“Just remember, it’s training, not the actual tournament.” I joked as Archie scrambled across the court, diving to reach a tricky shot.
A sheepish grin on his face. “Thanks. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to pull through.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Honestly, it’s like nothing can stop you, even if it means launching yourself like a human missile for every ball.”
He smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
I raised an eyebrow. “I’m just stating facts. Next thing you know, you’ll be demanding a statue outside the academy, diving included.”
“Funny you mention that,” he said with mock seriousness, “I already told dad to start sketching up some plans.”
I rolled my eyes, grinning. “Great. Just what we need, a giant bronze you frozen mid-dive, towering over us all.”
He nudged me playfully. “Hey, you’re just jealous I’m the star now.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I missed this, the way he could tease me without even trying, the way our words always bounced back and forth like a rhythm only we knew.
“Alright,” I said, standing up. “I’ve got to keep my body moving, though. Got my first tennis match tomorrow, so I’m heading to the gym. You wanna come?”
He shook his head with a grin. “Nah, I’m gonna rest up."
I laughed. “Suit yourself. I’ll catch you later.”
With that, I grabbed my gear and headed out to the gym, ready to get my body firing again.
As I walked in, I noticed a few of the guys from the tennis team hanging around, their eyes not so casually lingering on me. I gave them nothing more than a cool, indifferent glance. I headed straight to the treadmill and let the familiar rhythm drown out everything else.
I set the treadmill to a steady pace, focusing on building my endurance. And for the first time in a long while, I felt a strong pull deep in my chest, the kind that had been quietly waiting, patient but persistent.
After finishing my run on the treadmill, I felt lighter somehow, like I’d just reclaimed a piece of myself I thought I’d lost. That’s when I spotted Olivia sitting on a stationary bike, casually pedaling away. I must’ve been so locked in during my run that I barely noticed who came and went.
My eyes then flicked back to the group of tennis guys who were also on the stationary bike, not far away from where Olivia was pedaling. They were definitely giving Olivia thosetry-to-flirtlooks, the kind that made it obvious they were interested.
Without a second thought, I hopped off the treadmill and casually slid in next to Olivia on the bike machine without saying a word.
Almost immediately, the tennis guys picked up on the subtle blockade and, after exchanging a few frustrated glances, started making their way out of the gym. That left just me, Olivia, and a few female players scattered far across the room, too far to be part of this little moment.
As the room settled into a quiet hum, Olivia glanced over at me, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’ve got a talent for making unwanted admirers disappear.”
“Someone’s got to keep the peace around here.” I deadpanned.
Her smile softened, then she nudged me lightly with her elbow. “So, I guess that makes you the unofficial bodyguard now?”
I shrugged, keeping my tone light. “Guess I’m just doing my part. Can’t let you get sidetracked by the usual suspects.”
She rolled her eyes, a teasing glint in her gaze. “Please, those‘usual suspects’wouldn’t know subtlety if it hit them in the face. You could probably write a manual.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“That you’re basically the unofficial expert in cutting through the nonsense.” She teased.
I chuckled softly. “Well, if it keeps the distractions at bay, I’m doing everyone a favor.”
We shared a brief smile. I caught myself watching her for a split second longer than I intended.
Finally, I cleared my throat, letting the words tumble out. “By the way, you were amazing in Montreal. Even if it didn’t go all the way, you played some insane tennis out there.”
She gave a small, almost shy smile. “Thanks. Some days… everything just… I don’t know… doesn’t click.”
