Page 6 of Spring Break With A Gold Medalist

I can’t—and really don’t want to come up with a reason to say no. “I’ll visit and see.”

“Saturday?” His eager expression makes me smile.

“That’s in two days. So soon?”

“Actually, it would work out great. We’re having a watch party for the college national championships. All the kids, their parents, coaches.”

“Won’t you be busy?” I’d be foolish to hope for time with him when there’s no way it can happen.

“No more than usual. I’ll be able to slip away to take you on a tour. Beryl and Noah are providing a chocolate gymnastic display and I could arrange for you to ride over with them. The day’s competition will be over late in the afternoon, then I’ll be able to bring you home.”

That adorable, irresistible smirk is back. “Besides… there’s chocolate.”

four

Phil

When Maya refused to give me a definitive answer about Saturday, I wasn’t above finding a way to give her a little push. After Beryl chose another man over me, we tiptoed around each other for too long. Finally we discovered a good working relationship and settled into a strong friendship. It took Beryl only a short conversation and a request for help she and her husband didn’t need to set up the chocolate display to persuade Maya to show up.

After giving Maya a job that allows her to sit, Beryl corners me at the treats table. “So… what’s up with you and Maya?”

“She’s looking for a place to augment her physical therapy. You know we’ve got exactly what she needs here.”

“I’ll ask again. What’s up with you and Maya? When you see her you get this look.”

Aw shit. Am I that obvious? “A look? What’s that supposed to mean?”

She chuckles. “Fine, play innocent. Just take it easy, okay? I think there’s a lot more going on in her life, in her head, than she lets on.”

“I’ve already figured that. I appreciate you’re watching out for her.”

“And now you’re ready to take over that job?”

I shrug one shoulder making her laugh again.

“Go slow, Phillip.”

That’s advice I know is good. I nod.

Once the kids and their families arrive the noise level increases at least tenfold. A couple of the kids recognize Maya and before I close the distance between us, they’re rapid firing questions at her. Her grin is relaxed and when our gazes meet, she waves away my concern and says something that makes the kids cheer. I’m going to ask her about that later.

She holds court as others join her circle of admirers, speaking to everyone and when a mom pulls a sharpie from her purse, Maya signs a few tee shirts.

One of my assistants rings a bell for attention. “Events start in five. Find seats, everyone.”

Today we’re watching the men’s national championship events on the huge, wall-sized screen. Since I’m recording the events, I make notes of routines and skills to highlight for my gymnasts over the coming weeks. With the size of the replay, it’s easy to focus in on the tiniest of movements for educational purposes.

When there’s a break in the action, we attack the treats table. Choco-Love created a remarkable display of chocolate apparatuses with a variety of filled candies, taffy, and caramels standing in for the athletes. As a ‘bring something to share’ treat table, there’s plenty other sweet and salty snacks. I’m strict about healthy beverages in the gym, and only bottled water is available.

Once everyone settles again, I turn over the note taking to one of my coaches and squat next to Maya’s chair.

“How you holding up?”

“Mostly okay. I haven’t been around this much noise since the tournament though. Feels like my ears are ringing.”

“Hmm. It does get loud in here.”

Cued by my words, a cheer rises for a stuck landing after a rings routine. Once the shouts fade, I take Maya’s hand. “Would you like the tour now?”

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