Page 10 of Salto

So when I walked into the locker room that morning, I was more reluctant than usual.

“You’re a little behind today,” Mia commented as I opened my locker and tossed my bag inside with a little extra sass.

“It’s her AT check-in this morning,” Laney said easily, already picking up on my attitude.

I shot her a look. “You’re too observant.”

“You get this way every three months, Shortcake. You’re honestly a little predictable.”

Shortcake. The nickname they called me when I was being a little extra salty. Hence the Strawberry Shortcake lamp.

My eyes narrowed, and I had to grit my teeth. Not because of the nickname, but because there was that word again.

Predictable.

“Not the risk-taking type, I see.”

The words flashed into my mind unexpectedly.

The guy from the beach thought I wasn't a risk taker. My team thought I wasn't a risk taker. I might as well have had a sign taped to me that said CAUTION: PLAYS IT SAFE.

The label irked me because it felt like no one actually knew the kinds of risks I was willing to take. Or the ones I’d already taken.

“Well, I hope it goes well,” Mia said, fighting a smile and failing miserably. “Try to be nice to Melissa.” She gave me a wink before heading out to the gym.

I wouldn't be joining them for warm-ups. I might even miss part of the first event. I hated missing practice—even if it was for my own good.

Laney gave me a sympathetic look before following Mia.

“Seriously, though. I hope it goes okay.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled.

I was just closing my locker when two of my other teammates, Sloane and Tatum, walked past me, and I caught the tail end of their conversation.

“He's coming tomorrow to watch Eva. Apparently he's surprised she didn't go elite,” Sloane was saying. “I'm hoping it'll be my chance to get an invite to the camp.”

“I think there's a good chance. You're doing better than you ever have,” Tatum said.

I frowned.

Sloane was talking about elite?

Sloane and I had grown up in the same gym. We'd celebrated birthdays together, had sleepovers with our teammates as little girls, and chased our elite dreams side by side as teenagers. After she'd failed to make Nationals two years ago and joined the UCLA team, I'd assumed she'd let that dream go.

The scout Coach Caldwell had mentioned was stopping by because of Eva.

Apparently, some of the other girls were looking at this as an opportunity.

Most gymnasts pursued elite at a young age. Going from college gymnastics back to elite was almost unheard of.

"This may be my last shot. A few other elite gyms have said they'd consider taking me on, but Vanta is the best of the best."

"He's going to notice you," Tatum said firmly. "Don't get in your head."

I looked away.

Whenever the word elite came up, I tuned it out.