Spencer:I believe in you.I love you.
Misty:Thanks.I love you too.
Misty typed the reply to the sound of Marla’s name being called ...and the realization that she likely wasn’t far behind.Marla Hough sounded like she’d be at the end of the H’s.Misty didn’t think there were any women with last names starting with I, couldn’t remember a lot of J names, and couldn’t think of any K surnames that would come before hers alphabetically.Just like the first time she’d been in the sled, she’d been waiting forever for this but now wasn’t sure she was ready.
Spencer:My client just showed up, but I’ll be thinking of you.
“Misty Kaufman.”She’d been typing a reply and jumped at the sound of her name.No one tried to catch her eye, likely because they were too busy hoping they’d be the ones chosen.She could relate all too well.She entered to find Ms.Coolidge, Sam, Dr.Schindler, and Belinda sitting at a table and looking like a panel of judges on a reality show.
“We had an incredibly talented pool to choose from.”Ms.Coolidge’s opening statement and composed features made Misty’s chest clench.That sounded like a lead-up to letting her down gently.
“And amidst it, you stood out for your enthusiasm as well as your speed and strength.For those reasons, we would like to offer you a spot on the first four-woman bobsled team of the World Winter Games.”
Her heart unclenched almost to the point of bursting with joy.“Yes.Yes!”They’d probably hear her outside, but she didn’t care.
Ms.Coolidge let a small smile break through.“Go join the others.We’re going to have a full team meeting once we’ve spoken to everybody one-on-one.”
As she opened the door to a small conference room at the back of the business center, the first thing she noticed was a set of long limbs coming at her.Tish threw her arms around her, and she returned the hug with enthusiasm.
The experience brought back memories of getting into the combine, but she didn’t want to have sex with her best friend.She wanted to get Spencer, her boyfriend, on the phone and tell him the good news.If his reaction was anything like when she’d gotten into the combine, it would further fuel her euphoria.
****
As his client ran onthe treadmill, Spencer snuck another peek at his phone.He’d seen the typing bubble just before he’d gone to greet Ricky, but it had faded without a reply from her.What did that mean?
“Now what?”Ricky’s warmup was winding down.
Spencer forced his attention back to his client.“Sorry.Let’s move to the training floor and get you back on the ropes.”
They left the cardio area, and Spencer set a timer.But once Ricky was beating the weighted ropes against the floor in time with the music, he turned back to his phone.Still no news from Misty or any hint of a reply.He closed his eyes and visualized her getting on the team.
“Am I done yet?”A slightly whiny voice forced his eyes open.
The timer on Spencer’s phone indicated that Ricky was not.He stepped closer.“Three more minutes, but adjusting your stance will make it a little easier.May I?”
At his client’s nod, he put a hand on Ricky’s shoulders to get him to unlock his knees and bend lower.That seemed to work better, and Spencer was determined to do better himself.He kept his phone in his pocket and didn’t pick it up again until the end of Ricky’s session.
As he logged Ricky’s results in the office, a vibration on his hip distracted him.He got his phone out to see a text from Misty.
Misty:Call me ASAP.
A text like this could bring any sort of news.Once he got to a good stopping place, he headed out where he could talk privately.
Spencer:Just call or FaceTime?
She answered the question by sending a FaceTime request.He accepted it eagerly.Misty looked beautiful and fit to burst from the familiar-looking hotel room.“What’s going on?”
Her voice shook.“I made the team!”
“Congratulations!”Pure joy and pride flooded Spencer at the news.No resentment, no envy, no wondering what he’d do with himself while she was away.
“Thank you.”It came out in a choked tone.She looked about to cry from happiness.
His first instinct was to reach out, but they were hundreds of miles apart.“I can’t wait to congratulate you in person.”
She sighed.“You make me wish I was flying straight back to New York.”
“You’re not?”He tried to keep disappointment out of his voice.
