Page 85 of Balancing Act

Jamie felt the weight of everything settle around them, binding them in an unspoken way. She’d become a support for Lily—in a way she hadn’t expected to be. And, even though it scared her, a part of her wanted to hold onto it, to let herself be there for Lily in a way she never had for anyone else.

The clatter of the metal doors turned Lily’s attention away. “Mom’s here to pick me up. Actually, this is perfect timing. She can hold the phone so you can get a closer view of my dismount.”

“I thought we agreed it was perfect.”

“One more time, please?” Jamie rolled her eyes as Lily flipped the view, the camera jostling. After some back and forth, Beth’s face came into view.

“You’d think she thinks I don’t know how to use a phone,” Beth said, with a smirk, then softened her voice. “Hey, stranger.”

“Hey, you.” She tried quickly to conceal her pleasure at seeing Beth unexpectedly just in case Lily could still hear her.

“Mom, you need to stand closer,” Lily called, her voice muffled in the background.

“Okay.” Beth called, amused. “I should probably flip you around,” she murmured, with a smile.

“I’d be into that,” Jamie replied, her voice low, just for Beth.

The camera turned, and Jamie’s view shifted to Lily on the beam. She watched her run through the routine, flawless once again.

“It’s cute how focused you are,” Beth’s voice came through, reminding Jamie she was still watching her. Jamie smiled, feeling a rush of heat in her cheeks.

“I take providing feedback very seriously,” she murmured, as Lily stuck her landing and came running over.

“That felt great!” Lily beamed, practically bouncing. “You were totally right. I was getting in my head.”

“See? What did I tell you. Now, remember that this weekend. You’re going to do great.”

Beth leaned over Lily’s shoulder, and Jamie couldn’t help but notice how they looked so alike, down to each freckle and the way their eyes sparkled. A strange pang hit her, like she was staring at the life she’d once told herself she’d never have.

“Let’s let Jamie go, Lily. We need to get home,” Beth said, resting a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

“Okay, fine.” Lily sighed. “Bye, Jamie!”

“Bye, Jamie!” Beth echoed, her eyes meeting Jamie’s with a hint of mischief.

Jamie waved as they ended the call, and as she sat there, her phone still in her hand, a faint smile lingered on her lips. She’d never thought of herself as someone who’d feel maternal, but now, maybe that was starting to change. She pulled her laptop to her and, within minutes, booked herself a round trip to Austin, Texas, for the weekend. She wanted to be there for Lily and realized nothing was stopping her.

Jamie felt a mix of exhilaration and fear as she confirmed the flight. She was crossing a line, wasn’t she? It wasn’t only about coaching Lily anymore—it was about being there, fully, without reservation. Maybe she didn’t know exactly what she was getting into, but she knew one thing: she didn’t want to hold backanymore. For Lily, and maybe for herself, she wanted to see this through.

Excited chatter and the faint smell of popcorn swirled around Jamie as she navigated through the rows of seats in the crowded arena. A rush of adrenaline tingled in her veins, an echo of a feeling she hadn’t experienced in years—like she was the one about to compete. The last time she’d been in an arena like this was for her final competition, and the memories hit her all at once, sharp and a little sour. But today wasn’t about her. Today was about Lily.

Beth 10:17 AM

Sarah and I are settled in the section to the right of the judge’s table, about halfway down row G. Can you see us in the live feed?

Jamie couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her as her fingers flew over the screen, typing a quick reply.

Jamie 10:18 AM

Got it. Let me zoom in a bit...

She took a steadying breath and started weaving through the aisles, following Beth’s directions. As she approached, her nerves ticked up and she hoped to God she wasn’t overstepping by being here. Today was just as much about showing up for Beth as it was for Lily.

Finally, Jamie spotted them. Beth was leaning forward, her blonde hair catching the arena lights as she scanned the floor below, hoping to glimpse Lily before the event started. Sarah wasbeside her, scrolling through her phone with a practiced calm that contrasted with Beth’s anxiety.

Jamie stopped just beside Beth and cleared her throat softly. Beth turned, and her eyes went wide. A flash of shock and then pure, unguarded joy lit up her face. For a moment, she stared, speechless. Then, as if it were a reflex she couldn’t control, she reached out, fingertips grazing Jamie’s arm as if to confirm she was real.

“Jamie? You’re here?” Beth’s voice was low as she scanned Jamie’s face, trying to make sense of how Jamie had come to be in front of her.