Page 33 of A Gold Medal in Love

“Oh no, no. I wasn’t—I’m not—America is lucky to have you representing us,” she says, as I watch her pale skin redden to epic proportions.

The quick backtracking takes away some of my defensiveness. But all I can seem to manage is loosening my body and staring intensely into Karma’s eyes.

It causes her to widen her eyes in panic and drop her notecards on the ground.

“I’ll get those,” I blurt out, at least knowing how not to fuck up that one singular thing. I don’t hear what she says in response, but I lower myself quickly from my chair and daintily pick up the scattered cards.

When I stand, holding the cards out to her, she eyes me warily.

Finally, the first genuine smile, albeit shy, crosses her lips. “Thank you, Miss Gray.”

Sitting back in my chair, I cough into my hand. “You’re welcome, Miss Daniels.”

“Can you tell me how important winning the gold medal is to you, perhaps?” She finally finds her voice.

I nod. “Yeah. Um. I think. I want to win gold for my mummy,” I manage.

“Not for America?” Her laugh is a tinkle this time.

“I also want to win for America,” I tell her haughtily, feeling my face get warm.

“It’s been over 20 years since we brought a women’s individual figure-skating medal back to the States. There’s a lot riding on you,” she informs me.

“I know my fucking Olympics history, Karma,” I parry.

The easy laughter disappears. “Imani, please, we ask that you not curse. This is a live broadcast.”

“Then Ipleaseask you not to remind me of inane things. Water is wet, too, did you know that? When I perform, do I skate on ice?” I go off sarcastically.

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I have to remind the audience of the stakes. I know that you are aware,” Karma says softly, and I see that tears are beginning to form in her eyes.

“They should know, too. I’m the best hope we have at figure-skating gold, but I’m absolutelygoingto bring it home. Not for the government, not so the U.S. can brag to its flimsy little allies, but so that the American people can have it. So that the people I love in this country can haveone more thing that gives them hope,” I say heatedly.

Karma looks between the camera and me awkwardly. “That’s really beautiful, but I think that’s all the time we have for today! Karma Daniels signing off after discussing gold medals with Imani Gray!”

The red light goes off just as quickly, and Karma puts her head into her hands, making me rethink everything I just did.

Well, shit. I don’t think that was better than the time before last.

Taking off my microphone and pack, I abandon them on the chair and run past Coach’s fuming face. “You can’t be mad at me because I’m trying!” I yell behind me as I absolutely flee the studio.

And run straight to my room.

When I get to the room, Blake is napping above their covers in just a sports bra and boxers, all of their gloriously tattooed body on display.

I slam the door purposefully, stomp over to my bed, and fling myself down atop it with a sigh. I know I’m overdoing it, but I can’t simplyaskfor my needs to be met. That would be insane of me.

Blake yawns and sits up, their abs crinkling beautifully in their torso. Actually, yeah. They deserve this whole attitude because they haven’t even been letting me climb that ladder. It’s been all “Imani, take this pose. Imani, listen to this command. You’re such a good girl for me, Cupcake.”

Am I even? Because good girls get fucked. And there’s been only torture!

I sigh loudly and throw a hand over my eyes.

Blake pads over to me, and I feel the bed dip with their weight. “C’mere, Cupcake,” they say sleepily.

I peek out from under my eyes and look over, finding their arms open for me. I utter a hmph, but I crawl into their lap,snuggling into their sleep-warm body as they wrap their arms around me, rubbing circles into the bare skin that’s peeking out.

“That’s better. We’ll just sit here until you tell me what’s wrong, how about that?” They whisper into my ear.