Page 67 of Catch
“I’m not sure it’s just about sex,” I admit. “I say it is, and I hope it is, but I don’t know.”
“Look, not everyone is an asshole like Renner, and not every relationship needs to be one. Sometimes it’s good to let go and enjoy the ride. If you want Ethan and he wants you, and you’re both up front about it, go for it. Don’t overanalyze. And so what if it turns out to be more than sex? Take a chance. Maybe Ethan will feel the same way?”
“Doubtful. Highly doubtful. He’s adamant that he doesn’t date.”
“To use a corny but appropriate pun, I think you’re both rowing in unfamiliar waters.”
Fuck, is that the truth, or what?
“Not to mention, life is dull without risk. It’s always better to jump into the race than sit on the sidelines.”
“I hate it when you’re right,” I grumble.
Archie wraps an arm around my neck playfully. “But I am right?”
“You have a point,” I concede.
“Thank you.”
“And you made it just in time.”
I motion to the crowd of people who are currently headed our way. It’s Lin and the rest of our teammates, followed by the race organizers and the other college crews.
After welcoming introductions are done, everyone springs into motion to get things set up.
By the time we’re ready to go, I spot Ethan and his friends lining up along the edge of the lake to watch. He doesn’t come closer or call out my name. In fact, he doesn’t even wave at me. Which is good, because I don’t need distraction right now.
My crew and I settle into Okto, but when I grab my oar, I notice that the wind’s started to pick up. I glance around at our competition, and I know we’re going to have to fight hard today. U Conn’s crew were the national champs last year, andwe’ll probably see most of these guys in the Olympics at some point. Their coxswain, Reese Worthing, looks over at me and offers a friendly smile and a wave. I nod in response and then turn my attention back to Lin, who’s kneeling by the dock and offering last minute tips.
“Start strong but don’t push too hard on the first quarter. Conserve your energy for the last leg. U Conn and Maine State always pull ahead at the end. You’re going to need to give everything on the last push.”
I take a couple of deep breaths as we get in position and wait for the signal to start.
Iggy pats my shoulder, and I look back and give him and the rest of the crew a thumbs up. “Let’s win this thing.”
“Sit ready,” Felix announces, and I look forward again. “Countdown.”
Kai calls out number one, and then Jackson, and on it goes with every crew member until we’re prepped.
We’re ready to row in five, four, three, two, one…
“Ready all! Row!” the announcer signals.
There’s nothing like the excitement of the first catch: the slice of the blade when it hits the water, setting everything in motion. It’s hard enough for one person to row, but all eight of us at the same time? There’s magic in this too.
The first few rows are critical to define the pace, as we push firm with our legs and our arms, all the while keeping our core strong and steady. Even the slightest tilt of a head or any sudden movement can offset the boat.
“Lengthen!” Felix calls out and instructs us to pick up the pace. “Nice and smooth.”
We push it strong, but like a marathon runner, we’re setting in for a long race, not a sprint.
When we reach the quarter-mark point, a sudden wind gust makes balancing difficult, but thankfully it’s short-lived and it doesn’t throw our entire rhythm off stride.
It’s always tempting to look around to see where the otherracers are at, but all that would do is slow us down. Instead, I follow my coxswain’s direction and focus on my job, which is maintaining our pace.
“Work the middle. Work it.”
It feels like we’ve hit the right stride, and with each stroke, I push harder. I grit my teeth and groan. Every part of my body’s on fire, my muscles screaming, but the adrenaline rush makes it all worthwhile.
