Chapter Twenty-Four
Nico
Étienne looks as if he had another fuck-fest all night. He hasn’t spoken a word since we met up this morning, all through the car ride to the airport, through security, and now as we walk to our gate.
Athletes are all over, waiting to catch their flights to go back home to their normal life. Because even as a professional athlete, everything will feel normal after the Olympics.
I hike my backpack higher up my shoulder, waving at Frita Grant, another figure skater, as I pass by her. She blows me a kiss, and I pretend to catch it and put it in my pocket. Maybe we will see each other at the next games.
“Is our terminal locatedinMontreal? Christ,” Étienne complains as we keep walking.
He’s grumpy. I can’t blame him. I am too. I just mask mine with happiness because that’s who I’m supposed to be.
Étienne and I are both leaving someone behind here. Even if he hasn’t opened up about it, I can tell. All the signs are there.
I suck in a breath as I spot Roman and a group of his hockey buddies sitting at their gate. His back is to me, but I’d recognize him a mile away. Two miles. Three.
I clench my bag tighter, wanting to go over and kiss him just one more time. But it was hard enough last night. I can’t do another goodbye, which is why I took the cowards way out and just left. I’d hoped to do it while he slept, but no such luck.
I don’t hate that he was awake, but it hurt more. Seeing him stare at me like I was the sun and if I left he’d never see brightness again… it hurt. It still does.
So, I duck my head and walk faster, knowing there is no way I can handle seeing him again before I go.
I won’t get on my plane.
“You want to get food before we sit down?” Étienne asks.
“No.”
He doesn’t comment on my attitude, so I don’t apologize for it.
Hopefully, I’ll be fine once I’m home and have no chance of running into him again.
Étienne and I pass a small food cart, and he eyes it longingly.
“If you want food, don’t let me stop you.”
He glances at me, giving me a sad look. Then just shakes his head and keeps going.
Great. Looks like we’re both going to be in a funk until the foreseeable future.
Our flight is on time. Smooth. With a perfect landing. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Except maybe Roman to be sitting where Étienne is… but that’s not a possibility.
I’m back home, it’s time to let go. To forget.
Roman and I were an Olympics thing. That’s done. So we’re done.
I have a life to get back to.
My father and Étienne’s father are waiting for us once we reach the doors. They smile big, my father opening his arms wide to hug me.
“Congratulations, son,” he says softly, and his words mean so much.
“Thank you, Papa.”
“Nico! Gold medalist!” my uncle announces, coming in for a hug next.
