Page 25

“Like I said, it sounds like you were trying to make the remodel as successful as possible, and we can’t fault you for that,” I say. “I fully understand where you were coming from, and it’d make total sense for a pool that’ll primarily be used for recreational purposes.”

“But that’s not what you and Bryce are trying to do here.”

“No, it’s not, but it’s also not your fault for not understanding that. We could have done more to help you understand.”

“I also could have done more research to understand the specs of the project better. I really am sorry. I want you to know that.”

“I don’t doubt it at all. We’re good, Katrina. You’re not in any danger of getting fired or having your boss called. You apologized and we’re fixing it.”

I hear a shaky breath on her side of the phone—something that I’ve always seen as a sign to move on from the topic of conversation. I have nothing left to say and am glad we’ve cleared the air. I wouldn’t mind talking to her more, but before I get the chance, she’s telling me she needs to go because her boyfriend is calling. She thanks me again for being so understanding and doesn’t give me a chance to reply before she hangs up.

Boyfriend. The word pierces through my heart. It’s ridiculous to be affected by the fact she has a boyfriend when I don’t even know her, not really. Sure, she’s fun to talk to, and she’s been a immense help when it comes to getting my mind off my dwindling career, but it’s not enough to establish a crush with. Yet, the minute she said boyfriend, it felt like one more thing I could cling to was floating away from me.

Then again, the last thing I should be doing is getting caught up in a fantasy. Especially with someone who has a significant other.

Twodaysaftermyphone call with Kat, I’m at the gym halfway through my workout when someone asks me if I need a spot. I turn to accept the offer and am shocked to see Bryce standing behind me, looking smug as hell. It’d been a couple of months. We’ve gone longer than that without seeing each other, but right now, he was the only person I wanted to see.

“What are you doing here?” I ask once we separate from the hug. “Is Josie here?”

“No, she and Kat are having a girl’s weekend, whatever that means.” I laugh at the uncertainty on his face. “So, I decided, you know what, I deserve a guy’s weekend.”

“Hell, yeah.” I reach for my water bottle. “How long are you here for?”

“I told Josie I’d be back tomorrow.” He looks around the gym, hands on his hips. That’s when I notice he’s dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Not exactly the right apparel to workout in.

I raise my brow while I take a drink. “Are we working out? How did you even know I was here?”

“I thought you’d be swimming,” he admits. “I found Coach, and he told me you were here. I mean, we can workout if you need to.”

I shrug, knowing an intense workout is the last thing on Bryce’s mind right now. “Or we could go get dinner and a beer.”

“Oh, thank god.” He relaxes, nodding. “Yes, let’s do that.”

Which is how we find ourselves sitting across from one another forty-five minutes later with cold beers paired with chips and salsa. Bryce fills me in on the latest developments at the pool and the budding friendship between Josie and Kat. I’m excited to hear they were getting along so well, figuring they could be good for each other during this whole thing. I am worried about what’s going to happen when Mia joins the fray in a couple of days. I’m not sure Bryce can cope with the two of them together.

Then, somehow, the topic of conversation turns to swimming.

“I meant to tell you, that was a hell of a swim a couple weeks back in Indianapolis,” he comments. “I think Josie broke my eardrum she was cheering so loud.”

I knew which one he was referencing, my first place finish in the 400-meter IM at the first meet of the year. The time was seconds better than either me or my coach thought I’d be, and it felt like a good start to the year. “Thanks. I’m not sure where that came from.”

“Bull,” Bryce scoffs. “That’s your training paying off, doing exactly what it should be doing. You’re setting yourself up for a kickass season that’ll end up with you going to your third Olympics.”

I’m quiet for a second, not sure how I want to respond to that. I know what he’s doing. We’ve been each other’s hype team for as long as I can remember, but this is different. Yes, I’m posting solid times, but Trials are still months away and I’m not the only athlete with Paris on his mind. Hell, I’m not the only one who’s looking at this like it’s my last chance.

“You wanna tell me what’s going on with you?” Apparently, I’ve done a piss-poor job of hiding my rising anxiety from him. He’s watching me closely, a chip dangling in his hand. “I mean, I think I know, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

I groan, dropping my head back against my chair. “Don’t make me say it out loud, man.”

“It helps when you do,” he countered around a mouth full of chips. “Trust me.”

I make a face, reaching for my beer. “Don’t talk with your mouth full. What would your mother think?”

“If you don’t want to be done after this, you can tell me,” he says after he swallows. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’m going to keep reminding you. Don’t quit until you’re ready.”

Swallowing the drink I’d just taken, I shake my head. “That’s not it. I know I’m done after this; it’s not the same as it was, and everything hurts more. I’m ready to be done.”

Bryce frowns at me. “If you’re not freaked out about retiring, then what’s got you so freaked out? Is it about what happens after?”