My body starts to sway, and I rip open an applesauce and down the entire packet. I know exactly what Kenneth would say if he could see me right now.
“Relax, Eddie. Breathe and watch me tie our game.”
The thought of his low, cocky voice releases a bit of the tension in my shoulders.
Come on, Gray,I think.Win.
Swimming displays the strength and agility Kenneth has been honing for years, each muscle rippling as he fluidly moves through the water with deliberate and smooth strokes. It’s a beautiful sport, but he’s the most beautiful part of it all.
It’s an honor to watch him do what he loves.
“Gray has moved out to the front, and it’s a race to the finish. Brokaw is trying to make up the distance. I think…” Gregory goes silent, and everyone jumps to their feet to watch the final stretch.
Cade, Shay, and I are already screaming before Gregory can make the declaration that sends the crowd into a frenzy.
“Kenneth Gray is the 1650-yard freestyle National Champion!”
Kenneth rips off his goggles and stares up at the big screen, where his name sits at the top. Long gone is the solemn face of the man who felt like a failure freshman year. Now shines a smile brighter than the trophy he will be holding soon.
Ripped from the pool by his coach, Kenneth is pulled into a bear hug before being ushered to the other side for the award ceremony. From the top of the podium, Kenneth waves to the crowd as we recite CLU’s chant.
Cade’s mom, Billie, Cade’s little sister, Violet, Shay, Cade, and I cheer until he disappears into the locker room.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at my shaky hands when Cade nudges me and points at the stairs.
“Hey, MalPal. Let’s meet him by the concession stand.”
I nod wordlessly and follow my friends. The same jittery energy I felt at the St. Patty’s party whizzes through me, and I know it’s because I’ll have to see him soon. How am I supposed to react as a friend? Are we allowed to hug again?
Things were so much easier when I didn’t like him.
“Mallory!”
The moment I step off the stairs, my face is buried in auburn waves that smell like strawberries and cream. The cinnamon freckles on her shoulders are so similar to her brother’s, except he has significantly more. “Hi, Karla!”
Karla releases me and her smile flits over to Shay. “You must be the Shaylene Turner I’ve heard so much about.” She ruffles Cade’s locs. “She’s a cutie, Cade. What’d you do to convince her to hang out with you?”
Cade flicks her forehead with a hardthwack.Considering Cade and Kenneth are essentially brothers, it’s no surprise these two also act like siblings.
If she’s here, I bet she brought—
“Nan!” Karla waves her over. “Come meet Kenneth’s friends!”
A soft clicking sound makes its way to us, accompanied by the sweet smell of orange that is so familiar I almost trip.
The short, red-haired woman pats Cade’s cheek, shakes Shay’s hand, and kisses Cade’s mom and sister before turning to me.
“Mallory. Goodness gracious you’re tall.” Nan uses my handshake as an opportunity to wrap me in a hug. “It’s nice to finally put a beautiful face to the beautiful name. I’m Sandy, but call me Nan.”
“Hello, Nan,” I say, warmed by her affectionate welcome. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
I’m not sure how to navigate being around Kenneth’s family considering we’ve been friends for one measly week, but Nan doesn’t care. Within seconds, she pulls me into the concession line and starts asking rapid-fire questions about my family and my childhood.
I adore her already.
Karla joins us in line, protectively stepping between us. “Stop grilling her, Nan. You don’t need to know her zip code or mother’s maiden name. You’re not a hacker.”
Nan smacks Karla’s leg with her cane. “While I won’t apologize for being nosy, I will apologize for my granddaughter being a turd. I hope that’s not a deal breaker, Mallory. I promise she can be sweet.”
