Page 48 of Salto

“No…but I just⁠—”

“I won’t even be gone that long.”

“Okay—” Something felt off in my gut, but it felt weird to police her. If she really had a friend out this way, who was I to stop her from visiting them? I remembered when I was her age, and I would’ve hated it if someone were trying to stop me from going out with friends.

“See ya,” she said with a little wave before grabbing her purse and slipping out the door.

I stood there for a minute, staring at the empty space she’d just filled. I tried not to let myself imagine too many scenarios. She’d be fine. Jamie was raised by the same people I was. She knew not to get into a dangerous situation, didn’t she?

Also, she had never lied to me. If she was going out to see friends, she was. It was her spring break, and if she wanted to stay out a little later than usual, then it was fine.

Totally fine.

At least that’s what I told myself.

CHAPTER 18

“I’ll see you soon?” I asked Jamie the next morning as she tossed her duffel into the car.

“Yeah. At your next meet, probably. Or family dinner.”

She slammed the trunk shut and walked around to the driver's side.

“I’ll be there on Sunday,” I said.

She'd gotten back to the apartment around one o'clock that morning, which I guess wasn't a horrible time. But I hadn't fallen asleep until she walked back in the door.

“Thanks for suggesting this,” I added.

“Yeah.” She tucked a strand of purple hair behind her ear, suddenly finding the pavement very interesting. “It was fun.”

I smiled, wondering if I had been just as allergic to showing affection at seventeen.

Before she could escape, I stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug.

“Hey—” she grumbled, trying to squirm away.

“I love you,” I said, squeezing her anyway.

She sighed dramatically.

“I love you too.”

When I let go, she finally gave me a small smile.

“Thanks for letting me stay the night.”

“Anytime.” I patted the hood of her car. “Drive safe, okay?”

“I will.”

She climbed into the driver's seat, and I stepped back onto the sidewalk as she pulled away.

I stood there waving until her car disappeared around the corner.

With Jamie gone and zero distractions to occupy my mind, the stress about going elite returned with a vengeance.

And I knew I shouldn't. But the only thing I wanted to do was escape into my routines and stop thinking for a while.