Page 16 of Spring Break With A Gold Medalist

My brother also has a shit eating grin. In two steps I stand in front of him and poke his chest. “What are you not telling me?” I give each of them a hard glare. “Why are you all keeping secrets from me?”

Sean shakes his head. “Not really keeping stuff from you, baby sis. More like waiting until you regained the focus to be a part of all this. With your healing, and finishing your book, and…” He jerks a thumb at Phil. “…this guy, I didn’t want to add anything more to your plate.”

“You guys suck, you know that don’t you? All three of you. Now tell me what’s going on or I’m walking.”

Sean raises his hand. “I’ll start. First by apologizing. We thought we were making it easier for you by not adding more worry to your list. I was wrong in that assumption. My news is that I’m quitting individual coaching and starting up a permanent facility for volleyball camps and training.”

“You’ve had that dream for a long time, big bro. I’m so much more happy for you now than I was pissed you haven’t said anything.”

“Thanks, I think. Ellie’s father is one of the financial backers for the project and we’ve already completed site design.” He rushes to continue. “Which I’ll need your approval on. This is partly for you, Maya. I value your opinion and suggestions. I want this to be a family endeavor.”

Ellie draws a deep breath. “I’m quitting the circuit. I was thinking about it even before…” She pats her lower belly. “Sean has really drawn me into his dream. His vision is mine now, too. I’m hoping to help coach or do whatever’s needed to make Sean’s dream a success.”

“But you were doing so well with your new partner. How does she feel about your retirement?”

“No problem there. You’ll never guess who she’s teamed up with.” Ellie is barely holding back a devilish grin.

Realization hits me like a brick wall. “No. With Karol? You’ve got to be kidding.”

Sean sets his empty glass on the table. “Actually, they make a pretty good team. Compliment each other’s play. Personality wise? Not sure it’s going to work out. Only time will tell.”

I’m amazed at how all the twists and turns in life can actually come together successfully. “I wish them both luck.”

One more confession to go. “And what about you?” I ask Phil.

“That extra land I bought when I established the gym? There’s still a large tract that’s undeveloped. Your brother’s plans and initial sketches were enough to convince me to become a partner in the project as well. Another expansion to Tolenski’s Gym.”

I slip onto his lap and run my fingers through his hair. “You need a better name to encompass all the sports and offerings.”

“Want to help me think one up?”

“I’ve got a few ideas.”

Ellie clears her throat and glances at her watch. “Didn’t you say you had plans this evening?”

I grin at Phil. Every month we’ve had a special celebration to mark the day he found me crying on the steps. The day we met. And from what we’ve told each other about that day, it was also the day we both fell in love.

“We do,” I reply and stand. “And didn’t you say you had something for me?” I ask Ellie.

“Oh, yeah, I do. Come with me and we’ll get it from the car.”

When she hands me the cloth bag, Ellie leans closer to peer into my eyes. “Are you sure about this? Don’t tempt fate and injure your knee again.”

“I won’t. Thanks for your concern. And a huge thanks for getting these for me. I owe you.”

She waves away my words. “I’m just happy you’re, umm, getting out of your shell a little. The right man can sure help with that. Speaking of, here come the guys. You’d better get that hidden.”

After hugs for Ellie and my brother, Phil and I head home. I’d like a little time to prepare my surprise celebration so I need for him to stay away for a while.

“Uh, baby doll, is it okay if I drop you off at home?. There’s something I need to get for tonight.”

Fantastic. I struggle a little to keep from fist pumping the air in celebration. “Sure, no problem.”

I’ve completed my preparations and I’m waiting on our front porch when he drives up in a classic chevy convertible. Red. With the top down. I race from the porch and he catches me in his arms.

“You remembered,” I say then cover his face with kisses.

“I was only able to rent this for an hour. I hope that’s okay.”

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