Page 80 (1/2)

1

not all strawberries and cream

WIMBLEDON, JUNE 2015

It wasn’t every day aa neat bun and a purple polyester suit directed you to lift your skirt The woman’s voice was clipped, British proper All business

After glancing at her coach, Marcy, Charlie lifted the edges of her pleated white skirt and waited

‘Higher, please’

‘I pro’s in order down there, ma’am,’ Charlie said, as politely as she could

The official’s eyes narrowed to a steely squint, but she didn’t say a word

‘All the way, Charlie,’ Marcy said sternly, but it was obvious she was trying not to smile

Charlie pulled the skirt up to reveal the waistband of the white Lycra shorts she wore beneath ‘No underwear, but they’re double-lined No et a show’

‘Very well, thank you’ The official al pad ‘Now your shirt, please’

At least a dozen ist, only in workout wear; it’s not just anyone she’ll show her underwear to on the first date; et cetera – but Charlie held back These Wi and polite to her and her entire entourage, but no one could accuse the a sense of humor

She yanked her shirt up so far it covered most of her face ‘My sports bra is made of the same material Totally opaque, no matter what’

‘Yes, I can see that,’ the woman murmured ‘It’s just this band of color here around the bottom’

‘The elastic? It’s light gray I’m not sure that counts as a color,’ Marcy said Her voice was even, but Charlie could hear the smallest hint of irritation

‘Yes, but I must measure it’ The official removed a plain yellow tape measure froerly wrapped it around Charlie’s rib cage

‘Are we through yet?’ Marcy asked the official, her irritation now readily apparent

‘Very close Miss, your hat, wristbands, and socks are all acceptable There is only one probleether ‘The shoes’

‘What shoes?’ Charlie asked Nike had gone above and beyond ensuring that her regular sneakers were ent standards Her usual cheerfully bright outfits had been changed entirely to white: not cream, not ivory, not off-white, but white The leather around the toe cage was pure white Her laces hite, white, white

‘Your shoes The sole is almost entirely pink That is a violation’