Page 21 of In Too Deep

“What was that about?” Caro muses.

“She wanted to take me away from you guys so she could weasel her way back in. It’s not gonna happen,” Coby replies.

He wraps his arm around my shoulders, and we head to the cafeteria.

CHAPTER SIX

The time has come.

I’ve been nervous all afternoon.

Coby has been trying to keep me calm, but he’s not here right now in the marshalling area just before my race. Luckily, East and Caro are doing a decent job at distraction.

“Did you know the female butterfly disembowels the male butterfly after they fuck?” Caro informs me.

“Really?”

She snickers. “No, I don’t think so. But it made you laugh, right?”

Chuckling, I shake my head. “I’m not sure if I’m impressed or freaked out.”

“All I’m saying is… you’re the only female butterfly in the pool, and all those other competitors are the males.”

I purse my lips and furrow my brows. “You want me to disembowel my competitors?”

She smiles. “Exactly!”

“You’re sooo weird.”

We crack up with laughter as she cuddles into my side.

I ponder what’s ahead of me. This is myonlychance at making this year’s Olympic Team. I have to not only place first or second but also come in under theFINAOlympic qualifying time.

The thought of me freezing in the water overtakes me again, but I try to block it out.

Swim from the heart, not from the head.

I CAN do this.

“100-meter Fly, get ready,” the marshal commands.

My stomach sinks through the floor as Caro wraps her arms around me tightly.

“You can do this, Lacy. I believe in you,” Caro reassures.

I chuckle. “What, nothing quick-witted?”

She shakes her head. “Nope. Just good luck, and race hard. You got this. With your heart, Lace… with your heart.”

East fist-bumps me. “Disembowel those fuckers, Lace. I want blood and guts all through the pool,” he quips.

I giggle. “I knew I couldn’t leave here without one of you being a tool.”

“Happy to step up to the plate. Now kick some arse, Lace,” East cheers.

Caro nods as I turn and walk over to the lineup. My heart races. I’ve never been so nervous—not even trying out four years ago.

Shit! Don’t think like that!

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