Page 44 of In Too Deep

Sighing deeply as I let myself into my unit, I walk inside and make my way to my room. Moving to my bed, I sink down onto it.

My phone beeps. I roll on my side, pulling it from my pants pocket, and bring it up to view the message. My heart races and my chest tightens at Coby’s name on my screen. I swipe the lock and take a deep breath while opening the message.

Coby:Hey Lace. We’re going to be here for a while, and I don’t want to have to avoid you. So I think we need to sort this out. Can we meet up?

My throat dries, and my stomach flutters. It’s as if crazy butterflies dance the polka down there. I have to admit, I am a bit reluctant. I’m at the Olympics, and I have to keep my mind on the prize. But he’s hurting, I’m hurting, and maybe we will focus better if we’re both on the same side.

Me:Okay. When and where?

I hit send and sit up on my bed nervously. I’m agreeing to meet with Coby, and it has me in all kinds of knots. I haven’t seen him properly for over four months, and I have no idea how to be around him.

Coby:Athletes’ lounge. Now?

Taking a deep breath, I lick my lips and reply.

Me:See you soon.

Standing, I shake my hands out like it’s giving me the courage I need. I wish Caro were here to give me a pep talk, but she isn’t, so I need to face this on my own.

I can do this.

Walking out of my unit, I head down to the services area lounge and fidget the entire way with the zip on my shirt. I’m a bubbling mess right now as I chew nervously on my bottom lip.

Stepping in, I catch him already sitting in the lounge. I take a moment to centre myself as I stare at his back. He’s still so perfect even from behind, and that doesn’t make this easier.

Shifting forward, I step around the lounge as he glances up at me and hands me a takeaway coffee cup.

“Thank you.”

Coby smiles and stares as I stand here. “You haven’t changed.”

“Can someone really change much in four months?”

“I think I have. I relied on my dad. I thought he was always right…” He gulps. “I’m an idiot, and in the process of being pigheaded…” he sighs, “… I lost you.”

Pursing my lips, I lift my shoulders. “You never technically had me.”

“But I might have. We were headed that way, I think.”

Huffing, I sit down next to him. “Coby, I’m sorry about your dad—”

“I’m sorry I didn’t trustyou.But I wish you’d have told me what Katie did to you.”

With a heavy sigh, I bow my head. “I should’ve told you. But the way you defended your dad without asking what happened irked me, so all my defences came up, and I gave up on you.”

He exhales and examines his hands. “That’s on me. I’m truly sorry, and I want us to be friends again. I’ve missed seeing you.”

“I’ve missed seeing you, too...” I can’t hold back my smile. “So, friends?”

“Friends.” Coby sticks out his hand, and I push it aside, leaning forward and hugging him tightly. He hesitates for a millisecond, then wraps his arms around me.

I’m warm and safe.This is where I was meant to have been for the past four months.

But I try not to let that affect me too much.

Friends, Lacy. Friends!

“So, Eel, how’s your times been?” I ask reluctantly, pulling back from him.

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