Dismount (Off Balance 5)

I bit my lip, and his eyes fell to my mouth. "Do you think we can talk tonight?"

Kova drew his lower lip between his teeth. "Come on. Let us go."

A blush crept into my cheeks. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest just asking that simple question.

The balance beam had passed much quicker for some reason, thank God, and now I was on my last event—floor. Fortunately, I was still in second place after beam. I'd only had a few wobbles, but nothing to knock me down to third place.

Madeline was rubbing my arms, warming me up. She bent over so she was eye level with me and took my hands in hers, shaking my arms out.

"I want you to go out there and have fun, you hear me? Smile and show this arena who you are and that you're a force to be reckoned with."

My cheeks flushed. Sometimes I was shy. "I'll try."

"No, you will do it."

I giggled. "All right." I was high on life right now and really, really happy. I felt like I was bursting with sunshine, something I hadn't felt in a while

She let go of my hands and said, "You're up! Knock 'em dead."

I saluted the judges, then walked up the steps and onto the blue carpeted spring floor. This was a favorite event of mine. My classical routine had a lot of spunk and charm woven through it that had been choreographed specifically to fit my personality and aptitude. It was a lot of fun to perform, a total crowd pleaser where fans of the sport clapped their hands and joined in.

Right before I stepped into position and took my stance, I glanced over my shoulder and searched for my good luck charm.

He was already looking at me.

That was all I needed.

Eighteen

"So," Avery said, drawing out the word, "how’d you do today? Tell me everything!"

I chuckled at her excitement.

"I need to know if my bestie is going to the Olympics so I can tell everyone at school tomorrow. Then I'm gonna book my ticket so I can watch you in person."

I smiled, my heart beating with so much love for my friend. "It was unreal, Ave! The crowd was so loud the entire time, and there was this big extravagant opening to introduce the gymnasts today. The lights were turned down low while this video montage played above. Each one of u

s walked onto the floor one by one waving to the people while these huge smoke bombs in red, white, and blue erupted behind us. The announcer said which state we were from and the gym name. We were given matching USA sweat suits too. I can't wait to get a free minute to watch the replay." I hadn't realized how cool the introductions were until I told Avery. Funny how it was a blur until now. "As for the team, I'll know tomorrow. I have one more day of competition, and that’s when the team is picked."

"Shit." She groaned. "I must've gotten the days mixed up. I thought it was today. Anyway, that sounds so damn cool. I wish I was there to see it. I'll have to check before I go to school when it'll be on television so I can record it. Make sure you tell me ASAP after tomorrow. Do you think you'll make it? I think you will."

That was the million-dollar question.

"I think I have a good chance, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up even though I'm dying to make it." I chuckled. "I may have placed at Worlds and other major comps, but you just never know. There are so many amazingly talented girls here too. My coaches think I have a chance."

"You mean Madeline?"

I perked up. "Oh, my God. I didn't get a chance to tell you. Kova is here."

"Shut the fuck up!" Avery gasped.

"No, I know. I couldn't believe it myself when he showed up at the airport."

"No shit. Did your dad flip?"

"No. I'm not sure of the details just yet, but my dad knew Kova was coming. He just didn't tell me. Can you believe it? Kova just showed up at the terminal and sat across from me."

"How did he look?"