I huffed. "Since when, greaser?"
The thought faded from my mind as I moved toward the natatorium and picked up on the sound of several people shouting. A fight.
I took off running toward the large glass structure and pushed open the door to see Martin and another guy in a fist fight. I moved into the middle of it and turned to Martin while putting my hand on his chest and pushing back a little.
"Hey, he's not worth it. Calm down." I turned and looked over my shoulder in time to catch a right hook to the side of the face.
Dude was strong. Really strong.
"Oh no the fuck you didn't." Martin moved around me and started to waylay the guy before I could shake off the dizziness of being hit so hard. I pulled the fight apart again as Coach walked out, yelling and screaming at us to cut it out.
"What the hell is the matter with you guys?" Coach Parks moved into the center of the fray and everything died down. "Who started it? Tell me now. Right now, dammit!"
"I did." I lifted my hand and worked to get my jaw to move right.
"Good. You're off the team." He pointed to the door as the whole place went into madness.
"No, he didn't. Coach, it was a mistake. Okay?" Martin reached out and tugged at my jacket as I started to walk off. I could take one for the team. Besides, I needed more time in my day, anyway.
Coach turned to me and got in my face. "We don't have time for this bullshit. You don't show up for two days, don't call or text, and now you're starting fights? I see something in you, Tate, but unless you see it, too, then my vision is useless."
I could tell that he wanted me to fight back, to fight for my spot, but I was tired.
"I'm sorry. It's all good." I patted his chest and nodded at Martin. "See you later, man."
"No." Martin gripped my jacket again, but I pulled from him.
"Yes. Leave it be. I need more time in my life, anyway." I walked to the door as Coach called out.
"Kid, wait."
I turned in time to watch him let out a loud sigh and hit his head on his clipboard. "Look, Darren Manip is coming from the US Olympic counsel today. You'll want to be here. We're having a semi-meet for him."
"I don't want to be an Olympian. I want a cheeseburger and a long-ass nap, Coach. I'm not like most of these guys. I'm killing myself working and trying to do this shit." I shook my head. "I'm good. I fought and I got kicked out. It's all good. Actions have consequences. I get it."
"Go suit up, you pain in my ass. If you impress Mr. Manip, you won't have to do anything but look pretty and swim hard. You're not missing out on this." He pointed at me as his expression tightened. "But if you fuck up one more time, you're seriously out of here."
I nodded. "Thanks, Coach."
"Whatever." He grumbled under his breath as he left all of us standing there, staring at each other.
"Tate, you didn't have to do that." Martin moved up to stand in front of me.
The idiot he'd been fighting with stepped up beside him. "No, you didn't, but it was fucking cool that you did. Thank you."
Martin glanced over at the guy and shook his head. "Fuck off, Brian. I'm being serious."
"I am, too." Brian patted Martin on the back. "Sorry I was fucking with you. I'm not going after Katelyn. I promise."
So, it was over a girl. Always.
"I know you're not. I'd kill you otherwise." Martin turned to face the guy who was at least twice his size and probably belonged on a football field instead of in a swimming pool.
"Come on, tough guy. Let's go impress the big wigs today." I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and moved us toward the locker room. "What the fuck were you even worried about? Katelyn seems to be completely taken with you, and I've only been around you guys twice, maybe."
"I don't know. He's interested in her, but she's mine." Martin stopped at the door and pulled out of my hold before rolling his shoulders. "I lost my mom when I was a kid, and my dad's a bastard and a half. I've never been cared about like I have been with her. The thought of losing her makes the crazy come out inside of me. She's my everything."
"Wow, I had no clue." I reached out and gripped his shoulder tightly. "She's not going anywhere. Get your head in the game and let's do this. Okay?"