Never before in front of the UPC gymnastics coach though.
I barely slept last night, thinking about the importance of today. I insisted on not staying at Zach’s because he’d distract me with activities that were decidedly not sleeping. So instead of cuddling up to my boyfriend, I watched the clock beside the bed in Veronica’s house, praying I’d drift off. Several painful hours later, it finally happened but it wasn’t enough.
A fist pounds on the door. “Finley? You ready?”
“Yep, almost,” I call, continuing to take deep breaths, in and out, willing my heart to settle, my mind to calm.
I love everything about competing. All eyes on me. The pressure of the judges. Cheering for my teammates. Chalk in the air. The smack of the mat when I stick my landing. Nothing tops nailing a routine and having the noise of the gym rush back all at once in celebration of my performance.
It’d been years since my last good memory of competition. And today, out there, so much of what helped me thrive as a gymnast will be missing. All that awaits is one man who’ll decide if I’m worthy of a second chance and the coach who has backed me every step of the way. I don’t want to let Veronica down after she stuck her neck out for me.
And I don’t want my gymnastics career to end.
The door rattles again, the knock more casual and less frantic.
“One minute.”
But it’s not Veronica’s voice that answers me. “High-flyer, can you let me in?”
I rip open the door and launch myself at Zach, so thankful he’s here. He’s not expecting it, but those reflexes of his, honed to perfection by years of playing hockey, allow him to easily catch me. My legs wrap around his waist, my face nestling in the crook of his neck. I breathe in deeply, pulling his heady scent into my lungs.Home.
My faculties come back all at once. “Wait—what are you doing here?” I loosen the grip of my legs and find my footing on the floor.
When I step out of his arms, Zach gives me an appreciative scan. “It’s so good to see you.”
I keep my gaze on him, waiting for an explanation for why he’s here.
“What? Am I supposed to play it cool, pretend you don’t affect me?”
I roll my eyes. “You didn’t answer my question.”
Zach’s forehead wrinkles. “What was your question?”
“Seriously?” I playfully shove his shoulder, flashing a teasing smile. “You weren’t listening?”
“I was. Or I tried to.” He shrugs, a sheepish expression on his face. Pink cheeks and an impish smile. “What was the question?”
“I asked what you’re doing here.” I cross my arms over my chest.
He’s supposed to be somewhere else right now. I’d known it and gotten over my disappointment. A few days before leaving Maine, my parents returned my phone, and I received Veronica’s texts about the tryout with the UPC coach. I texted Zach first—he’s the person I want to share everything with—and he broke the news he had practice at the same time. My heart sank knowing I wouldn’t have him in my corner. But I’d never ask him to sacrifice his job for me.
Zach’s hands slide into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m here to cheer on my girl while she kicks ass and blows that coach away.”
“But you have practice.”
“Theteamhas practice. I’m excused, and we can talk about it later. Right now is about you. Veronica says you’re hiding. What’s going on?”
I groan. “I’m nothiding. I needed a minute before I go out there and perform the most important routines of my entire career in front of a man who holds my fate in his hands.”
Zach points toward the gym. “Don’t think about him. Think about this as if it’s any other practice when I sat on the sidelines in awe as you flip around like it’s as easy as breathing.”
One hand drifts to my cheek, his thumb moving back and forth on my skin. “It’s me and you out there, all right? And in case it’s not obvious, I’m going to love you no matter what happens. I’m so proud of you, Finley. I’ve watched you balance college and gymnastics and working at the café, and somehow you made time for me and you found a way to manage it all. You do everything so fucking well. Regardless of what happens or doesn’t happen, I admire the shit out of you.”
His words kick my heart, and like a piñata, my overwhelming feelings for him fall out. I don’t realize I’m crying until Zachsmooths away my tears. He tugs me to him, and I go willingly, affixing my body to his.
No one has ever said words like that to me. It’s overwhelming in the best way possible to know this person will stand by my side whether I succeed or fail. Like I’d do for him.
His fingers trail over my hair, the motion so soothing, that Irelaxfor the first time in more than twelve hours.
