“There’s not much of us.My parents, my older sister and her wife, and me.”
“Are they supportive of your athletic career?”
“Definitely.My family came to as many of my meets as they could and sent gifts when they couldn’t come to, say, out-of-state events in person.They were a little confused by the kickball league and this”—her mom’s ‘Good for you!’refrain echoed in her head—“but they’ve been supportive of me through it all.”
“That’s good.And are you currently married or dating anyone?”
“No.Why?”It was the politest way she could phrase it.Had she gone back in time to the fifties or a similar era when women could be asked those things in interviews?
“Because we need to emphasize that this is an enormous commitment that will require significant time away from your job, your home, your family, your friends, and any romantic partner.If that’s not something you’re prepared for, then being on the team may not be the best option for you or the rest of the group.Sorry to be so blunt, but we’d rather find out now than have someone experience a meltdown midway to the Games.”
“I see.Well, I’m not married”—she raised her left hand and wiggled her ringless fingers for emphasis—“and I’m not seeing anyone.”
Maybe she should thank Spencer for setting her free and possibly notching a point in her favor, but she wasn’t feeling very grateful.She was slightly overwhelmed by the experience of the interview and what lay ahead if she made the team.
But she also wasn’t feeling deterred.The more time she spent sledding, the more she realized she couldn’t get enough of it.She wanted to keep doing it, take it all the way to the Winter Games, and come home with a medal-shaped souvenir.
The last time she’d wanted something so badly, Spencer had been teasing her to the edge of orgasm.The memory brought a shiver below the waist, but the reminder of how things had ended slammed into her with all the force of a fall on the ice.It was almost as painful as that too.
She tried to cheer herself up with the thought that she’d probably be able to get plenty if she made the team and became a World Winter Games athlete (the stories about what athletes got up to away from the events were notorious), but it didn’t work.She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had been as attentive and in tune with her body as Spencer.Had their training sessions given him an edge in that area, or was it just his personality?
“...anything for us?”Dr.Schindler brought her back to the present with the realization that she’d missed the question.
“I’m sorry?”
“I said that I thought we had everything we needed from you but wondered if you had any questions for us.”
“I don’t think so.Thanks.”Least of all because it hadn’t occurred to her that shecouldask questions.
“Then thank you for coming in.”Ms.Coolidge looked at her smartwatch.“Everyone should be in the gym by now if you’d like to rejoin them.”
“Okay.”She shook everyone’s hands and left the room with her head swimming.
****
“Excuse me.”
Spencer turned around in the lobby to face the speaker.The girl was about a head shorter than he was, with glowing skin and dark hair past her shoulders.“Can I help you?”
“Maybe.Aren’t you the one who was training that girl for the World Winter Games?”
The reminder was a stab to his heart.“Yeah, I worked with her, and she’s at the tryouts now.Why?”
“Because I’ve got a pretty unusual request myself, and you’re the only one I trust not to laugh at it.”
“Hit me.”
“I’m a performer, and I recently got a gig as a mermaid.In a tank, with a tail.”
In that instant, Spencer forgot to dwell on Misty as he considered the new girl’s predicament.“I’m going to have to give that one some thought.But to get me started, I’m guessing you already know how to swim.”
“Of course, but I’m used to being able to use my legs for it.”
“Good point.”
After they exchanged information and arranged a time to meet, Spencer asked, “And do you already have a...costume?”
“We’re being fitted for tails, if that’s what you’re asking.”
