The day I met Clara and Kaya. The day I cried in a bathroom stall when I found out my mom was missing my birthday yet again. It was my tenth birthday, and she had promised she wouldn’t miss me entering the double digits. After that, I stopped believing her, but I never stopped hoping.
The day I won at nationals, meaning that I’d made Team USA and would be going to my first Olympics.
Good and bad, I’ve experienced it all here, giving nostalgia a bittersweet undertone.
“Have a nice day, Teagan,” Nicole Walsh says as I pass her, like we do every day at this time.
I’ve always admired Nicole as an athlete. She’s headstrong, dedicated to her craft, and doesn’t put up with shit. I’ve met so many athletes in my time that have no personality, only the one their agents curated for them. At least with Nicole, while she can be blunt, you know she’s being real. It’s where I pulled inspiration from, wanting to be like her as an athlete.
“You too!” I say back, realizing how most people would freak out over this interaction, and yet I see her daily, never thinking twice of it. This place is oozing with legends and celebrities, but we don’t make a fuss of it because this is a safe space for us. We’re given the opportunity to teach and pass our knowledge down, while remaining immersed in the sport. It’s the best possible outcome once your prime is over.
And I’m going to do everything I possibly can to ensure everyone knows my prime isn’t over yet.
Back in my office once all my classes are done for the day, I settle into my chair as I take a minute to relax. Until my phone rings, cutting my rest short.
I frown when I see it’s the owner of my building calling. He never calls, and I have no idea what this could possibly be about.
“Hi,” I say as I answer the call, nerves pricking at the base of my spine.
“Teagan, where are you right now?” he demands, sounding breathless.
“I’m at work. What’s wrong?”
“There was a fire in your apartment.”
“W-what do you mean?” I stutter as I freeze, my hand flying to my mouth.
“The firefighters said there was a faulty wire in the kitchen—”
“Oh, so it wasn’t too bad then?” I ask, hopeful that’s the case.
The owner swallows, his voice laced with pity as he says, “Everything’s gone. There’s nothing left of your apartment, Teagan. I’m so sorry.”
“Everything’s gone?”
“Everything,” he confirms. “Do you have anywhere to go? I feel awful, but I have no units available.”
“I’ll figure it out,” I tell him, then hang up, my fingers shaking as my body turns numb.
The only thing I can think of right now is calling Quentin. I don’t know anything right now, but I do know that he’ll be here for me and know what to do.
He picks up instantly.
“Quentin.” My voice shakes.
“What is going on?” he asks, sounding on edge.
“My apartment burned down.”
God, the words don’t feel real as they leave my mouth. I can’t believe this is happening.
“Where are you? Are you hurt?”
“I’m at work, and I’m physically fine. Mentally… I don’t know,” I admit as a tear escapes and rolls down my cheek.
“I’m on my way.”
Chapter 22
