Page 25 of Chasing Sunsets

She wanted to be quiet and as still as possible but didn’t wish to appear rude. “I took classes while in college. My best friend loves it. We’ve been a few times.”

“I’ve been going with my dad for years.”

Two more women competitors shuffled into the room, then immediately left to change into their swimsuits.

“Sadie, while we don’t have our microphones on, I’d like to ask a favor of you.” Brett kept his voice quiet so only she could hear. “Will you please talk to my wife?”

She studied him, the first time she took a good look at the guy. His expression was intense, his eyes solemn.

“Can you ask Kelly why we’re separated?”

“You don’t know?”

“I do.” He blew out a breath. “She needs to talk to a doctor.”

“If Kelly wants to confide in me about something, anything, she’ll have to come to me.”

“She won’t,” he insisted. “Even if she wants to, she won’t. She’s already seen a few doctors and none have helped.”

Sadie didn’t answer, unsure what to say or if she wanted to get involved.

“I’m trying to save my marriage.” He sounded so defeated she couldn’t help but feel for him.

“I appreciate that, and I hope you two come to an understanding. Kelly seems like a sweet person. You’re obviously concerned, but I can’t in good conscience ask her anything personal. If she comes to me, I’ll help in any way possible. That’s the best I can do.”

“Fair enough.” He nodded. “Thank you for being open to speaking to her.”

“Anything she tells me I can’t repeat to you or anyone. You understand that, right?”

“I do. I’m going to tell her about this conversation and hope she’ll confide in you.”

Blood pressure cuff in his hand, Gus started their way. A camera person filmed from behind him.

Sadie held out her arm. She forced her body to relax while Gus settled the blood pressure cuff in place and it tightened around her arm. When the compression released, she sat forward, anxious to get in the water.

Gus frowned. “Blood pressure reads one eighty-two over ninety-seven, too high to dive.”

No!

“Your pulse is also high at seventy-nine. Do you feel bad?”

Were her vitals elevated because of withdrawal symptoms?

“I have a headache,” she admitted.

“You’re trembling.” Gus straightened.

The cameraman came closer like a vulture studying his prey and waiting to attack.

“It’s just nerves from the cameras, the excitement, and wanting to keep our lead from yesterday,” she lied.

“All men fall, but only great men ... rise again.” ~ Proverbs 24:16

---