Page 4

When I rush back to the marshalling area, I find out Coby isn’t there. I’m bummed. I don’t have another race until tonight, so I head to the showers to warm up. I’m quite cold from being out of the pool for so long. Even though the pools are heated to regulation requirements by FINA, they still have a chill factor from the crisp April air.

Heading into the bathroom, I step inside the cubicle and shut the door. There are girls from previous races already here. They chatter as I set up my stall.

“I can’t believe she’s even here again,” Katie sneers over the roaring showers.

“Did you see her all over Coby? I mean… you’re from the same state and everything, but you’re not even in the same league.” They both snicker.

I wince and take off my suit.

“I mean, with a name like LaBelle, she sounds like a hussy.”

“Lacy Loose-As-A-Goose LaBelle,” Katie calls. They all guffaw as anger bubbles up inside of me.

I clear my throat, but they continue.

“I bet she’s either so loose everyone in this aquatic centre has had a turn, or she’s so frigid her piss has trouble coming out.”

“There’s no way Coby Mathers is even slightly interested in her. He’s sorry for the biggest loser in this joint,” Katie cackles.

Clenching my fists, I wrap my towel around me and storm out of my cubicle to Katie’s. I bang on the door, and everyone squeals.

“What the fuck?” Katie yells.

She reluctantly opens her door to see me standing here. She chuckles and looms over me. “How much did you hear?”

“Enough…”

Katie smiles. “Good, then you know where you stand.”

I lean in close and smirk. “Where I stand… will be on your face if you don’t shut that scabby slut mouth.”

Katie gasps.

Everyone else steps out and stares at our showdown.

Katie smugly nods. “Tough words. Guess we’ll see who’s the toughest in the pool, right?”

“You’re on. And gossip all you want, but make sure I’m not here.”

Katie grins. “I’d rather stab you in the front any day. I do love it when you squirm.”

“Game on, moles,” I quip.

“What is this… Big Brother circa 2006?”

“If you stoop to unnecessary evils, people will catch you.”

“Whatever Jane Fonda .”

Furrowing my brows, I shake my head. “What does that even mean?”

“That sounds like something from a Jane Fonda movie.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Whatever. Get out of my face, LaBelle.”

“Gladly, Reynolds!” I slam her door shut and walk back to my cubicle. The noise in the changing rooms stops as I go about my peaceful shower.

After showering and changing, I head out—without any issues—up into the stands to find Caro. She’s sitting next to a hot guy I vaguely recognise and Coby. Smiling, I make my way to them.

“Hey, Lady Butterfly, you took off,” Coby calls as I slide in next to him.

“Yeah, they took me for testing, and when I got back, you were gone.”

He winks. “All good.”

“You shocked them out of the water.”

He chuckles. “I sure have. I have my final tonight, not long after your semi, so we should be in the marshalling area together again.”

“Great, we can cheer each other on.”

“No fucking way!” Caro calls, grabbing my attention. She holds her hand against the palm of—I’m assuming East, Coby’s bestie—his hand. It’s so small against his massive palm.

“See, I told you. You know what they say about big hands. Right, Caro?” East cackles.

She scoffs, focusing on his crotch. “Yeah… small brain.”

Coby and I crack up laughing as East huffs while Caro giggles. East offers a dip of his head like he’s surprised she’s giving it back to him equally. Their hands finally separate. Caro exhales like she’s in awe or something.

“So when are you up, East? I’m Lacy, by the way.”

“Hey, Lace. I’m hitting the waves tomorrow with my BAE here.” He bumps into Caro’s side, and she laughs.

“BAE? Please, you couldn’t handle me being your bestie,” Caro replies.

“True. You’ll have to settle for being my girl slave then,” East teases.

“What? No way.”

As East and Caro continue to mock fight, I turn to Coby and smile. “Well, they’re getting along.”

“Hmm… East gets along with everyone. He has that type of personality that everyone loves but would hate to have.”

I giggle. “Yeah, full of energy.”

He chuckles. “Full of something…”

Laughing, I bump his shoulder. “So you competing in anything other than 400 Free?”

He shrugs. “Relay. My coach wants me to do the 1500, but I’m not ready for that. It’s not my specialty. I want to focus on what I’m good at.”

“And what are you good at?”

“Well Free, Relay, kissing, seduction, forepla—”

“Okay!” I huff. My breathing quickens, which makes him laugh. I can’t help but squirm in my seat. I’m burning right now. “Bit of a womaniser, are you, Coby?”

“No, I like to stick it to one girl.”

I grimace. “Stick it, or stick to one girl?”

He smirks. “Sorry, Freudian slip. Stick to one girl. Once I have my eyes on that one girl, she’ll have a hard time getting out of my grip.”

“Wow! Sounds like you’re a domineering douchebag,” I tease.

He laughs. “No, not like that. I just mean I don’t stray when I’m with someone, ever… not for anything.”

“That sounds pretty intense there, Eel.”

“Am I?”

Chewing my bottom lip, I ask, “So, do you like… someone?”

He faces me. Our legs bump, sending a shockwave up my leg and straight to my pussy. I gasp as his blue eyes bore deep into mine.

“I’m still cracking the outer shell of her cocoon. I’m hoping to see my beautiful butterfly soon, though.”

“You’re a poet, too?”

“Me? Nah. Just a guy waiting for her wings to unfurl.”

Caro slides along and suddenly jumps into Coby’s lap, staring right into my eyes. “C’mon, we gotta go.”

I jolt back. “What? Go where?”

“To get food. I’m going to implode if I don’t eat a taco. Right now.”

Coby stares at me like he’s not sure where his hands should go with Caro on his lap.

“Um… I don’t think tacos are on the menu.” I let her down gently.

“Fuck you! You could’ve let a girl dream. You guys coming?” She hops off Coby’s lap and struts away. East coughs like a maniac as he pushes past us after Caro. Coby gestures for me to move first, and as I turn, I jump slightly. Somebody slapped my arse. I glare at Coby.

“Sorry… wasn’t me. I swear,” Coby replies sheepishly.

I smile and shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I understand. Let’s get some tacos.”

He chuckles. “AKA a garden salad.”

“Yay!” I mock cheer.

He chuckles, linking his arm with mine. His warm skin sends shivers down my spine as we walk to the athletes’ cafeteria area.

***

It’s eight p.m., and Coby and I are back in the marshalling area, ready for my semi and his final. If Coby makes it in the top two, he has his ticket to the Olympics. If I make it in the top two of my semi, I go through for the final, which is tomorrow night. It’s been great spending the day with Coby and East. Coby is the more serious of the two boys, but he still has a joke and laughs at everything. In contrast, East makes fun of everything. He’s a fun guy to be around—Caro, and he are the same person. It’s scary.

Coby and I are sitting in the marshalling area chatting when Katie walks in. She glances over at us and huffs, storming over to the other side of the room. I can’t help but think there’s a story between her and Coby. It can’t just be a simple crush on her end.

“Cobes… can I ask you something personal?”

“Yeah, shoot.”

Chewing my bottom lip, I turn from Katie back to Coby. “Is there a history between you and Katie Reynolds?”

He slumps. “I stayed in Victoria on scholarship for a while, but it didn’t work out. I knew Katie when we swam at Nunawading together. We had a very brief fling, like three days, before I found out she was plenty psycho. I broke it off and steered clear of her.”

Now it makes sense as to why Katie was talking about Coby.

“She was bragging about how you’d only be around me because you were sorry for me—”

“Bullshit! I like you for you, Lace. Don’t listen to anything coming out of that girl’s mouth.”

I take a deep breath and bob my head. Coby leans in, embracing me tightly, and it gives me the security I’ve been craving. I’ve known him for only a day, and yet he’s my new home.

“Now kick arse… especially hers. Use this pent-up anger to push harder, till your lungs collapse.”

Smiling, I move my head in agreement. “Till my lungs collapse…”

“100 Fly, please get ready,” the marshal calls.

Smiling at Coby, I stand. He leans in and smacks my arse. I giggle, shaking my head.

“I’ll admit… it was me that time. I can’t let East have all the fun now, can I?”

“Devil spawn,” I tease.

“Good luck, butterfly.”

“Thanks.” I walk over to the lineup. Katie’s in front of me this time. I have half a mind to trip her up, but I’m better than that. We walk out and take our places on the seats behind the pool. Removing my shirt, I slap my biceps and roll my shoulders, helping the blood flow through my muscles. Cracking my neck from side to side, I repeat my motto over and over until they call my name. Waving to the crowd, I step forward, mentally preparing myself.

The buzzer goes off.

I step up to the starting block.

“Take your mark.”

I bend down as my stomach flips. Even though I’m nervous, I’m stronger than I’ve been in the past.

The starting signal fires.

I spring from the starting block.

The water hits my face like a wave of pure adrenaline as it sparks the fire inside of me. I swivel my body under the depths and surge through the liquid with a determination and strength that’s new to me.

Something has changed.

Something has given me new drive—new determination.

I’m not sure what it is, but I’m not complaining.

I surface and take my first breath, throwing my arms over my head and thrust them into the water with precision. My stroke is flawless. My passion for the swim is endless. I push harder and faster than I think possible as I thrust myself through the water.

Ducking, I hit the wall and turn around. I’m on my way back for the final fifty. I’m not sure where I am in the overall positioning of the race, but I feel good. I maintain my energy. My lungs are working. My muscles are building. I’m powering through, stroke after stroke. My drive and thrill for this swim are overwhelming.

I’ve never been more alive.

The support is awesome.

Coby’s presence obviously helps.

Maybe he’s my added power.

I push harder. My lungs burn. My muscles ache, but I push ahead.

I will not drop.

I will not stall.

I light the match and push harder.

Only two more strokes.

One…

Two…

…and I duck, slamming against the wall. My legs fall, and I raise my head through the tepid water, pulling off my goggles to check the scoreboard.

Pure excitement surges through me. Not only did I hit the wall first, but I smashed my personal best, beating Katie’s previous swim by .23. Which isn’t a lot, but when the Australian Record is 56:23, that .23 can make a big difference.

Throwing my fist into the air, I catch Katie glaring at me. She swims over the lane ropes toward the edge of the pool. It’s nice that I’ll be in the middle against Katie in the finals, swimming for my ticket to Melbourne.

I hop out of the pool and head over to the commentator, who signals for me. I glance over at Tuck. He tips his head, signalling that he’s fine with me chatting on camera. As soon as I get the go-ahead, I race over to Rhada Thomas, the commentator.

“Lacy, congratulations on a great swim and placing into the finals. How did it feel?”

“Hi, Rhada...” I pant, “… the swim was smooth… and comfortable… it was one of my favourite swims.”

“And having the support of the home crowd is always a tremendous advantage.”

Smiling, I scan the crowd, hoping to see the faces I always silently hope will one day appear to support me—but of course, they’re not here. “I couldn’t do this without the support of the crowd… my friends are behind me… it’s always extra fuel.”

“And what about your family? Are they here?”

Wincing, I huff, trying to keep my emotions in check. “My friends are my family.”

Rhada nods. “Well done! You’re in the finals. We’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Thanks, Rhada…” I wave to the cheering crowd. Then, I try to simmer down my emotions on my ever absent family while I make my way back to the marshalling area. Even though I’ve just produced an amazing time, beaten my PB, including smashing Katie and now earned my place in the finals, I’m deflated.

As I enter the marshalling area, strong, warm arms unexpectedly wrap around my waist. It’s Coby. My body crumbles, melting into his embrace as he cradles me.

“Stupid fucking commentator,” he murmurs.

Sniffing, I cuddle him. I take in the mixed aroma of manly deodorant and chlorine. Gulping, I glance up at him. My bottom lip trembles slightly. “Why couldn’t they come? Just this once!”

He frowns. “Your family?”

I try not to tear up. “They don’t believe I can go anywhere with this. As far as they’re concerned, it’s all a pipe dream.”

He shakes his head. “Parents, hey! My dad’s a difficult taskmaster. He’s my coach, and he pushes too hard. Failure is not an option. If I fail… I don’t even want to think about the consequences. So we both have shitty parents. Yours don’t care, and mine care too much. But hey, I got you something.”

Raising my brow, I smirk at him. “You did?”

He pulls his hand out from around his back, presenting me with a simple, single white daisy, twirling it between his fingers as he hands it to me.

Some may think that is a lame attempt, but to me, it means so much right now.

My shoulders slump, the brightest smile lighting my face as I take the small flower, bringing it to my nose and sniff. “You got me a daisy?” I can’t help the happiness present in my tone.

He chuckles, sliding his arm around me. “Was a shit of a thing to find before you finished your interview, but I just wanted to find something to bring back that beautiful smile of yours.”

Tilting my head, I stare into his eyes. “Maybe we should run away?” I only half-joke.

He smirks. “See, I told you I’d get my grip on you.”

“I don’t believe those were your exact words.”

“It was something like that. But anyway, can we do this running away thing after my final? I mean, I’m cool to go now, but I’ve kinda worked my gorgeous arse off for this moment.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “What man refers to himself as a ‘gorgeous arse?’ ”

“A very confident one.”

“Well, Mister Confident, go blow their arses out the water.”

He dips his chin. “You got it, just one small, little thing for good luck?”

Furrowing my brows, I bow my head slightly. “Sure, what?”

He leans in, placing his hands on either side of my head and forces his lips onto mine. A spark explodes, tingling all the way from my lips throughout my entire body. My knees give way, and he catches me in his arms.

“Falling for me already?”

Straightening my legs, I stand still in his grip. I swing my head slightly, licking my lips and stare into his eyes. “You just shocked me, is all.”

“That was nice, though, right? I’m swimming my final, so don’t hurt my feelings,” he teases.

“Yes, it was nice… electrifying even. Now, go get ’em!”

He leans in, his lips brushing softly against my forehead. The world seems to still for a moment. Then, without a word, he turns and strides toward his lineup. I didn’t even hear them call his final.

I exhale, the breath shaky as I sink into the nearest seat. My fingers drift to my lips, still tingling with the warmth of his touch. A smile breaks across my face—wide, unstoppable. I twirl my daisy between my fingers, my butterflies flurrying like mad in my stomach, and for the first time in a long time, everything feels right.