Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“Bryce, don’t start an argument you won’t win.”

“Oh, babe, I’d win, and that’s why I took drastic measures.”

“Don’t tarnish our goodbye by being

cocky,” I warn.

“Not being cocky if it’s true.”

“Bryce—”

“You happy?”

Even though his face is slightly fuzzy through the distance and the glass, I can tell his eyes are shining.

“Yes, I’m happy.”

“Good, now go kick some Olympic ass. Call me tonight from the hotel.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” he says and hangs up.

The flight attendant goes through the pre-flight instructions, and the whole time I stare at that window. We don’t lose eye contact until the plane backs out, and Quinn grabs my hand. I hold on until we’re safely in the air.

Once we hit cruising altitude, we dislodge, and she brings out the folder we’ve been working on for the last two weeks. Over the next few hours, we get acquainted with every summer Olympic sport and the rules of the games. Since we have no idea which contenders will be in Rio during our stay, we have no athletic bios. But I have a pretty good idea of the basics.

Once we land in Miami and get to our hotel, we’re both exhausted. Instead of going out, we decide on room service and a movie. I’m rummaging through my overnight bag when a deep male voice fills the room.

“What the hell?” I scream and look at the door. The voice rumbles again, causing me to jump. “Who the fuck is that, and where is it coming from?”

“Olá, como vai você.” Quinn repeats the phrase, pressing a button on her phone. “That is Rafael. He’s going to help us learn Portuguese.”

“Rafael?”

“I named him Rafael because it sounds sexy. It’s a translation program I downloaded.”

I can’t help but laugh. Only she would rename a computer generated program to sound sexy. “Well, he scared the shit out of me. He sounded like he was here in the room.”

“Great acoustics on my phone. We need to learn some key phrases to communicate with the locals.”

“Quinn, we’re going to be with teams and guides.”

“Yes, but it’s smart to be prepared. Now, come here. Let’s do this.” She pats the bed next to her, and I plop down.

“‘Olá, como vai você’ is ‘Hello, how are you’?”

We both repeat it a few times and take turns asking Rafael about popular general statements.

Good morning — Bom Dia.

Good Evening — Boa Noite.

Where is the restroom? — Onde é o banheiro.

“These are boring. Let’s get to the good stuff.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me wickedly. “Asshole!” she shouts into the phone.

“Idiota.”