Page 154 of Salto

ME: I'm not an idiot, Rove.

ROVE: When did I say you were an idiot?

ME: Gold isn't the only definition.

I held my breathe for a second as I waited for him to respond. It felt like forever before his reply came through.

ROVE: So pick whatever definition you want it to mean.

I read the message twice. Both times, my stomach flipped.

ME: Which one did you mean?

ROVE: If I tell you, it could be a breach of contract.

ME: The one we both signed on a napkin?

ROVE: Doesn't matter what it's written on.

My lips betrayed me with the smallest smile.

ME: Gold it is, then.

ROVE: Gold it is.

CHAPTER 55

The day before Nationals began with podium practice at seven that morning.

The team was already down at breakfast, and of course the path to the buffet led right past the table where Eva and Sloane were sitting with a group of the other elite gymnasts.

When I walked by, a few of the younger girls said hello, and Sloane smiled.

It was eerie. The smile looked friendly enough on the outside, but I could tell it was fabricated. It was like she was looking forward to watching me fail.

I clenched my jaw and simply ignored her.

I refused to let her get to me.

My body felt okay today. My mind was still somewhere far away, but at least my pain had settled to a three. For the first time in a very long time.

I couldn't help but secretly hope I’d just had a bad spell and things would start returning to normal.

I knew it was wishful thinking. But it still crossed my mind.

I had breakfast with Lexi. We chatted a little bit. I asked her about her family and she told me about her twin brothers and how she grew up in New York.

I liked Lexi. And talking to her helped ease the nerves a smidge.

On the bus ride to the arena, I caught sight of Rove a few rows ahead.

He was wearing an all white sweatsuit today with the Vanta logo on it.

Something fluttered in my stomach.

Goodnight, kulta.

Last night's conversation came rushing back, and I forced the nickname from my mind before it could distract me.