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“My car won’t start. Can I borrow yours?” she asks.
I’ve got a few options, but one appeals to me the most. “How about I take you and bring you home after the competition?”
“You would do that?” She sounds surprised.
“Of course.” A feeling I don’t understand hammers in my chest. The idea of pleasing her, even a tiny bit, gives me a buzz.
There’s some mumbled conversation between Nellie and Ainsley. “Get down here, lover boy, or I’m going to be late,” Ainsley says.
I’ve already got my trousers on, so I pull on my shirt, hurrying to my girl.
Woah, where did that come from?
Nellie sits in the back and Ainsley provides the directions. We ride across the city to a small leisure centre.
“Chin up today, Ainsley. Mr Lightwood won’t be smug after you take home the gold,” Nellie says.
Ainsley rolls her eyes. “I’m aiming for silver. That’s more realistic.”
“Why not gold?” I ask.
“According to Mr Lightwood, she doesn’t have the training or money to ensure first place.” Nellie sucks on her bottom lip, allowing her sadness to surface.
“What’s that got to do with him?” I ask. Who is he to judge Ainsley’s talent?
“He wants Ainsley to attend his club and won’t drop it.” I can tell this isn’t something she wants. It sounds like she’s shrugged him off more times than any man should be told.
“But you don’t have the money to send her?” I ask. Understanding the root of the problem might help with the solution.
“That, and he gives us the creeps.” Nellie shudders.
I frown. “How many times has he approached you?”
“Almost every event since Ainsley caught his eye.”
I’m not liking the idea of this man harassing my woman. “Why haven’t you raised the alarm? You could talk to the police or someone at the competitions.”
A look passes between them. “We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves,” Ainsley says.
“Shut up, little sister.” Their eyes meet in the mirror with an unfriendly glare.
Janette gave me an insight into their family, but Nellie hasn’t confirmed anything. They have a secret that holds them back. Are they worried about social services looking too closely?
The air turns uncomfortable as unsaid words pass between us. Nellie is strong and independent. It’s not my place to confront their situation, but I wish she would confide in me.
We park around the back of the building and climb out of my car. Nellie avoids eye contact with me as we head inside.
As predicted, Mr Lightwood is lingering close by. Ainsley goes to get ready, and Nellie seems on edge. She pulls her hood up, heading for the ladies’ room. Awkwardly, I stand with some of the parents, listening to them discussing the competition.
A few of the mums seem a bit thirsty, so I keep my eyes on the gymnastic mats rather than catching their attention. Nellie joins me just as the judges take their seats. She leans forward, focusing on what’s about to happen. This is the first event I’ve been to like this and all the routines look great to me, although Ainsley is the only girl I clap for.
At the end of the competition, medals are handed out like the Olympics. Ainsley gets silver, and although she’s happy, I also sense a little resentment for the person who gets first place. When they take the pictures, Ainsley’s looking at the gold medal rather than her own.
“We better move to the exit,” Nellie says as Mr Lightwood makes his way across the crowd.
“Sure. I’ll follow you out. Will Ainsley know where we’ve gone?”
“Yeah. I usually meet her outside.” She snakes through the crowd, leaving the leisure centre by the main entrance.
