The Partnership

The Keep Writing Challenge assignment for today is to write a 250-word (exactly) story using the prompt "running."

The Partnership

Al flashed a quick smile. She’d caught him staring just a little too long.

With her sun-bronzed, lightly freckled complexion and her brown pageboy haircut, his new tennis partner possessed, if not movie actress glamour, certainly the good looks of a girl-next-door prom queen. Nice to look at, sure; but would this girl be tough enough to compete in their league? Could this partnership work?

“Okay, then, let’s give this a shot. We’ve got two weeks to get used to each other before the tournament. Let’s go,” he suggested smoothly.

“Thanks for being willing to take on the newbie as your doubles partner,” Megan replied. “Coach said he thought you’d be able to adapt to the change better than anybody else on the boys team. I’ve played since I was a kid and played singles at my old school, but I’ve never played mixed doubles; I hope I won’t hold you back.”  

Al and Megan took the court to warm up opposite Janet and Jason, who’d played together since 9^th grade.

Soon Coach called out, “Okay, let’s pick up the pace and see what you got!” and the foursome squared up.

Al began to relax as Megan delivered strong serves and made solid returns. He could see it now. She was supple and muscular without appearing masculine, always alert and running hard to be in position to make powerful returns. She met his eyes in affirmation when he made a good shot.

Oh yes! Coach was right. Good partnership!