17. Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Ricki
Between fighting my budding feelings for Tyler and stressing about meeting Brady—only to have our introduction blow up in my face—I’d forgotten my original reason for coming to Thorngrove. When my coach reminded me last month that I only have five months to train before the Olympic Team Trials in June, I knew that I needed to get my head back on my career goals.
The problem was, after spending the rest of the winter break in Tyler’s apartment, I had a difficult time getting back into my previous routine. Instead of spending all my free time in the pool, I’d been spending it with him. I was still the top swimmer on my team, but that didn’t guarantee that my times would be good enough to get onto the Olympic Swim Team this summer. So, I started pulling back from our relationship to focus on swimming.
It was harder than I thought it would be not to answer the phone every time he called until he started pushing for me to go to Brady and Skyler’s wedding in Virginia Beach with him in a couple of weeks. Despite his assurances that Brady was open to spending time with me, my fear of another rejection from my estranged brother had me shutting down completely.
I told him I needed time and space. I told him I needed to focus on my training. I told him our relationship was moving too fast. None of what I said wasn’t true, but it wasn’t the whole truth, either.
I didn’t tell him how scared I was to get attached to another person just to have them decide they didn’t want me in their life. I’d already opened myself up to Tyler more than any other person in my life. I’d never had anyone besides my mom that I’d cared about losing before. The lack of control made me feel crazy. I didn’t want to open myself up to more of that with Brady. Especially after the way our first meeting went.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” My coach praises me when I push myself out of the pool. “You beat your own record.”
“Thanks, Coach,” I say, reaching for my towel and wrapping it around me. “I cut out the distractions to focus. It’s paying off.”
“Uh huh.” Her smile falls. “Listen, Ricki. I applaud your dedication to the sport, but don’t mistake having people care about you as distractions. Swimming may be a non-contact sport, but that doesn’t mean life should be.”
I nod as I walk past her toward the locker room. The truth is, I don’t feel the same high from beating my best time as I would have a few weeks ago. There’s an underlying disappointment because I don’t have anyone outside of my sport to celebrate the accomplishment with me. With the college swim season coming to an end after next week, I won’t even have my teammates. As scared as I am of relationships in general, I don’t want to be alone anymore.
After my shower, I sit on the bench and pull my phone out to send a text.
Ricki: Beat my best time today and all I want to do is celebrate with you.
Even though we haven’t talked in over a week, he responds immediately.
Tyler: I just got off duty. Give me a time and place and I’m there. toothy smile emoji
Ricki: Ball Busters in an hour.
Tyler
“Finally heard from your girl, huh?” Becky laughs when I fist-pump the air with “whoop” before slamming my locker shut.
“Yep.” I grin. “Thanks for your advice. All I had to do was give her a little of the space she asked for and now she wants to see me for a change.”
“She always wanted to see you, Ty.” Becky gives me a knowing smile. “She just needed the distance to realize it.”
“Maybe.” I shrug, hoping she’s right. “I better go so I’m not late meeting her. I’ll see you tomorrow."
On the drive to my apartment, my mind wanders to the past few weeks since Ricki pulled away from me again. This time was different. She wasn’t mean and she didn’t avoid me. If I called or texted, she’d return it…eventually. She just wouldn’t reach out to me on her own, and she always had a reason not to see me.
I didn’t know what to do and wanted to get a female’s perspective. I couldn’t go to Tracey, because I didn’t want it to get back to Brady and give him any reason to have a negative opinion about his sister. So, I asked Becky. It was only slightly weird, asking for relationship advice from a woman that I’d wanted to date at one time. But Becky’s advice turned out to be golden and I’m glad we’ve made it to friend territory without any awkwardness.
Now that my relationship is hopefully back on the mend, I don’t feel as guilty as I would have when I dial Devon’s number and put the phone on speaker while I get ready for my date. As soon as he answers, I get straight to the point.
“You still down to help me get Brady and Ricki to spend some time together?” I ask as I pull on my teal-colored shirt that’s Ricki’s favorite.
“Hells yes!” Devon says excitedly. “But I thought you said Ricki was focused on swimming right now.”
“She is,” I admit. “Her last meet is next Saturday. She’ll still be training for the Olympics, but she won’t have any more competitions until team tryouts in June.”
“Okay.” I can practically hear him scratching his head in concentration. “So, what do you have in mind?”
“I’d like her to have more than just me in her cheering section next week,” I tell him. “Think you can pull it off?”
“Psht,” he scoffs. “Who are you talking to? We’ll be there.”
“Great,” I say, relieved that he’s still willing to help me. “I’ll send you the info. Thanks, Devon.”
“You’re welcome,” he says seriously. “See you next Saturday.”
By the time we hang up, I’m climbing onto my bike. I make the short ride to Ball Busters and try not to trip over my tongue when I walk in to see Ricki leaning against the bar in green sundress, showing off her long, toned legs.