And if they can’t see it, then am I delusional in that belief?
Kinsley lets out a loud sigh and continues, “And then you don’t get to hang out with me every day, and then you move, and we lose touch and never speak again.”
The tension in my body loosens.
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” Regardless of what happens with my training, Kinsley is a friend for a life.
“Good.” She links her arm through mine, pulling me gently away from the chalk. “Now let’s get the hell out of here before we do something really sad and pathetic like spend our Friday night at the gym.”
Something she and I have done too many times to count. And will do many more, I’m sure. But I get her point, and I can see the janitorial staff eagerly waiting to get in and start cleaning and setting up for the competition tomorrow.
“Fine.”
“Wow, that was easier than I thought.”
My lips curve into a grin and I hum my agreement that it’s uncharacteristic of me not to dig in my heels.
“I’m hungry,” I admit. “And there’s a yoga class I thought I might check out tonight.”
Kinsley arches a brow at me. “Seriously? Tonight?”
“Hope said the teacher was really good.” And the less time I sit at home this weekend, the better. I already know I’m not going to be able to sit still while I wait for Coach Rodier’s final decision.
“How about you don’t do that and instead you take a little trip with me and Skylar.”
“A trip?”
“Mhmm. We’re going to Vegas with Heidi and Christina.” Two other gymnasts at Premier that Kinsley has known for ages.
“I can’t go to Vegas.”
“Why not?”
“For starters, I can’t afford it.”
“Don’t you have some airline miles from competition travel last year?”
I think for a second, begrudgingly agreeing. “Yeah.”
“And you can share a hotel with me and Skylar.”
My hesitation must show on my face because she rolls her eyes. “It won’t be like that, I promise.”
My expression doesn’t shift.
“We’ll limit all kissing and touching to outside the room,” she clarifies.
A short laugh slips from my lips. “Giving all of Vegas a show, huh?”
“It’s practically demanded when in Vegas.”
Her voice turns pleading. “Please? I think it’d be good for you to take a break and get to know some of the other girls.”
“It might not matter if Coach sends me packing,” I mutter.
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“You don’t know that.” I take a breath but then open my mouth to remind her that I don’t have the money to stay either way. The look she gives me stops me. She’s right. One thing at a time.
