Chapter 4 - Unexpectedly Close
It’s a beautiful evening, so I’m starting to write... My phone rings again. I really need to change that ringtone—it’s the same thing over and over. But Landa is Landa—this song always gets me. Not only does it have a beautiful melody, but I taught Lucka to dance the waltz to it... I’ll keep it a little longer. There’s something special about this evening. The air smells like memories, and even though I’m tired, I feel a strange sense of calm. As if something is about to happen. Something that will shift the rhythm of these everyday routines.
Today I feel like a switchboard. First thing in the morning, Pavel called me at work to say he’d dropped the kids off at grandma’s and I should coordinate with her about how long they’ll stay. Quick call—he was off to work. Then grandma (my mom) called to ask if she could keep the kids until tomorrow. Oh please, keep them the whole week! It’s summer break, and Lucka is more than happy to skip preschool. She didn’t go at all in July, and without her best friend there, she says there’s no point. And I think—why not? The kids will get a break, grandma will enjoy them, and I... I might finally switch off. Just for a moment. No endless “Mooom,” no spilled juice, no searching for stuffed animals under the couch. Just me, my work, and an evening that promises more than just tennis.
I reminded Mom I was at work and couldn’t chat long. But you know grandmas—say “bye” five times and they’ll remember something “super important.” Like what to cook for lunch, then dinner, and so on. And I try to be patient. I know she means well. But sometimes I wish the world would just quiet down for a bit. That no one needed anything, wanted anything, asked anything. Just silence. Just peace. Just me.
Then Pavel called again to ask what we’d agreed on, because he’d like to go out for a beer with the guys tonight. I think I made his day—no kids at home and I’m off to play tennis. So Hanča and I can enjoy a longer wine session after the game. And I smile to myself. Maybe tonight will be the kind of evening where everything feels a little brighter. Where we’re not just chasing responsibilities, but finally sitting down, looking at the stars, and just being. No plans. No rush.
And then Honzík called. Whose idea was it to give
a kid a phone? Who gave it to him? Oh right... me.
I haven’t gotten anything done at work, and the phone rings again. This time it’s an unknown number. “Hello?” I hear myself sounding all important. Ugh, cringe. But unknown numbers are unknown numbers.
“It’s me, Hana. The courts just called—they need ours, so they’re switching it and shortening our time by an hour. Is that okay?”
“Hana, what are you doing? Why are you calling from an unknown number? I hate those! Next time I might not even pick up... But yeah, it’s fine. Pavel’s out tonight, so we can hang out longer after tennis, okay?”
“Sorry, I’m calling from my work phone. Super secret number, you know. Oh, and the shorter time is because the Sokol guys are playing after us. You know who’s in Sokol??”
Hana is so mysterious. That’s the question! I’ve been trying to “accidentally” bump into Vašek on the court for ages...
“Hana, I’ve got to go, sorry. I’ve got a ton of work. I’ll head to tennis straight from the office. Luckily I’ve got my bike and gear here, and I’ll be here till evening.”
Time to get cracking. With the evening ahead, work will fly by. Yesss, I’m excited! Maybe I’ll actually run into him!
I finished everything at work and now I’m pedaling like crazy. The courts aren’t far, but I’m cutting it close. Just one minute left. I’m going to hear about this...
“Where have you been?” Yep, called it. Hana’s already tense, waiting by the court.
“Sorry, I was running late. But I’m already dressed, just hopping off the bike and let’s go!”
“You’ve improved a lot since last time. You’re playing great!” said a familiar voice behind me. Could it be? I’m almost afraid to turn around...
“Hi Vašek! Yeah, I’ve been playing daily, but I haven’t seen you here in ages.” Will he take that as a question or just a statement?
“I used to play in the mornings. Then we only had courts from 1 to 5 p.m., and it was way too hot. This summer’s been brutal. We also wanted to thank you for giving up your court. Our guys have matches and there weren’t any free courts left, so we’ll take the hour you gave us. Or want to join us for doubles?”
No way! I’m not embarrassing myself. I saw them play last time. And besides—doubles? He’s here alone!
“Coming, Vašek! Did you sort it out with the girls?” Jarda calls from a distance. What did he sort out? Oh right—the doubles.
“Sorry, no. Klára and I are just glad to be alive today. But feel free to play on your own—should we sweep the court?” Hana jumps in before I can.
“Leave it! And get whatever you want at the pub, on us. Wait for us, okay? We waited for you last time!” Jarda shouts, running onto the court.
“Thanks, we’ll get something really good, and if you’re not too long, we’ll wait,” I say, heading off with Hana toward the pub. Oh, I still need to grab my bike!
“Hana, don’t tell me they’re still playing! It’s pitch dark, they can’t possibly see the ball! They probably took the other exit and left!” I’m mostly thinking out loud.
“We’re here! Took a quick shower, sorry you had to wait. Did you get something good?” Hana didn’t even get a chance to respond—Jarda’s already here. And behind him... HIM.
I haven’t laughed this much in ages. Jarda was full of jokes, I joined in—and I noticed Vašek kept looking at me. Even Hana noticed.
“Well, I really enjoyed sitting with you, but I’ve got to be up early tomorrow, so I’ll head out. Klára, you coming?” Hanča gets up and heads to her bike.
“Hmm, I’m not in a rush. No kids, Pavel’s out who knows where, so I’m taking it easy.”
“Go ahead, I’ll walk Klára home,” I hear Vašek offer. Hana winks at me, hops on her bike, and rides off.
“I’ll head out too, take care and behave yourselves!” Jarda says, getting up. Maybe he’s chasing after Hana? Though she’s on a bike and he’s on foot...
FINALLY, I’m alone with Vašek. And it seems I’m not indifferent to him either...
“I heard you’re not in a hurry to get home? Want to go for a bike ride? But you’ll have to ride ahead—I don’t have lights on my bike,” Vašek says with a sly smile.
Easy for him to say—ride ahead. Do I know where to go? Or how fast? Maybe we should just call it a night. “Sure, I’d love to ride—if you tell me where we’re going. But let’s avoid the Golf area, my guy might be there having a beer.” What am I saying? I wanted to go home, get some sleep—not ride off somewhere with a guy I’ve only seen twice and who’s got alcohol in his system! Yet here I am, pedaling away. He’s got no lights, so we’re heading into the fields and woods, where he says there won’t be any cops. On one hand, I’m relieved—I know all the city cops. Pavel works there, and I used to before maternity leave. At least we won’t run into them, and I won’t have to explain anything at home.
Whoa! What was that? I spaced out and now I’m lying in a ditch. “Vašek!” “What are you doing? Come on, I’ll help you out! Are you okay?” No way I’m telling him I’m tipsy. “No idea, maybe the chain fell off,” I lie. “Hold on, I’ll check. Luckily I’ve got a flashlight in my backpack.” Phew! Huge relief. The chain really did fall off. “No worries, let’s walk from here. I don’t want you getting hurt. And if you want, I’ve got tools in my backpack—I’ll fix it. But not tonight, I can’t see a thing.”
Wait a minute... That sounds promising. Like he’s planning to see me again. Or maybe he meant fixing it at tennis? We’ll see. Right now, I’m just enjoying being with him. It’s a beautiful, warm summer night, stars shining above us. We’re walking side by side, bikes on opposite sides so we can be as close as possible. Vašek takes my hand and we walk. I don’t even mind the mud from the dew-soaked field.
“Look, there’s the Big Dipper! It’s shining so bright, you could just hop in and ride away.” I laugh. Suddenly, Vašek pulls me close, wraps his arms around me, and starts kissing me. Passionately. I drop my bike. My precious bike, with all its gear—odometer, pouches, everything. I don’t gently lay it down—I toss it into the mud. Just so I can...
