Page 8 of De Vil

“Yes. Can you spot me?” This is a test to see if Libby has been faking her weight limit. It’s probably not my place to do so, but I’m going to do it, anyway.

She fidgets with her sports wristband. “Um, well I can try.”

“Thank you.”

As I get settled on the bench, I want to show my prowess, but I’m worried I may push things with‌ her. What if she is taking it easy because of an injury?

My first set of reps went fine. Hell, so does my second set. I’m on my third set with two more reps to go. Libby has been talking the entire time, and I’ve been soaking up the information on our teammates.

“Libby!” Coach’s voice rings out and I almost drop the bar.

“Yes, Coach?” I look at Libby stepping away from me as my arms wobble.

I’m on my last rep. “Libby, what are you doing?” It’s a struggle to get the last rep fully extended.

Libby looks embarrassed, but Coach comes over and lifts the bar with me. I sit up and wipe the sweat off my brow.

“Libby, did you do this weight too?” What the hell?

“Coach, not in front of everyone,” I mutter.

She turns her sharp gaze at me. It must get the others to back down. Not me.

“My office, both of you.” She storms off, and Libby looks utterly terrified.

“Hey, it’s going to be alright.”

She keeps her head down but I take her hand and hold it. “Sorry,” Libby whispers as we walk into the office. Coach sits down in her chair, I stand by the door and let Libby take the seat.

“Libby, did you lift 135 pounds?”

She quickly shakes her head no. “No ma’am. I did around sixty or sixty-five.”

“Why were you spotting someone that could lift that much weight?”

Alright, I’ve had enough. “What’s the issue here, Coach?” I demand. It’s wrong of me, but damn, she’s giving Libby the third degree.

“Libby had an injury last year that took her out for the entire season. We’ve been working on improving her strength. Lifting too much weight could be detrimental to her success.”

Dammit, I’m such an asshole. “Oh Libby, why didn’t you tell me?”

She bites her lip. “I didn’t want you to decline partnering with me.”

Ugh, how the hell can I be rude to that? I can’t. Instead, I take her hands in mine and squat down. “Hey, it’s all good. Just be honest with me. I can do more reps at a lower weight.”

“You mean you aren’t upset with me, and you still want to be my lift partner?” She looks so hopeful. I can’t crush her.

“Of course!”

Coach looks at me pleased. Fuck her, I didn’t do this for her. I did it for Libby.

“Go join the rest of the team, Libby. I need to speak to Tia alone.”

“Yes, Coach.” She hurries out of the room leaving me to face the wicked witch by myself.

When the door clicks shut, she stands up and I back away. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Coach stands there with her hands on her hips, observing me.

“Yup.” That’s all I say. Giving away too much information would show what a bitch I am.

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