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Her cheeks flush, whether in embarrassment, or anger, I’m not sure. Still, fire flares in her eyes. “You think you’re doing something noble here—”

“No. I’m supporting talent, Sheridan. Talent who might never get another chance without this. You can think whatever you want of me, but don’t belittle this.” I look back at Bryce and Carter. “Now, will one of you please come with me to see what I’m talking about?”

Bryce looks at Carter, who motions him to go ahead. “Your judgment is as good as mine. I’ll wrap things up with Mia.”

Bryce stands and heads toward the door. I take one last look at Mia, wondering if I’ll ever have anything I want to say to her again, before I follow him.

We’re halfway down the stairs when Bryce breaks the silence. “You’re going to have to tell her, eventually.”

I smirk to myself. “About what? My real job or the real reason I retired?”

He glares back, pulling open the door. “Both.”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “But not today.”

“Holy shit, dude.”

Bryce’s eyes are tracking every movement of the girl pulling herself through the water with practiced ease. He’s stunned in the same way I was the first time I watched some of the biggest names in the sport swim in person for the first time. Forget about racing against someone that good—that kind of raw talent will always take your breath away. She could be the goldmine a small club like this needs.

“I really hate it when I have to say you were right.” He rolls his eyes when he sees the smug smile on my face. “Don’t get too cocky; she’s not on the team yet. You said you talked to her?”

I nod. “Briefly, before I came into your office. She told me how old she was, and that she has no formal training, but has always loved swimming. Her technique is natural, Bryce. I asked if she’d be interested in swimming on a team, and she told me it’s not something they could afford.”

“Hence the scholarship program.” His gaze has gone back to the young woman. “But she’s interested?”

“She said it’s always been a dream of hers. I’ll work with her. Give her private lessons to help her get caught up with the rest of the team. This could work.”

“Well, then, let’s get her on the team.”

Our time must be running out because Emmie has pulled herself from the water to wrap a towel around her shoulders, heading toward her stuff. Bryce and I follow.

“Emmie!” I call, hoping not to startle her. She looks up, eyes widening when we reach her. “This is one of the owners of Adair Swim Club, Bryce Clark.”

“Nice to meet you, Emmie.” Bryce holds out a hand. She stares up at him with a look I know well. It’s the look that came whenever a young swimmer has met not one, but two Olympians in the span of twenty minutes. It’s probably a good thing we didn’t bring Carter with us.

She snaps out of it, shakily reaching forward to shake Bryce’s hand. “Oh, my god, I’m sorry,” she mutters, her gaze bouncing between the two of us. “I didn’t think he was telling the truth. It’s really nice to meet you, Mr. Clark.”

He flinches in the same way every newly thirty-year-old basically gets told they’re old by the younger generation, but he recovers quickly.

“Bryce.” He smiles. “I’m surprised you didn’t see all the headlines about two Olympians opening a club in Columbia. My marketing manager made sure to make a pretty big deal out of it.”

She flushes. “Honestly, I didn’t even know this place existed until my counselor told me you were letting high school students use the pool and gym for free.”

Bryce glances at me quickly. “So, you don’t have a pool or team at your high school?”

Her laugh is harsh and short. “No, not at all.”

“How would you feel about swimming on a team?” Bryce presses, gently. Which is good, because Emmie is still looking at us like she’s a deer caught in headlights. “Specifically, here, at Adair, on the team Ronan coaches.”

“You seem to favor freestyle, and I have a lot of experience,” I remind her. Bryce shoots me a “Really, dude?”look, but I don’t care. I want this girl on my team. “And they agreed. You wouldn’t pay for anything. We can handle talking to your parent or guardian, if you’re worried about that.”

She shakes her head, biting her lip. “No, I can talk to my mom. She won’t mind, as long as she doesn’t have to pay anything.”

“It’s a scholarship,” I lie. “Tell her there’s nothing that needs to come out of her own pocket.”

She looks at me with vulnerable eyes. “And you really think I’m good enough to get a college scholarship?”

I hold her gaze, refusing to waver. “I do, but I don’t want that to be the only reason you join this team. I want you to join it because you want to, because you love swimming, and want to see whatyou’re capable of. The quickest way to burnout on something you love is to put a monetary value on it.”