Page 39 of In Too Deep

“You love me.”

She screws up her face and shakes her head. “Do not. Now shush, they’re about to announce.”

They announce the runner, the equestrian, the hurdler, the rower, the gymnast, and the hockey player. They all wear different versions of pretty cool uniforms.

“And the swimmer of the team… Coby Mathers,” the announcer calls.

My heart leaps into my throat as he steps onto the podium.

He’s wearing a yellow tracksuit jacket and green shorts that fit him perfectly. The air leaves my lungs—I forgot just how gorgeous he actually is.

Caro rests her hand on my knee and squeezes as I tune out everything they’re saying and just stare athim. I didn’t quite comprehend the impact he had made on me in such a short amount of time, but now …I miss him.

A giant echidna comes up on the screen.

“Can’t they come up with something more original than bloody Australian animals for the mascots?” I huff.

Caro chews her bottom lip. “You should phone him. He probably misses you, too.”

“Who? The echidna?” I try to avoid the damn topic I know she won’t let go of.

“Don’t play dumb, Lace.”

Shaking my head, I exhale. “The damage is done, so there’s nothing more to say, right?”

“You should tell him!”

“There’s no point. Anyway, he’s probably moved on with Katie or someone equally as vulgar.”

Caro scoffs. “I doubt that.”

Standing, I start walking toward the kitchen. “Let’s have breakfast.”

Caro stands and frowns. “Sure.” She hesitates, glancing back at the television and then at me.

She almost speaks but doesn’t and walks into the kitchen with me for our breakfast.

***

Two weeks post Coby, and I’m down in the dumps.

Tuck has been pushing us hard.

The distraction is good while training, but being here at the unit is only a reminder of the fun Coby and I shared while we were…together?

Caro has been on her phone a lot more lately. Even tonight, she’s been texting someone endlessly. I know who, but thinking about that leads me back to Coby. Then, the cycle of depression repeats. So I try not to think of anything related to swimming trials.

Caro and I are having a girls’ night. We’re on the lounge watching chick flicks, eating popcorn—the healthy type—and vegging. The muted hum of a car engine pulling up outside doesn’t alarm me, but does make me glance up. Cars come and go from the unit complex all the time, but it’s nine at night, and it’s a little unusual. Suddenly, there’s a knock on our front door, and I tense up as Caro smiles brightly.

“What the fuck?” I murmur.

Caro jumps up excitedly, spilling some popcorn.

“Caro?” I state as she reaches the door and then turns to face me.

“Don’t hate me. Just ’cause you and Coby are out of action doesn’t mean I need to continue to be, right?” she asks, and I furrow my brows.

“What?”

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