Page 96 of Salto

Nerves knotted in my stomach. I already wasn’t a huge partier. But having to hang out with the team I barely knew... at Vanta’s house?

“Well, you are part of the team now.”

“I’m not a huge partier.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I could hear the smile in his voice.

“I don’t know anyone,” I said suddenly.

“You know me. And Eva and Sloane.”

“Yeah, well, let’s just say the Eva and Sloane thing isn’t exactly solid right now.”

“Ah, I see.” He paused. “Well, we could drive together.”

I fiddled with the dish towel hanging on my oven, thinking back to the contract we’d signed in a diner booth last night.

This felt like the first real test of whether our napkin contract was going to work.

“Can we... be seen carpooling?” I asked cautiously.

“I mean, it is a team event. People carpool together every year. No one’s going to think twice about it.”

I bit my lip. “You sure you want me to come? I’m sure you’ve got other friends there that could keep you company.”

It was the first time I’d used the term friend, and it sent a thrill through me.

“Wow. We became friends twelve hours ago, and you’re already trying to get out of hanging out with me.”

I rolled my eyes, hating the thought of a party but knowing I probably needed to socialize. I knew practically no one on the team, and now that I’d officially qualified for elite, I would be sticking around for a while.

“Fine. I’ll go. But I’m not staying long.”

“I’ll meet you down in the parking lot at six-thirty.”

“See you then.”

The call ended.

I set my phone on the counter and finally poured myself a cup of coffee.

My brain cells zinged back to life with the first sip of caffeine, and somehow I immediately felt better.

After swallowing two ibuprofen, I leaned against the counter, letting the warmth of the mug seep into my hands.

A pool party.

Great.

CHAPTER 35

At six-thirty, I made the treacherous journey down the seven flights of stairs with my sore limbs. It took me at least three times longer than normal.

When I stepped off the last stair, I scanned the parking lot.

It only took a second to spot him.

Rove was parked right out front, leaning against the side of his black Toyota Tacoma with his arms folded, one ankle crossed casually over the other.