Page 100 of Salto

Recognition dawned.

Dean Mercer.

This was Rove’s best friend. And he was also a national champion on pommel horse. I'd seen him compete in a few international meets and had watched plenty of his routines online. It was presumed he would most definitely be in the front lineup for the next Olympics.

“Oh,” I said before I could stop myself. “I know who you are.”

He chuckled. “I’m unsure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

I laughed softly.

“I’ve seen you compete. And Rove’s, um... told me about you.” I trailed off, unsure if I should’ve mentioned Rove’s name.

“Really?” His eyebrows rose.

“You scored over a fifteen.”

“Still haven’t won any special medals.”

“You will, I’m sure of it,” I said with sincerity.

“Hopefully soon.” He pointed his fork at me. “You’re the college gymnast Rove invited to the program?”

I flushed. Great, I was the college rescue. It made it seem like I was an adopted puppy or something.

“That’s me.”

“It’s rare for a college gymnast to change to elite. I think that’s cool.”

“Thanks,” I chuckled nervously, purposely not elaborating because this was heading toward an area of conversation I didn’t particularly enjoy.

“Well, I’m glad you’re here. Are you settling in okay?”

“I think I am,” I said, looking around. “I’ll admit it’s a little weird starting over with a whole new team. And everyone’s a lot younger than me.”

“I’m sure it is,” he said, nodding. “Don’t worry too much. You’ve made at least one friend tonight.”

“Thanks,” I chuckled.

Dean gestured toward a group now gathered around the cornhole boards.

“Us oldies were actually just going to play a round of cornhole. Do you wanna play?”

I hesitated, glancing over at the group again, and spotted one other female gymnast. I think it was Lexi.

“Uh, sure,” I said, forcing the words off my tongue. “Why not?”

CHAPTER 36

“This is Miles, Matthew, and AJ,” Dean said, gesturing to the guys, who all gave me a wave. Then he motioned toward the girl beside him. “And this is Lexi. You two have probably met.”

“Briefly,” I said, offering her a small smile.

Lexi smiled back. Long braids cascaded over one shoulder, and her white babydoll tank top popped against her dark brown skin.

“Lexi is also an oldie,” Dean teased, giving her a playful nudge.

“I’m twenty-one, Dean.” She rolled her eyes and returned his gentle nudge with a playful shove.