Execution (Off Balance 2)

"Well, I clearly don't need the money, so I feel like it's an obvious choice."

He raised his index finger, indicating he wasn’t finished. "You would think that, but what if an agent comes along and wants to sign you? Says she will put you in commercials and billboard ads with other top gymnasts around the country?" he challenged. "What if she promises she can make you an abundant amount of money, where you will be able to support yourself within a year and even pay for college should you not be awarded a scholarship? Because surely you will want to support yourself eventually, yes?"

I chewed my lip. Okay. He had a point. And I was upset with myself for being so in the dark about it.

"Of course I want to support myself one day." I stared at him, not knowing what I should do. Not relying on my parents would be a dream come true, and if I could build that from doing what I loved, the choice was obvious.

Kova threaded his fingers together. "You have a small period until the awards start coming in. I want you to use this time wisely and look past the Olympics. Think about universities. Now is the time to get noticed, to get recognized by a Division One school. Maybe you will. Where do you see yourself in ten years? Surely not competing at twenty-six. I want you to give it some thought."

I chuckled. "Well, no. I don't think my body will make it that far. I thought maybe I'd coach. I don't know…obviously something in gymnastics."

I frowned and studied the sea glass tiled wall in front of me. Beautiful shades of pale greens and ocean blue swooped in between hues of creamy whites. I had been so focused on going all the way that I lost sight of my future in the long run. I was mature, I had a stable head on my shoulders, but when it came to the real world, I was as blank as a sheet of paper. I suddenly felt like a two-inch-tall fool.

"Did you plan to compete in college? Or no?"

"I… I never gave it any thought." My voice quieted. The corners of my mouth tugged further down, embarrassed it never crossed my mind. I glanced at him. "I was so fixated on making it to the Olympics that I never considered anything else."

"That happens more than you think. It is not uncommon. If for some reason you do not make it within the year, come the next Games, you will be about twenty."

"Yeah…" I mumbled. I already knew that.

"Did you plan to skip school altogether?" he asked gently, no hint or rise in his voice to make me feel any less.

I shrugged, feeling helpless. "I just assumed I'd train as hard as I could until then, and then figure out my next course. It was honestly all I knew. I didn't see myself not going to the Olympics, it's not an option to me."

I looked away and shifted my legs to a more comfortable position. Cubes of ice nudged my shoulders and neck and I drew in a gasp. The conversation with Kova made me completely forget I was sitting in ice. My sole focus had been on something else entirely, which helped pass the minutes in the bathtub, yet it brought an overwhelming burden at the same time.

My teeth chattered against each other as I said lowly, "But if I did that…then I'd be close to graduating and it would be too late to apply for college. I'd have to miss a year." I looked up, astonished. "You're right. It is something I need to think about. God, I've been really naive, haven't I?"

"My two cents?" he offered.

"Go ahead."

"Forget about the endorsements and prize money, do not turn pro. You can go all the way without it. You do not need it. At least not for a long time anyway. Instead, look at colleges, mainly Division One schools with a top-ranking gymnastics team, because you are that good. Just be in the know, it cannot hurt you. If you play your cards right, you can have the best of both worlds."

I nodded, feeling an abundance of emotions for Kova, but more grateful than anything for this talk. I sat staring into his eyes and wondered if this topic would've ever crossed my mind. Eventually, I think it would have, just not as soon, and probably too late.

Kova studied me, then rolled his broad shoulders and dropped his head. He rubbed the back of his neck and kept his gaze engrossed on my tile floor. Hopefully there weren't a million strands of hair everywhere.

Against my better judgement, I reached out and placed my hand over his and squeezed. He jumped and his head popped up. My frozen fingers shocked him.

I smiled softly, appreciative. It was all I could manage between the shivers that wracked my body. Just when I thought he was going to pull away or say something for showing affection, he stunned me and gave me a squeeze back. My stomach twisted. I didn't want to feel anything for him, but I couldn't help it when he pierced me with those emerald eyes of his. I'd let my guard down…and so had he.

Kova turned his wrist over and glanced at his watch. He hadn't let go of my hand in the process.

He cleared his throat. "Look at that… Time is up."

I pulled the stopper on the drain while Kova went to find a towel. I shivered violently as I stood there listening to the water slurp down. Stepping out of the tub, I hugged myself, certain I would develop hypothermia if Kova didn’t hurry up. Every muscle in my body squeezed and my teeth chattered nonstop. Talk about tightening up. Kova walked in with a towel and shook it out, then halted when he looked up. His jaw locked, his eyes slowly roamed my wet body.

I glanced down and gaped.

Shit.

My white sports bra was practically transparent. I might as well have been naked. My breasts were firm and round, plump from the artic temperature. My nipples were embarrassing hard little mauve pebbles enclosed by rings the color of raspberries.

I was throwing all my white undergarments out after this.

"Ah, Kova?" I reached out for the towel. When he didn't respond, I yelled his name. "Kova!" His eyes snapped up to meet mine. "I'm going to die of hypothermia. Give me the goddamn towel!"