Page 105 of Lochlan

“Lochlan was kind enough to ask me to work with him, but I've been offered an executive position in one of those conglomerates managing their wine and spirits interest. It appears they're eager to use my experience.”

This was a gamble. I'm glad Fiona suggested we have contingency plans in place if our proposal wasn't accepted. There's no more to be said on the subject; it's time to move on.

“I think it's best if Fiona and I don't attend dinner with you tonight, Granda. I don't know Fiona's plans, but I'll be leaving tomorrow morning for America.”

CHAPTER44

DOWN MEXICO WAY

KENZIE

Livi and I were late forming our team, so we've been doing a lot of traveling to tournaments to get our rankings higher. Because there are a limited number of events to qualify for the Olympics, every game counts.

The training and play schedule have been grueling, but it's been paying off. If we continue on this path, we're in striking distance of a slot on the US team.

Poppy is still a force on the circuit. She reunited with her old partner after a very public announcement that they'd reconciled and are ready to play. They've been the darlings of the media and a dead certain to make the Olympic team. We've seen them at the competitions. Neither has approached the other for a reconciliation. I don't think she's over our leaving Crimson Beaches, which is fine. If we all become part of the US team, we'll deal with it then.

Livi and I just got back from a qualifying beach event in Doha, Qatar. We're in Cancún, Mexico, for the next event. It's a short plane ride home from here. I spoke to my dad last night. He's been following us, and the excitement in his voice was good to hear. He's been working on sponsorship for us and has some great news he wants to discuss. He offered to come to Mexico to watch the games and see Cancún. I have a few weeks’ rest after Mexico before I head to Russia and the Czech Republic for the last events. I offered to visit him after the Mexico event for a few days before heading back to San Pacitas. I think he really wanted to make the trip, but I need to focus; I don't want this to feel like a vacation.

* * *

Liviand I are walking on a heavily populated path toward our hotel. We're passing rows of bright-blue palm-thatch roof sun beds, occupied by vacationers enjoying the beach. The click of glasses, music drifting from the bars, and the constant sweep of white caps waves washing to shore is a familiar concert during our stroll.

We're maneuvering the crowds as we chatter about our win. We've had to stop a few times to sign autographs, something that's added to our high.

“There's a party,” Livi sings.

“How come they always invite you and I never hear about it?”

“I'm the fun one because I actually socialize; you need to get out and talk to your peers. Some of the guys have been asking about you.”

I shake my head; it seems like we're always having this conversation. “I'll think about it.”

She stops, exasperated with me. “Kenzie, we won the last three qualifying events. You need to celebrate a little.”

I lead her off the path to avoid people bumping into us. “We're not done; we have two more left.”

“We have a few weeks to get ready. We're good, and downtime is important.”

They offered the teams discount hotel rooms in the hotel zone. Livi and I are passing through the lobby of white-washed walls and polished terra-cotta floors, when a woman from the reception desk is waving at us. We've seen this same woman over the past several days we've been here and she's greeted us with a smile and a wave.

“Ms. Kenzie, Ms. Livi,” she calls, leaving her desk to meet us. “I have letters for you. They've come in over the last few hours.” She hands us each a large envelope. “I think this is the most you've received from your fans.”

“Thank you,” I say and stuff the envelope in my duffel.

“I hear there are several parties to celebrate the end of the tournament; will you be going?”

“Oh, she's going,” Livi says, “if I have to drag her.”

We take a crowded elevator up to our room. These are probably the best accommodations we've had so far; we even have a view of the ocean from here. I drop my bag on the bed, kick off my sandals, aiming them at the corner of the room, then collapse on my bed, looking up at the ceiling.

Livi drops her bag by her bed, then places her hands on her hips, looking like a disapproving mom. “You need to change. I kind of told two guys on the Mexico team that we'd have a drink with them downstairs at the bar.”

“Livi, I said I'd think about it.”

“Okay, you can think about it over tequila shots.”

“We're still training; you're acting like this is over.”

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