Page 90 of Eight Count Heat
Nothing I can't control. Nothing I haven't managed before.
But as I follow her back to the team area, dark memories of Hampton Hills shadow each step. Of another Omega coxswain whose heat triggered events that shattered a team. Of promises made and broken. Of a bond formed and severed, leaving scars deeper than physical ones.
The team is gathered around Coach Bennett when I arrive. Bo gives me a questioning look that I ignore, taking position at the edge of the circle, as far from Reese as possible without being obvious. Cameron stands directly across from me, his slate eyes tracking my movement before shifting to Reese. A muscle in his jaw ticks slightly. He's noticed too, then.
"Finals are thirty minutes out," Coach says, unaware of the currents shifting between his athletes. "Conditions have deteriorated slightly. Wind picking up, light rain expected during the race. This favors us. We've practiced in worse."
Gray nods in agreement, entirely focused on race strategy. If he's noticed anything unusual about Reese, he gives no indication. Beside him, Eli maintains his analytical calm, though his eyes occasionally flick toward Reese with calculation evident in his expression.
"Callahan will review the final race plan," Coach continues, gesturing for her to take center position.
She steps forward, race notebook in hand, every movement controlled and precise despite what must be happening inside her body. Her voice remains steady as she outlines our strategy, emphasizing the modifications for wind conditions and the critical turn at 1500 meters.
To anyone who doesn't know what to look for, she appears entirely normal. To me, the signs are increasingly obvious. The flush creeping up her neck, the slight shine to her skin, the almost imperceptible tremor in her hands when she points to the course map.
"Questions?" she concludes, glancing around the circle.
No one speaks. Maybe they don't notice. Maybe they do but are too professional to mention it. Either way, we're committed now.
"Good." Coach Bennett takes over again. "Launch in twenty minutes. Standard warm-up routine. Save something for the final sprint. This is going to be tight all the way."
The team breaks apart to complete final preparations. I turn to grab my water bottle when a hand touches my arm lightly. Reese stands beside me, her voice pitched for my ears only.
"Thank you."
I nod once, uncomfortable with gratitude I haven't earned. "Don't make me regret it."
"I won't." She holds my gaze for a moment, something unspoken passing between us, before moving away to consult with Coach Wilder.
As I watch her go, Bo sidles up beside me, his usual easygoing expression replaced with concern.
"You alright?" he asks quietly. "You look like you're about to jump out of your skin."
"I'm fine."
He studies me, unconvinced. "Something's off with you. Has been since we got here."
"Just focused on the race."
"Right." His tone makes it clear he doesn't believe me. "And it has nothing to do with how you keep watching Callahan like she's about to spontaneously combust?"
My head snaps toward him. "What?"
"You're not subtle, Reed." He keeps his voice low, ensuring privacy. "What's going on? Something I should know about before we get on the water?"
I consider telling him everything. Bo is the team protector, the one who holds us together when things fall apart. If anyone should know what's coming, it's him.
But it's not my secret to tell. Not my trust to break.
"Ask me after the race," I say finally.
He frowns, clearly wanting to push further, but nods reluctantly. "Fair enough. But if something affects this team, I need to know. That's my job."
"I know."
He claps me on the shoulder once before moving away to help with final equipment checks. The brief contact grounds me, reminding me of who we are. A team, a unit, eight men who've trained together for years. Whatever happens next, we face it together.
The countdown to launch begins. Cameron and Eli check the boat one last time while Zane leads the team through a quick stretching routine. Through it all, I keep a careful distance from Reese, monitoring her condition from a distance.
