Naked Hero - The Journey Away

agree?”
    “There’s nobody I think higher of, you know that. It’s all a bit sudden, that’s all. It’s a hell of a thing to hit me with just before the final. Did the pair of you plan this all along?”
    “No!” Jim exclaimed, although he knew he was guilty of an element of scheming. “I just wanted him to help here at first, and then think through what was best to do after the tournament. But it’s worked out that well, and you seemed so disappointed when he backed away earlier in the week, I thought it would put your mind at rest before the final, to know he was going to carry on. Maybe work with us for a few more tournaments and see how we all feel. Then take over if we’re all sure it’s the right thing to do. I would never leave you, Lewis - not until I found the right man to take my place. Scott seems to be the one. There’s no point in us being sentimental about this. It’s what’s needed for your career now.”
    Lewis nodded. “I think you’re underestimating yourself, Jim, but you might be right. And there’s nobody better than Scott for the tennis side of things. It’s the bigger picture I’m a bit worried about. He wouldn’t put up with me like you do, you old softy.”
    Jim looked at him sternly. “That might not be so bad. It would make you think a bit more about what you’re doing at times if you knew that somebody might walk away and not put up with your shenanigans like I do.”
    “Keep me on a tight leash, would he?” said Lewis with a cheeky smile. “I don’t think I’d like that, Jim.”
    “Oh, you’d have your flings, Lewis - he’s not so stupid as to think otherwise. You might have to be a bit more considerate as to who with though… and as I say, that might not be such a bad thing. You’re on your way now, lad. Number one this year maybe. Think of that: acknowledged by the world as its best tennis player. Scott can take you there.”
    “At a price.”
    “I can’t see any cost. But if there is one you’re not telling me about, then it’s more than worth it. So think on! It’s taken you over a year to get back on track properly. You’ve been rolling all over the place at times. But now everything’s falling into place. Don’t blow it again, Lewis.”
    “Is that what I did, Jim? Blow it. Really - is that what you think?”
    Jim hesitated for a moment. They’d argued a lot, discussed endless topics around the sport, but had never touched on this. It was time for truth though, so he offered it up by giving his opinion at last. “You could have been at the top by now. You lost focus, Lewis - got your priorities wrong. Here’s your chance back. Another final! Another win if you’re lucky - you beat him before! And from there... it’s all the way. So aye, you blew it the last time. Don’t make the same mistake. Carpe Diem! ”
    “I didn’t do Latin at school, Jim.”
    “Seize the day, boy! Seize the day!”
    Lewis nodded reflectively. “Let’s get the match over with, and then we’ll see where we are.”
    “He’s the best man for you, Lewis, and you know it,” stressed Jim.
    “You’re probably right - even if there is a price. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. It’s just a lot to take in just now. The final. Scott. I’m a lucky boy. It’s just...”
    “Just what?”
    “Nothing - it’ll be fine, Jim. Everything will be fine.”
    ***
    Lewis continued to force himself to forget about what might happen after the tournament as he went through his practice session. Scott took charge, and played for some of the time, the rest he spent at the sidelines observing and coaching. Lewis tried to hear only his words. ‘Compartmentalise,’ he told himself. ‘Put the rest in a box. It can wait. Just think about tomorrow and what you need to do.’
    After the practice, they gathered around to go over the strategy again. It was simple: stay with him and look for where he might be making some mistakes, a shot that might not be working so well and home in on it; draw him into the net, as with Gonzales, but not so often as his volleying was better. Pressure - that was the key. Make Jackson crack. He was the one with most to lose.
    When they had finished, Lewis announced that he was heading off for a shower. Scott held back, he wanted to go through a few things with Jim. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Lewis,” he said. “Remember, keep that focus. Don’t think about anything else until after the final.”
    “Okay, Scott. I’ll try.”
    Lewis felt like he