Page 55 of Salto

“Maybe.”

“That doesn’t sound promising.”

I sighed. “I’m figuring it out.”

“What about school?”

“Moving it online.”

“And tuition?”

“It’s also being worked out.”

“That’s not a good answer.”

“It’s the only one I have right now.”

I couldn't tell if he was annoyed by my vague answers or worried about them.

Maybe both.

“Are you always this stubborn?” he asked, and I could hear the smile in his voice.

“Only when people interrogate me.”

“I’m just trying to make sure you don’t need help with anything. Believe it or not, your life outside the gym affects you inside the gym too.”

I reached out to touch one of the books on the shelf, tracing the title on the spine with my fingertip.

The explanation made sense. It was reasonable. But something about it still felt strange.

Vanta hadn't called.

Yet somehow Eero Rove was spending his evening making sure I had a place to live.

“You always call your gymnasts this late at night?” I asked quietly.

Why was my heart racing?

“Normally, no. You're relocating for training, and I wanted to make sure nothing was going to keep you from getting here.”

“Well, if you’re pestering me because you’re worried I’m not going to be there bright and early for our first session, don’t worry.”

“Okay. So I’ll see you at six o’clock then. Next week.”

“Six o’clock,” I echoed, suddenly realizing just how early that was.

“See you then,” he said, and then there was a brief pause. “Call me if something falls through.”

Before I could respond, the line went dead.

CHAPTER 21

Isat cross-legged on my bed, staring at my laptop. The portal to my classes was open on the screen.

Four of them now said ONLINE.

This was really happening.