Page 113 of Catch
JETT
THREE DAYS LATER
The rest of the week’s gone by in a blur of student events, rowing races, and hockey games. But all that’s going to change tonight. It’s the last day of the college competitions and it’s going to end with a bang. That is, a concert on the quad, fireworks, and later, sex with Ethan. We haven’t had a moment alone since the night he fucked me, and I can’t wait any longer.
The Cougars are playing their hockey final today, but I’m missing it because I’ve got my own race to compete in. I wish I could be there cheering Ethan on, and he feels the same about me, but we can’t change the scheduling. It’s a good indicator of what lies ahead. If Ethan and I make a real go of this, there are going to be times when we can’t be together.
“Why the sad face, Jett?”
I glance over at Archie and shake my head.
“I’m not sad, I’m thinking.”
“About?”
“The pitfalls of dating an athlete.”
Archie looks at me quizzically. “I thought things were good with you and Ethan?”
“They are. Amazing. But you know me. I’m a worrier, always thinking ahead.”
“Save that for later. All you need to think about for the next half hour is this race.”
“You’re right.”
I push my thoughts about Ethan and our relationship aside and focus on what needs to be done. Once we get Okto into the water and get settled in our seats, the race-day nerves kick up fierce and fast. We’re starting a bit later due to an early-morning rainstorm, so the wind’s not as calm as it usually is.
Lin crouches down on the dock to offer us his last-minute advice.
“The wind is from the southeast and it’s not letting up. It’s going to be a challenging row. Jett, Iggy, we’re depending on you to manage the pace and stay strong. Remember to focus on your core, follow through with every stroke, and most important of all, listen to Felix.”
We’re competing against U Conn, as well as Seattle College and Savannah State. I glance at the shoreline, and there’s a line of students wearing their respective team colors. Ethan isn’t there, but I know that he’s thinking of me. This morning, after we shared coffee and kisses, I gave him one of my silver necklaces for good luck, and he gave me one of his hockey jerseys. I’ve got it sitting in my bag, and I plan to put it on the moment the race is done.
“Sit ready,” Felix calls out and gives us a thumbs up. “Countdown.”
We’ve got this.
The familiar routine of calling out our numbers helps to settle my nerves. I grip the handle of my oar and offer up a silent thank you to my crew, my coach and my family. There’s no second place in my mindset. If we clinch this race, we gettop college standing. It’s not an Olympic medal, but it’s still something to be proud of.
I’ve trained in this sport for years, and it kept me going at times when I thought my life was over. Rowing is all about perseverance. I’ll achieve whatever I set my mind to, whether that’s a race or a degree or anything else I want to accomplish. Most of all, I want to do my family proud. And myself and now, Ethan too.
With my hands steady and my heart full, I glance at Felix and nod.
I’m ready.
When he nods back,we’reready.
The announcer gives the opening signal.
“Ready all and… row!”
We spring into action, our blades slicing through the water. Only a few strokes in, and Lin is right. Setting the pace isn’t easy today. I can feel the wind working against us, and it takes every ounce of skill I have to push firmly with all my power while trying to maintain a steady, even rhythm.
“Nice and smooth,” Felix encourages, telling us not to rush. “Nice and smooth. That’s it. Draw in all the way to your ribs.”
He wants a full, powerful drive, and we’re giving it to him, one relentless stroke at a time.
I can already feel the sweat gathering at the base of my spine, dampening my uniform. I focus on my breathing; inhale during the recovery and exhale on the drive. My body slips into the zone that all athletes know and crave, where effort and instinct merge. It’s addictive and why we keep coming back for more.
