Chapter 26
The news of getting accepted into the mentorship program was nearly enough to make me forget my nerves. Nearly.
As I lined up for the medley relay, my stomach dropped at the realization that this was happening. In a few minutes, I’d be diving into the water, racing against other swimmers. Professional swimmers.
The mix of nerves about the water and excitement about finally reaching a milestone made all the blood rush from my face.
“It’s just for fun, Kira,” Nate said when he noticed my expression. He wiped a hand towel across his face because he was still soaked from his last race.
“Maybe it would be if I knew how to properly swim before this summer,” I blurted out before I knew what I was saying.
Mom was close enough to overhear and turned to witness the train wreck.
Nate laughed. “Yeah, anyway. I’m going to give you a tip on how to avoid a false start—”
“I’m not joking,” I said, letting out a nervous laugh.
“Oh, Jesus. Always with the last-minute drama.” Mom sounded pissed as she shook her head and put some distance between us.
“Kira.” Nate tilted his head in with a ‘come on’ expression.
“It’s not a joke.” I took a breath. “But it’s going to be fine. I can swim in a straight line now-”
He frowned. “Now?”
“Yeah, it took me a bit to not go diagonal across the pool.” I waved my hand like it was no big deal. “I have it down… mostly.”
“You’re telling us this now?” Nate let out a disapproving laugh. “Why didn’t you say something before? You know I’ve been at the pool nearly every day this summer.”
I twisted my mouth to the side, wondering just how much of the truth I think he was ready to hear. Knowing me well enough, Nate could read between the lines.
“Leo. Of course.” He didn’t look as upset as I thought he would. More disappointed. “I could have taught you.”
“I was too embarrassed to ask,” I said, but it felt like a flimsy excuse now.
“Well, I can’t really give you many tips that’d help at this point.” He looked up as the other teams began lining up.
“I don’t need tips. I need encouragement.” I stretched out my arms, looking around too. The Michaelsons were in the lane next to us. They all looked perfect and ready with their nearly identical game faces.
“Hey,” Nate said to get my attention. I turned when he placed a hand on my shoulder. “We’re probably going to lose.”
My eyes widened. “How is that encouraging?”
“Because it’s going to take the pressure off.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t wear yourself out. There’s no money on the line, this is just entertainment for rich folks with cash to donate.”
“I won’t hear the end of this.” I glanced over at my parents, trying my best not to give a fuck. Mom was saying something to Dad, undoubtedly sharing my latest “cry for attention” with him.
Nate surprised me by laughing. “If they try to beat this like a dead horse, I’ll give them an earful. I got your back. Maybe I’ll get a cramp halfway down the lane?”
My eyes narrowed. “Don’t bail me out. I want us all to try our best.”
“Fine, fine.” He shrugged. “I’ll see what I can do. But you gotta relax.”
I rolled my shoulders and straightened my back. “I got this.”
“We got this.” Nate held out his fist for me to dab. “We would have had it more if you came to me for lessons instead of my best friend.”
I gave him a look.
