * * *
Novak is counting the minutes until his shift is over. It was quite busy earlier but now it's too quiet. It is also weird to be sitting around with Andy Roddick and Gilles. Usually, Andy is hanging around Roger by this time but Roger had called to let the staff know he'd stop in tonight instead and then let Andy know he had to meet with the bank about a loan.
Andy doesn't normally hang around Novak and that is now awkwardly obvious. "So, any plans for tonight?"
Novak shrugs. "I have homework to catch up on, especially since I'll be here practically all day tomorrow." Andy nods along; all three of them will be doing that.
Gilles says, "Same here. Although homework in my case is making a dessert for my cooking class Monday."
Andy raises an eyebrow. "Oh? You want to be a chef?"
"I don't know. I just want to learn all I can about the restaurant business."
Novak asks, "What about Richie?" Andy glances Novak's way, connecting this as a guy he's interested in. Although he's confused as to what happened to Rafa.
"Oh, yeah. He wants to bake. I have to call him later for ideas. It's just an introductory course, even though you wouldn't know it from the teacher."
Novak explains to Andy, "Arnaud of that French couple early in the morning that always points out the culinary aspect..."
Andy rolls his eyes and nods, already picturing the guy in his head. "Sounds like fun."
Tommy walks in at that point, wearing a grey suit and tie, holding what appears to be a leather portfolio. He looks toward the counter, then around the dining room. When he spots Andy, he asks, "No Roger?"
Andy shakes his head. "Business. Why?"
"Is Lleyton still around?"
"I would guess so. Haven't seen Mario yet." Andy grins as he notices Tommy appearing nervous. "What were you doing today, all dressed up?"
"Business," Tommy says in a mocking tone, then retreats to the kitchen.
Novak tries to return to the previous conversation. "It was supposed to be a double date..."
Andy interrupts, "I thought their date didn't work out."
Novak glances to the side, realizes Andy isn't talking about the same date he is, and says slowly, "What date?"
"Lleyton and Tommy. I don't understand this. Lleyton said it was simply 'okay'."
"Tommy is working here tonight, not picking him up."
Andy nods, then realizes what Novak said before didn't connect to this. "Who's double dating?"
Novak says, "It was supposed to be with him," pointing to Gilles, "and Andy. Which you could still..."
Gilles snaps, "You could still drop the subject and stop obsessing over fixing him up."
"He is mad at me. I'm just trying..." The phone rings. Novak is supposed to be at the desk, not sitting at a table, so he shoots out of his seat to answer.
When it is obvious from the useless gesturing that Novak is giving driving directions, Andy says, "Bad blood?"
"There will be blood - Novak's blood - if he keeps this up. He's a persistent bugger. Good news for Richie, who needs someone like that. Not so much for blind dating when neither party is interested."
"No. I meant bad blood involving Other Andy."
Gilles shakes his head. "Not the issue for me. I didn't know him that well at Santoro's. It's not him... Richie thinks I got dumped. Yes, there was a fight and Gael wasn't speaking to me for a few days but I do sometimes put my foot in my mouth and we kind of made up. I informed Andy yesterday and he replied that he just wished Novak would drop the subject. Not sure he's angry so much as irritated with the set-ups."
Andy glances at Novak, then chuckles. "So there's a lot of drama? I mean with you and Gael?"
"You could say that. I was going to bring him to the party as the way to tell Novak but he's out of town this weekend. Oh well. I guess I'll try to get him to show up at the end of shift another time." Gilles smiles brightly. "I sense he's a lot of fun to mess with."
Andy chuckles. "Yep. Just hope he doesn't figure it out."
* * * * *
Tommy slams his hand down on the counter. Lleyton had been sitting on the bench, no customers at the moment. He jolts up, saying automatically, "Good afternoon."
"Still have the meeting tomorrow?"
Lleyton relaxes upon realizing it's Tommy. "Yeah. I'm leaving here at 2." Tommy pulls out a large plain envelope from the portfolio and holds it out for Lleyton to grab. Reluctantly, he gets up and approaches, a smile gracing his face. "You seriously wasted time on this?"
"Just some sketches," Tommy says, attempting to downplay. "Not much but I figured you could use something like this as motivation for the meeting. Assuming Roger's conversation with the loan officer proves successful."
Lleyton wants to see the work so badly but doesn't want the questions that go along with the sketches from the rest of the staff. Maybe tomorrow night, assuming the meeting goes as hoped.
* * * * *
Novak is still on the phone when Andy Murray shows up. Andy has his hands resting on the counter near the phone and a cold, narrow glare fixed on the Serb. Based on the white knuckles clutching the phone, Novak can feel he's in trouble without looking up.
Gilles glances toward Roddick. "It is a pity because, although he's a pest, I wouldn't wish bodily harm on Novak."
Andy Roddick says, "It's a fun little contest we have here, called What Did Novak Do This Time. It usually involves Marat and shift changes but, yes, it could be myself, Tommy, Andy... or you, in fact. If you hit the mark, you win ten bucks from the other participants. In this case, only me."
Gilles nods. "Ten bucks. Okay, sounds intriguing."
"Now, although Novak woke Marat up very early yesterday to blab about Santoro's, I doubt it's that. You're here, so it would have been discovered anyway. Maybe Novak tried to fix him up again even though he's still pushing for you."
"Novak mentioned earlier about a wedding of a long-time friend next weekend."
Roddick nods. "That's right. Andy's brother's wedding. But I doubt it’s that."
Sure enough, as soon as Novak is off the phone... "Did you really have to involve Ana and Jelena in my personal life? It's bad enough to have to hear them fretting all morning about the bridesmaids’ dresses but when they tried to fix me up with the florist? This would have been bad enough but I knew the guy from here! One of the Four F's - Ferrero. So he now believes that I've had a crush on him all this time!"
Novak may be in fear of Murray's temper but Roddick can't help but laugh. He knows perfectly well which one from the group Ferrero is - he's the one who tried to get a date with Marat while Roddick was talking to Marat about their previous night's activities.
Both of them turn to Roddick. "I'm sorry. It's just... it's Ferrero. Ask Marat. You definitely deserve the wrath, Djok.” He digs for the bill in his pocket and drops it in front of Gilles. “I’m ruling in your favor because technically Novak didn’t do the arranging here but it definitely involves the wedding.”
"Hey!" Novak exclaims, turning to Roddick. "One, I thought you stopped that game because Fish kept winning your money. Two," to Murray. "I was only relaying stories with Ana. I didn't mean..."
"Don't do this." Andy Murray groans.
"I was supposed to be a good friend and then Lleyton was the one there. He took advantage..."
That catches Roddick’s attention, as well as has Murray hold his hand up to get Novak to shut up. He leans over the counter to get close to Novak. "Pay attention to me care-ful-ly, Novak. Stop blaming him. Lleyton did nothing... listen to me - nothing happened, absolutely fucking nothing. There is no version in which what you're insinuating ever could happen. All is forgiven so please go back to your regular action-packed life and stay the fuck out of mine." He then storms in the direction of the kitchen, barely making it in when he stops in his tracks.
From their vantage point, it is difficult to see but since they know Tommy went in, probably still in suit and tie, and Lleyton was back there, that was enough. Tommy is saying, “Hey Andy,” then a long pause, “Is everything okay?” then a long silence until a sudden slam of a door jolts all three of them.
Tommy heads out of the kitchen, shaking his head. When he spots Novak, he says, “What’d you do this time?”
Novak turns around to the table, hoping someone can help explain. Andy Roddick says, “I don’t know if he’ll win but I think I’m beginning to understand why Marat made that wager in the drinking pool.”
Chapter 11 - Andy Roddick Knows Too Much (Before the Party)