Page 108 of Beyond the Stroke

“Speaking of life outside the pool, we got a lot of questions from fans about your recent wedding,” Patrick says.

Cullen laughs. “There are a lot of broken hearts out there.”

“Before we get into it, first we should say congratulations.”

“Yeah, congratulations,” Cullen echoes.

“Thank you,” I say, wishing I’d taken a look at Vivi’s email prep for this.

“Now, I’ll cut to the chase and ask all the burning questions listeners want to know. How is married life? And when did a busy guy like you find time to fall in love?”

“Married life is great. No complaints.”

Except I may be falling for my fake wife.

“Your wife is listening, isn’t she?” Cullen teases with a hearty laugh.

“No, she’s at work, but I think she’d agree we’re having fun.”

“But seriously, what shifted? You’ve always been laser focused and now you’re suddenly married. Was it love at first sight?” Patrick asks.

“I don’t know if it was first sight, but it didn’t take long.” I hesitate, making sure my words are carefully crafted, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my mouth when I think how Summer and I met, and the way I was immediately drawn to her. “It was easy with her. And nothing in my life has ever felt easy.”

Cullen’s brows lift. “Sounds like you’re a goner.”

“She’s someone who gets it. All of it. The pressure, the quiet, the weird schedule. And she makes all of that feel a little less heavy.”

From the looks of Cullen and Patrick’s faces, I nailed it.

They move on to ask about my training focus and upcoming competitions, but I’m only halfway listening. I’m still thinking about my responses to their questions about Summer. And all I can think is that for a fake marriage, everything I just said felt pretty damn real.

Eli was right. A bonfire with teammates and friends is the best way to keep myself distracted from thinking about Summer. Although I’m finding my eyes tracking her every move, which would be much easier if we were alone in the house, not mingling in a large group of people gathered around a roaring fire.

Through the flames, I can see Summer talking with Whitney. I look on as she takes a sip of her seltzer, nodding at something Whitney says before they both start laughing. Since I introduced my sister to Summer, they’ve been talking non-stop about art and design. I know it shouldn’t matter, but I love that they’re getting along so well.

“I’m just saying,American Gridironis the same damn game every year. They just change the number and expect us to act impressed,” Finn says, shaking his head.

Xio chuckles. “Yeah, and yet you still buy it.”

“That’s because I have hope, Xio. Maybe this time, it’ll be worth it.”

I can’t help but grin at their conversation. “You really think they’re going to fixDynasty Drive?”

Finn grumbles, knowing full well I’m right but he’s still going to continue to buy the game anyways.

Logan settles into a chair and crosses his ankle over his knee. “All right, pick one: you either get to be an Olympic athlete in your sport, or you’re a pro gamer making millions. What’s your move?”

Xio smirks. “Olympian, obviously.”

Xio has been focused on making his first Olympic team this year. He’s putting up impressive times and if he keeps it up, I have no doubt he’ll make the team.

Finn shakes his head. “Pro gamer, easy. No early morning training. No ice baths. Just vibes and sponsorship money.”

“You’d wash out in six months.” Xio laughs.

“Okay, rude.”

Finn mock-scowls because he knows that commitment isn’t his strong suit.

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