After Happily Ever Afte- Astrid Ohletz Page 0,56

there, a hesitant smile on her face. “I was surprised to see you here. This place is one of Melbourne’s undiscovered gems.”

Alina swallowed her surprise—not that Viva was here, but that she’d come over to say hello. “I overheard another player mention it.”

Viva nodded. “I think word is spreading. I was here a few nights ago with Jelena Kovic and her girlfriend. I’m here with Gabriela now. I’d invite you to join us, but of course Gabriela cannot socialise with an active player.” She nodded towards a table on the other side of the room.

She knew, of course. Three years ago, Viva’s relationship with the umpire, Gabriela, had caused a minor scandal in the tennis world. Alina’s belly clenched in shame. She’d been less than pleasant to Viva over it. But, it seemed, Viva wasn’t one to bear a grudge.

She glanced over to Viva’s table. Gabriela Mendaro was a striking woman, one who had often umpired Alina’s matches. Gabriela inclined her head in acknowledgement and offered a small smile.

Alina nodded in return. The code of conduct for umpires was strict. Gabriela was not being rude; she was simply abiding by the rules.

Viva followed Alina’s gaze and her eyes softened. “Gabriela is umpiring the men’s final this year.” Pride shone in her voice.

Alina closed her eyes briefly and a yearning for what Viva had closed her throat momentarily so that she couldn’t speak. Viva had always had it all: a hugely successful tennis career, and now, against all odds, a girlfriend whom she obviously loved with all her heart.

Girlfriend. Even thinking the word was difficult.

“In a way, this café is part of how Gabriela and I got together,” Viva said. “I don’t suppose you remember, but three years ago, a picture of us having coffee in a little café in Clifton Hill was leaked to the press. This restaurant belongs to the niece of that café owner. She invited us here when her niece opened the doors. Now we recommend it to everyone!”

“I remember,” Alina said through stiff lips. The incident had first deepened, then gone some way to healing the animosity between herself and Viva.

“I’m glad I caught you. I was hoping to set up an interview with you for Tennis Australia. Although you’re very much in demand these days. I hear Tova Wright is shadowing you this week.” Viva pushed her thick chestnut hair behind her ears.

“That’s right.”

Beside her Mikhail shifted restlessly.

“She’s good.” Viva’s gaze clung to Alina’s. “You can speak freely with her. She’s trustworthy. That’s not true of all journalists, but Tova has integrity.”

There was an intensity in Viva’s expression that was unnerving. What was Viva trying to say? Memories of a locker room, three years ago, surfaced. Herself, Viva, and Michi Cleaver. Alina had said too much, revealed a weakness—one that could be dangerous. Alina swallowed hard, picked up her fork and speared the last piece of grilled lamb. It would probably choke her, but maybe Viva would take the hint and leave.

“I’ll let you enjoy your dinner. But I hope you’ll grant me an interview. Nothing in-depth—I’m no Tova—just some chit chat about your upcoming tournaments. That sort of thing.” She grinned. “Maybe I’ll ask you for a restaurant review. It was good to bump into you both.” Her glance encompassed Mikhail. “I’ll get back to Gabriela before she eats all the dolmades.”

Alina watched Viva’s upright back and springy stride as she weaved her way back to her table. Viva sat, leant over to Gabriela and snatched the final dolmade from the plate in front of her. Gabriela laughed and batted at Viva’s hand. The sound was a ripple of infectious pleasure.

Alina closed her eyes momentarily. If only. When she opened them, Mikhail was studying her with a strange expression, more intently than he’d ever looked at her before.

“Was there something between you and Viva once?”

Startled, Alina set the untouched piece of lamb back on the plate. “Viva? Not at all. We didn’t like each other much when she was on the tour. Now though, she’s okay.”

Mikhail nodded, a short up and down. “I wouldn’t mind if there had been. I’m not one of those people who find such relationships objectionable.”

Keep breathing. He means well. Alina stared down at her plate. The solitary chunk of lamb was still in the middle. “I’m glad you’re not homophobic, but in this case, your concern is unwarranted. Viva has never been of any interest to me except as an opponent.” She forced a smile. “I don’t think I