Page 24 of Salto

“Just consider it,” he said before I could reply. “You don’t have to make a decision tonight.”

I bit my lip, feeling more conflicted than I’d felt in years.

“It’s next week?”

“Tuesday, nine a.m.”

He swung his leg over the seat of his bike and grabbed his helmet from the handle.

“You really think I can do it?” I asked before he could leave.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I wouldn’t have waited for you if I didn't.”

He pushed off from the pavement, his engine revving.

I was left standing there, staring after him as he rode away on his bike, wondering what in the world had just happened.

Tuesday. Nine a.m.

I should have dismissed the idea immediately.

Instead, for the first time in a very long time, I caught myself wondering if maybe the dream I’d given up on might actually still be possible.

CHAPTER 9

Ibounced lightly on my toes near the edge of the floor, keeping my body warm as I watched Laney finish her floor routine. It was our last meet of the season, and the last routine she’d compete for a while.

The arena erupted as Laney stuck her final landing. The crowd was so enthusiastic that my ears started to ring with the screams and cheers.

We would definitely win all-around.

I grinned, feeling the energy coursing through my veins.

“Alright, Scar—you’re up.” Caldwell’s voice cut through the noise.

Laney was welcomed off the floor into a huddle of excited teammates. I wanted to celebrate with her, but I was up.

I walked onto the floor and settled into my starting pose. The bright lights overhead washed over me, and then my music began.

My routine was exactly forty-eight seconds. I had three tumbling passes, one leap pass, my jump series, and a dance section. I had done it so many times that when I stepped out onto that floor, I wasn’t even nervous. It felt so natural for my body to fall into the choreography. I was the best version of myself when I was doing my routine.

Before I knew it, I was punching into my final double pike, landing with my chest high and saluting the judges. The burn in my lungs and the sharp ache low in my abdomen told me I’d given it my all.

I was proud of myself.

“That was literally perfect, Scar,” Mia said, hugging me the moment I stepped off the floor.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Laney said, squeezing me.

“Nice job, Scar.” Caldwell came through the huddle and gave me a double high five. “Best one all season.” He even smiled.

“Thanks, Coach.”

I looked up into the stands and spotted my parents and Jamie on their feet, cheering for me.

I lifted a hand and waved.

A smile pulled at my lips.