Out of Bounds (The Summer Games #2)(115)

Erik’s mom guided me behind the small table where they’d laid out permanent markers and extra photographs. I’d noticed the first girl waiting in line even from a few yards back. She was standing by herself, her knees a little wobbly and her smile less confident than the rest of the gymnasts in line. She had one of my photographs clutched to her chest and it wasn’t until I smiled up at her and asked if she’d like me to sign it that she realized she was supposed to let go of it for a second.

Her leotard was a little faded around the edges, the velvet less vibrant than it should have been. Her bun looked messy, as if she’d done it herself that morning, and when I met her eyes, I could see struggles girls her age didn’t usually have to carry.

“What’s your name?” I asked as I signed her photo.

“Laura.”

I smiled. “Where are you from, Laura?”

“Dove Springs.”

I nodded. “Are you competing today?”

She smiled wide. “Yes. Level six. Last year, I was the level five state champion.”

I arched my brows. “Wow. That’s amazing! And level six?! That’s quick for someone as young as you.”

She beamed with pride.

“Are your parents here today?” Most of the girls in line had adults standing with them, but Laura was alone and I wanted to know why.

Her smile fell, just slightly. “No, my dad had to work. I got to take the bus all by myself.”

I nodded as I handed her back her photo. “You know, my mom had to work during a lot of my competitions too. I bet your dad really wishes he could be here.”

She nodded and her eyes filled with tears near the corners. I could tell she was trying hard not to cry. “That’s why I wanted to meet you,” she continued. “They talked about you on TV during the Olympics, and…your family is a lot like mine.” She swallowed, maybe a little embarrassed to be volunteering so much information to a stranger. Girls behind her in line were impatient to get their turn, but I kept my gaze locked with hers so she wouldn’t feel rushed. For those few seconds, it was just her and me.

“I think you’re going to do really well today, Laura,” I said, standing to round the table so I could wrap her in a tight hug.

She pressed her face to my chest and nodded.

“And maybe one day when your dad doesn’t have work, he could bring you back here for a private lesson?”

She leaned back, eyes wide. “Really?”

I smiled. “Yes, really. Although…you should know, this is a facility where Olympians train. Do you think you could be an Olympian one day?”

Her eyes went wide as saucers and she nodded twice, slowly. “Yes. Absolutely. If you can do it, then so can I.”




THE END