Page 35 of Salto

We formed a loose semicircle around her, the energy shifting instantly.

“Hi, everyone,” she said. “I’m Hana Kim. I’m one of the assistant coaches here at Vanta.”

She glanced around, making eye contact with a few people as she spoke.

“First off, I want to congratulate you all on being invited. That alone says a lot about your skill level.”

Murmurs passed through the group, but a sharp look from her had everyone shutting up again instantaneously.

“Think of today as a tryout to join the team,” she continued. “You’ll be evaluated across all events. We want to see who stands out. We will also be watching how you respond to corrections and how you work with all of the coaches.”

She stepped back slightly.

And then⁠—

“Coach Vanta will also be evaluating you today. Vanta is an Olympic gold medalist and owner of the gym.”

Everyone’s attention immediately shifted to Coach Vanta, who had just stepped onto the floor.

He was well over six feet, with broad shoulders and light blond hair threaded with silver. A matching beard framed his face, and faint crow's-feet fanned from the corners of his dark eyes. He was intimidating, carrying himself with a quiet confidence that seemed almost tangible.

"Welcome," he said, his deep voice carrying a distinct Finnish accent.

It caught me off guard. I'd never heard even a hint of one in Rove's voice. Why did his uncle have an accent when he didn't?

“I am looking for athletes with Olympic-level potential. Today is your chance to show us what you can do."

He glanced off to the side.

"Helping me narrow down the applicants today is Eero Rove. My nephew."

My pulse quickened at the mention of Rove’s name.

He joined the line of coaches, casually stepping up to take his spot next to Vanta, his hands tucked into the pockets of his sweats.

He wore a red sweatsuit that day, and his stark blond hair, which usually kissed his shoulders, was pulled back into a ponytail. A small one, but still a ponytail, and I thought certainly that wouldn’t be attractive, but…

My breath caught as his gaze swept over the group.

When it reached me, a flicker of recognition crossed his face before the corner of his mouth lifted in a small, polite smile.

Heat rushed into my cheeks.

I looked down again.

“He just started coaching, but I assure you he's incredibly skilled. He'll also be taking over as our bars and vault specialist this year.”

After the introductions, no one said a word; everyone waited with bated breath for them to make the next move.

“Alright then,” Vanta said, clapping his hands. “Let’s break off into three groups.”

CHAPTER 14

Iwas with Coach Hana first on beam.

And by some miracle, I wasn’t in a group with any of my NCAA teammates. I watched Sloane, Eva, and Tatum follow after Vanta, a sliver of relief going through me.

The adrenaline kicked in almost immediately. It felt like I was competing in a meet, only the pressure was ten times worse. At meets, I was doing skills I was used to, routines I’d practiced a thousand times. I was with people I knew. Coaches I knew.