Page 20 of In Too Deep

It dawns on me that, in a few hours, I’m going to be back in that pool. Not swimming a heat or a semi, but a final. A spot to grab my ticket to the Games. My chance to actually make the Olympic team. I’ve been fine all morning, but now I remind myself that today could make or break my Olympic dreams.

We stand up and make our way down to the athletes’ designated area. Coby grabs my hand.

“Hey, are you okay?”

With a fake smile, I reply, “Yeah, just getting nervous.”

“Don’t swim with your head, Lace, swim with your heart,” Coby advises.

I beam. “A very wise woman once told me that.”

He smiles. “Well, it’s what I live by. If you let your head get in the way, it fucks everything up. Just go with your heart. It never fails you.”

Gripping his hand, I smile. “Thank you, I needed that.”

“Oh my God, did you see me?” a high-pitched voice calls.

I spy Caro letting go of Coby, so I race forward, wrapping my arms around her. “Yes, I did. Well done. I’m so proud of you.”

“Well, it’s only the heat. I have two more swims to go, so let’s not get too happy.”

“You’ll do great, Caro. The way you came back in that last fifty was gold,” Coby enthuses.

Caro tilts her body to the side. “You think so?”

“’Twas epic.”

“Thanks. Sure, second wasn’t as good as Caro’s first. But still, I have to let her come first at something, right?”

“Good work, mate. You got into the semi. We’re all doing well. Now Lady Butterfly has to do exceptionally this evening, and we’ll be soaring,” Coby declares.

My stomach knots again. I tingle all over.

“Fooooood, I need carbs,” Caro whines.

We all turn as Katie steps into our path.

Coby turns around. “Yes, Katie?”

“Could you show me something?” she asks, fluttering her lashes.

My stomach churns as I clench my fists.

I’m actually jealous!

Coby furrows his brows and purses his lips. “I’m kinda busy right now.”

“Maybe later then?” she mewls.

“Probably not even then, Katie. Sorry,” Coby clips.

I chew my bottom lip.

Katie glares at me. “See you in the pool later, Lacy.”

“You bet,” I reply as nicely as I can.

She storms off while I hide my shudder.

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