Page 100 of Overtake
“That what she said?”
“I’m not discussing anything with you.”
“No? Because social media says there was plenty to discuss. Multiple times.”
“Social media.¡Qué mierda!” he mutters and accepts the band his friend gives him.
Esteban is undeterred. “I should thank her. Stamina is important in this sport.”
“Fuck you.”
“Upper back stretch first,” Esteban instructs, still grinning. “Unless you’re too exhausted from last night’s workout.”
Nico focuses on the pull of his back muscles instead of his oldest friend’s smirk. “Don’t you have actual coaching to do?”
“Thisiscoaching. Making sure my driver isn’t too distracted to perform.”
“I’m not?—”
“Going to tell me how many reps you performed last night?”
“Hostia.”But he can’t help laughing. “You’re worse than Nia.”
“No, this is an assignment from Nia. She texted me this afternoon.” Esteban adjusts Nico’s form. “She says you’re not responding to her messages fast enough.”
“Because I’m busy.”
“With other people?”
Nico pauses. “You know, I could fire you.”
“You could.” Esteban hands him water. “But who would help you maintain the stamina for all thisextra training?”
Nico shakes his head. “I hate you.”
“No you don’t.” He takes the band and guides Nico into the next position to help stretch and open up his chest. “Now, about that podium kiss...”
“No.”
“The one that’s all over every news outlet?”
Nico ignores him, or tries to, as he folds forward over his left leg, stretching out his intercostal muscles.
“That every journalist in México is going to ask about?” Esteban’s grin widens.
“Lárgate.”It meanspiss offand is something Nia usually says, jokingly, to Esteban.
He snorts. “So you’d rather discuss what happened in her hotel room after?”
“Can we focus onactualfitness, Esteban?”
“Oh, I’m focusing. On your improved mood, your obvious... satisfaction.” He demonstrates the next set. “Your general post-coital glow.”
“Mywhat?”
“You’re practically radiating,hombre. Like someone who’s had their?—”
“If you finish that sentence, I will actually fire you.”
