Through all his years as tennis coach at OSU, Phil had never found someone with such God given talent as Barbara. She was only 20, and had earned a free ride at school with a tennis scholarship, which was a great beginning. The more Phil worked with her, the harder she trained. On the day when Phil told her that she had qualified to play in the regional tournament in Cincinnati, she was elated.
"Everyone will be at the Hilton Hotel in Cincinnati, and you and I will have adjoining rooms. My wife doesn't want to go, but your boyfriend can come along and stay with you. I'm sure he will want to support you."
"When are we leaving and how long will we be there?" Barbara asked.
"I will drive us down next Sunday and we will be there for as long as you continue to win and progress in the tournament."
"Oh, no! Carlton will be in Baton Rouge for two weeks; he's touring and applying at LSU, and then has job interviews lined up."
"Well, the dates of the tournament are fixed, so we'll both have to make do by ourselves. We'll have a day to practice before each qualifying round. Maybe things will change and your boyfriend can join us later, before the tournament ends."
Barbara was anxious and talked during the ride to Cincinnati about how nervous she felt. "I've never competed before, so I don't know what to expect," she said.
Phil wanted to reassure her. "All you have to worry about is using your practice time wisely and just playing your best, one game at a time."
After breakfast on Monday, they were allotted time on a court, and Phil worked with Barbara giving her tips. "Remember; aim and reach for the overhead shots, and have your racket set up for your backhands; try to put as much top spin on it as you can."
On Tuesday, Barbara's match was after lunch and she outplayed her opponent, winning two sets straight, 6-2 and 6-1. She was absolutely giddy at dinner, and eager to continue. Phil told her how proud he was of her.
During the practice round on Wednesday, Phil drilled Barbara on serving and returning serve. "Watch your opponent; if she is weak on return, serve to her backhand or directly into her body. When you return her serve, step up and take the ball early; it will throw her off balance."
Barbara's match on Thursday was before lunch, but she squeezed past her opponent in three sets, 6-3, 4-6 and 6-4. She had qualified for the quarter finals on Friday. That night, they both retired to their rooms after dinner. Phil was sitting on the bed in his boxers watching television when he heard Barbara knocking on the door connecting their rooms.
When Phil opened the door, Barbara rushed past him into his room. She was wearing a short white silk nightgown that barely covered her legs. Her young breasts almost spilled from the top of the nightgown and her nipples showed through the sheer fabric.
She put her hands on her face, her long brown hair flipping back and forth as she shook her head.
"I can't do this, Phil," she cried.
Phil suddenly realized that he wasn't fully dressed but he wanted to calm her down.
"What do you mean; what's the matter?"
"I'm too nervous, and I almost blew it today. The pressure of tomorrow is more than I can handle."
Phil put his arm around her and she immediately curled into his arms, her head on his shoulder.
"When I get this tense and nervous, I...I need help, Phil, and my boyfriend can't be here. What am I going to do?"
"Well, I'm here, Barbara, I'll support you however you need; you can do this."
