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“It stopped you from playing volleyball,” Aspen said softly.

“It did, yeah. I lost my scholarships when they found the problem. No college would let me play. I still could’ve played beach on my own and tried to make the tour, but doctors recommended I not play any sports because, even with beach being a fairly low-contact sport, there was a risk that if I bumped into my partner out there at just the wrong time, it could’ve caused a heart attack. My parents cried at hearing that, so I chose not to make them worry that they were going to lose their daughter, and I gave it up. I wanted to be like you.” She motioned toward Aspen with an open palm. “Kicking ass on the pro tour, making the Olympics, and representing my country. It was all I could think about growing up, but it wasn’t in the cards for me. The surgery was necessary, but even though they repaired the issue when I was twenty-five, it took me well over a year to recover, and by then, I was in my job, and I liked it enough. I couldn’t just start over with beach volleyball and have any hope of making it on the tour or to the Olympics after I hadn’t played competitively since I was eighteen. So, I kept going at my job, and now, I’m here. That’s the short version. But most people don’t even get that, so I’d appreciate it if you can keep it to yourself.”

“Of course,” Aspen said. “You don’t even have to ask. Thank you for sharing that with me. And I’m still sorry that I put you in the position where you felt like you had to.”

“I was caught off guard after the interview. I’m okay now. I just have some things I need to deal with sometimes when this comes up.”

“And yet, you’re surrounded by volleyball during the season, beach and indoor. That doesn’t bother you?”

“Would I love to be out there playing? Yes. But I’m thirty-five now, so that’s starting to go away the older I get and as people I know, like Monica, start to retire. She’s only going to play for another year or two more before she hangs up the bikini. That makes it a little easier. But still, I love the sport and being around it in any way I can.”

“Really?” Aspen said with a lifted eyebrow.

“Why are you making that face right now?”

“Because I’m going to practice. You could come with me.”

“Why would I go to your practice?”

“To be around volleyball.”

“I just did that this weekend. I’m good,” Kendra argued, crossing her arms over her chest.

“No, come on. It’ll be fun. We’re loose today; just getting time on the sand for a couple of hours. I’ll hit the gym when we’re done and take it easy the rest of the day. I’m going to watch film from this weekend. You can join me in that, too, if you want, but come to practice with me. It’s just me and DJ. We don’t have a coach right now. We’re still searching after trying out a few people and not having it work well with any of them.”

“Aspen, it’s your practice. You and DJ should–”

“If you don’t want to go, just say so. You don’t have to lie or pretend otherwise. You can just be honest. If you do want to go, though, I can give you time to get ready, and you can meet me at my car. I’ll drive. It’s going to be fun, Kendra. You can watch, or you can join us in a passing drill, if you want. Hell, you can serve us, and we can practice some defense. I don’t care.”

“You’re not…”

“Not what?” Aspen asked when Kendra didn’t finish.

“Worried about me?”

“Your heart?”

“Yeah.”

“No. Should I be? You said you–”

“No, you shouldn’t be. I can play a little without a problem. I guess I just expected you to not want me to play.”

“I trust that you know what you can and can’t do, Kendra. So, if you can’t do something, just don’t. DJ won’t say anything. And if she does, I’ll tell her to knock it off. You don’t have to tell her why.”

Kendra seemed to think it over for a moment before she ran a hand through her hair and gave Aspen a nod.

“Yeah?” Aspen checked.

“Can I have ten minutes to get dressed?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll text DJ that I’m running late. I can meet you outside.”

“You can just wait here. And, Aspen?”

“Yes?”

“I don’t show anyone my scar.”