Turning pro, Patrick expected to rush up the rankings. Assumed his natural ability would see him race to the top, thought he'd play a year or two on the Challenger circuit before moving up to ATP events. That was four years ago, and he's still playing Challengers. Patrick's watching people younger than him get to semi-finals of Grand Slams. Patrick's not typically one to be envious of other's careers, secure enough in his own skills that he'll get there. One thing he never expected, was his envy to be directed at his own partner.

The two of you met during your time on the Challenger tour, not that you stayed there long. You'd shot to the top of the rankings after just barely a year of turning pro, just as Patrick thought he would. You'd quickly risen into the top 10, and stayed there. Patrick had to watch you fulfilling everything he had dreamt of, while it was so far out of reach for him. He was proud of you, of course, but part of him couldn't stand to see someone he loved so deeply getting everything he wanted.

Patrick assumed he'd at least qualify for qualifiers of the US Open, but one too many losses had his ranking drop. Instead, he played the doting boyfriend, sitting in your players' box, watching you advance towards the final of the competition. The trophy in your hands was his breaking point. You were outgrowing him, and he was watching it all happen in front of his eyes. He hated himself for being so jealous, especially of his own girlfriend.

The weeks followed were torturous for Patrick, watching you get swept up into press and an endless amount of congratulations. He was desperate to hear that for himself, not a message to pass on to you. Another night of listening to you talk about how happy you were, until you noticed the subtle roll of his eyes, the lack of enthusiasm. Your own boyfriend was the only person not singing your praises. Calling him out on his jealousy, only to be met with the shake of his head. "Of course I'm jealous! Jesus, tell me something I don't already know."