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“Hell, yeah. My two favorite things, and I prefer them in thatorder.”

For once, Elle didn’t have that dreaded feeling that she was aboutto crash and burn. Bring on girl talk! This time, she was ready andwell-equipped.

“It’s honestly more than I ever thought possible. I still can’twrap my brain around how well we work together.”

“That sounds promising, which I already knew would be the case, asevidenced by the glow radiating off you like rays off the sun.”

Elle smiled. “Is it that noticeable?”

Holly shielded her face. “Sweetheart, I need sunglasses.” Ellenodded, enjoying that her happiness was that obvious. “What’s the best part?”

Elle considered this. “Knowing I have this amazing other person,who is nothing like me, by the way, to share everything with now. Whensomething happens in my day, she’s the first one I want to tell. No offense.”

“I’m only partially offended. I’ll accept second place in exchangefor this whole new you. What else?”

“She makes me feel special. Has coffee waiting in the morning whenI come out of the bedroom. If she makes herself a smoothie, she makes one forme, too, just in case. She sent me flowers yesterday.”

“Flowers?” Holly practically yelled. “I never get flowers!”

“That’s what I mean. She goes out of her way.”

“And the sex is still good?”

Elle covered her eyes. “Oh my God. I don’t have words to do itjustice. I can’t keep my hands off her, and I think it’s mutual. I thoughtthat, by now, maybe the newness would have worn off, but, Hol, it just getsbetter as we go.”

“I hate you.”

“I know. I hate me, too.”

“I will punch you in the face.”

“You damn well should.”

Holly sighed. “But I’m also very happy for you, because it’s abouttime. You deserve this.”

Elle took a moment. “But it’s not perfect. The scenario.”

“Let me guess. There might be a little conflict of interest whenit comes to your jobs?”

“Well, yes. I think we were both very aware of our rivalry, and ifwe ever forget, the media is right there to remind us. Not to mention, a chipbillboard every five miles. But it might be more than that. I’m not sure yet.”

“You’re gonna have to explain.”

Elle stared off at the horizon and watched as the seagulls dove tothe waterline, knowing that if she voiced her fears, it might actually makethem true. Nonetheless, she needed to get them out of her head. Maybe talkingto Holly would offer clarity. “Gia’s bombed the last two tournaments since westarted up, and I crashed and burned at the last one.”

“And you’re wondering if the relationship was part of it?”

Elle nodded. “It’s occurred to me once or twice.”

“Whoa.”

They paused as a rowdy group of teenage boys tore down the beachcarrying boards. Elle shook her head. “It’s probably something that’s going towork itself out. Maybe it’s even just a coincidence.” A pause. She couldn’tseem to leave it there. “But what if it’s not?”

“Then you’ll figure it out, right? You have to. I don’t want youto lose that glow.”

Elle met Holly’s gaze as fear crept in, making her feel smaller bythe second. “This is all I’ve ever wanted, to be at the top of my sport. I’veworked my whole life for this. I can’t completely lose my head and watch itfall apart now.”

“Have you said as much to Gia? What does she think?”