Page 119 of Oar Than Friends

‘Wow,’ replied Brooks.

‘Yeah, I know. Such a bullshit waste of resources though. They’d be doing something worthwhile if it weren’t for me.’

‘Nah, they’re probably happy you’re not smuggling drugs down the river. Nice change of pace for them.’

I scoffed out a small laugh at their attempt to make me feel better.

‘Hey,’ Charlie nudged me, ‘it’s not a race without a touch of added drama.’

‘Yeah, maybe.’ I pushed open the doors to the car park. Aside from Coach’s car, plus a couple of the other trainers, the place was empty. Good job none of us had morning lectures today. I threw my keys to Brooks as we got to my car, ‘Here, you drive.’

Charlie’s face screwed up. ‘Why can’t I drive? I’m never allowed to drive.’

‘Because we’re on country lanes not a race track, and you already have six points because you don’t seem to know how to use the brake.’

‘They were bogus points, and you know it,’ he grumbled, opening the back door.

I dialled Kate as soon as Brooks started the engine. The screen cleared and my heart clenched in equal partshappiness and guilt as she came into view. Every time I’d seen her over the past week, the stress of what she was going through because of me had my throat tightening, and for a split second I needed to remind myself how to breathe.

‘Hey,’ she smiled down the lens, though the sparkle usually present when she saw me had disappeared into the dark circles under her eyes.

‘Hey, Yanks.’

Charlie’s head appeared between the front seats, ‘Hey, Kate.’

She pushed a strand of hair under her beanie, ‘Hey, Charlie, how’re you doing?’

‘Can’t complain, can’t complain,’ he replied, ‘how are you? Any more early swimming sessions in the Thames recently?’

If she hadn’t smiled at his teasing I’d have turned around and thumped him; instead the tension running along my jaw eased slightly at her light giggles.

‘No. Thankfully.’

‘Good to hear,’ he nodded, and sat back.

I turned the phone back to face me, ‘How are you really doing? Are you okay?’

‘Yeah, I’m okay,’ she shrugged, ‘I could live without everyone staring all the time.’

‘Has anyone tried to speak to you?’

She shook her head, ‘Not really. Imogen scares most people off, so I’m thankful we have all our classes together. She also yells at anyone who looks at us, breathes near us or even attempts to walk in our direction, so in hindsightthey might be staring at her. But it feels like I’m always being watched.’

I sighed heavily. I knew that feeling. I hated that feeling. Even after years of eyes following me everywhere, I was yet to get used to it.

It was one thing having to deal with it by myself, but quite another to know I was the cause of someone else going through it, especially someone I loved.

‘I’m so sorry, babe. I really am. I’m so sorry I brought this all on you.’

The sadness in her smile was enough to crack my heart open. I desperately wanted to see the dimple reappear, along with the cheeky glint usually present in her eyes. ‘It’s not your fault. You didn’t ask for this either. I didn’t realize it would be such a big deal outside of us rowing, that’s all. I don’t understand why people care so much.’

‘It’s because you’re dating England’s number-one heartthrob, and number-two rower. Everyone wants to be you,’ called Charlie from the back seat, and once again I wanted to thump him until Kate grinned.

Maybe I should pay him to follow her around and tell jokes. Even his shit ones.

‘How was your training this morning?’

‘Good, and I spoke to Lassiter after. He told me about the coastguard on the Tideway for all teams.’

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