Grasping Air (Flipped Book 2)

by Carrie Aarons

  “Woohoo! We love you Mrs. Hargrove!” Nat sticks her fingers in her mouth and whistles at her best friend.

  “She’s doing so great thus far,” Anna and James smile over at me.

  Everyone has been so supportive over the last two weeks, and a pang of sadness hits my heart. These people have been my family, the confidants I’ve seen everyday for the past two years. I’ve been so focused on Peyton that I forgot this would be my last night as a gymnast as well.

  “This is surreal, man.” I lean over to Duke, clapping my friend on the back.

  “You ready to be an old fart?” We walk off the floor exercise as some of our teammates begin to pull off their sweatsuits and take their places for the first performances.

  I grab Peyton’s hand again. “I’m twenty-six, dude, not eighty. Plus, I’ll stay home any day with my wife.”

  Peyton laughs and leans over to Duke. “Yeah right, I’m going out into the work world. Breadwinner, right here. I can’t stay home every day with this control freak, I’d kill him in his sleep like two weeks in.”

  It’s nice to have my sassy woman back, and she’s gaining more and more confidence each day.

  “You sure you don’t want to dance tonight?” Julia asks Peyton, laying a hand on her arm.

  Surprisingly, the two women who are so similar that they couldn’t get along for most of the tour are finally being friendly. Julia has been a rock ever since everything went down, even coming out with Natalia to see Peyton for a few days. She said she’d kill anyone who ever got close to Peyton like that again, and I think it made my wife take her in as a sister for life. Who knew murderous rage could be the foundation of a friendship?

  “I’m sure. My head still hurts, and the doctor said I really shouldn’t do any physical activity until the cut on my scalp is completely healed.”

  She reaches up and fingers the pink scar on her forehead. The stitches were taken out two days ago, thank God. She was so self-conscious about coming out to the show with the black thread on her hairline. Now there is a faint pink scar and some peeling skin, but you can barely notice it. Nat helped her style her hair so that it wasn’t even visible.

  “I’m going to sit out with her and watch you guys perform your asses off. We’re old farts now.” I grin at everyone around us.

  The final performance goes off without a hitch, everyone dancing and tumbling through their routines. Huge dismounts off of the high bar, my male teammates twisting and flipping on parallel bars. The dance number that the crowd always goes crazy for is flawless. I sit off to the side with Peyton snuggled into me, and I can’t help but kissing her scar as we watch them.

  “And now we want to do something a little special as this is our last show.” Nat gets on the microphone as the rest of our teammates stand in the middle of the floor.

  Julia and Duke walk to us, very comfortable with each other as they laugh on the way over. I wonder just how much I’ve missed in the past two weeks.

  They hold out hands to us, Julia to Peyton and Duke to me.

  “We’d like to bring up Jared and Peyton Hargrove, as this will be their last competition in the gymnastics world. Come on up, you two!” Nat waves her hand at us.

  Bashfully, I make my way with Peyton up to the floor. I’ve never asked for the spotlight, just loved the sport of gymnastics. It’s emotional to be saying good-bye to those closest to me, and to the fans who have supported me through this. For so long, almost my entire life, this sport has been everything to me. It’s strange that I won’t wake up next week and begin training for the next Summer Games. But I guess, at some point, life has to go on. We have to grow up, find a new purpose and be adaptable. It’s the people for me that will always be here, my wife who will now be by my side for eternity.

  “Jared and Peyton have been the golden children of USA Gymnastics for as long as I can remember. I’ve looked up to both of them, as we all have, and have marveled at their dedication and success in this sport. Between them, they have countless medals at each level of competition. They’ve set world records; have engraved their legacy on the sport of gymnastics. Jared is the most winningest male gymnast of all time in this country; he’s a living legend among male athletes and gymnasts alike. Peyton set the world of gymnastics on fire from the minute she stepped into it; with her unique flair and bold personality on the four events. The sport is surely saying goodbye to two superstars, and we want to say thank you. Thank you for letting us watch your journeys, and we wish you all the best in the future.”

  Peyton is openly crying and I’m choking on a ball of emotion by the time Natalia finishes her little speech. It feels like everything has gone too quickly, that just yesterday I stepped into my first gym and discovered what it felt like to fly. The girls hand Peyton a bouquet of yellow roses, and I hold her other hand. The crowd rises to it’s feet and applause thunders over our heads.

  Nat extends the microphone, suggesting that one of us say something. Right now, I’m speechless. I’ve never been the media type; I’ve never done the talk shows. The most I’ve put myself out to the public is to do charity work or signings. So I shake my head, not sure I can even attempt to put into words what I’m feeling right now.

  I look at Peyton, the way she shines in this moment. She’s so beautiful, sometimes it’s hard for me to breathe when I’m around her. Expecting her to shake off the microphone too, as she hasn’t been up for being out or talking to anyone other than those closest to her, I’m a little shocked when she takes it from Nat’s hand.

  “Jared and I just want to say thank you to everyone for all your support over the years, especially in the past two weeks.” The crowd goes insane for her, whooping it up. “This sport has meant so much to me, it’s been my life for as long as I can remember. And Jared’s as well, you are our family. Gymnastics has given us so much, and we hope to keep giving back in any way we can. This isn’t the last of us you’ll see. Thank you so much again, from the bottom of our hearts.”

  She hands the mic back as the crowd screams for us. I take her in my arm, nestling her into my side and waving as she looks up with glassy eyes.

  For a long time, nothing in my life mattered as much as gymnastics. And it’s not that it doesn’t now, but I’m finally ready to close this chapter. I have Peyton, my wife; I have new things to discover about myself and new paths to walk down. For a long time, I was grasping at something I couldn’t catch, trying to find a purpose outside of this sport.

  And now I have it. And I’m never letting go.

  38

  Peyton

  “No, you’re not allowed to throw those out!”

  Jared picks up two tie-dye tapestries I had in the apartment I was renting before. He drops them back in the box, wrinkling his nose at my gypsy taste.

  “You do see the modern design of this condo right?” He eyes my stuff like a bunch of incense is going to jump out and attack him.

  “We won’t be here for long. I love that bungalow home we saw the other day, and you said I could have whatever I want. Marriage is about compromise, remember baby?”

  I wink at him, trying to be cute while convincing him to give me my way. It’s been about two weeks since we left New York. And gymnastics. We flew to Aruba for a few days, in celebration of our retirement and just to have a few days of peace and relaxation alone before the real world caught up with us.

  And now we’re back, moving my stuff into Jared’s condo in Dallas. And I’m right in telling him we won’t be here long; our realtor is putting in an offer on the three-bedroom craftsman-style house as we speak. It’s perfect, quaint but with enough space for us to buy some new furniture we both agree on and grow as a couple. There is a wood burning fireplace and a huge backyard; perfect for the puppy I’m planning to trick Jared into buying.

  “I think I got the one with Peyton’s undies.” Jared’s brother Oliver drops a box on the ground and wags his eyebrows at us.

  “Did you sniff them?” I joke, knowing it will only get Jared more work
ed up.

  “I will fucking kill you,” Jared deadpans, staring murder at his brother.

  “Ohhhh, I’m telling Mom you cursed!” Oliver runs back out front to the moving van.

  Some of Jared’s family members came to help move me in, and it’s been nice to spend time as part of a family. They’re accepting me more with each visit, and even his mom has taken me under her wing as an honorary daughter. She’s probably also excited that we’ve finally agreed to start planning the wedding reception she so desperately wants. Secretly, I am too. I may act like the woman who could care less about poufy gowns and flower arrangements, but I love a good party as much as the next girl. If I have to do a little work to have all of our family and friends in one room, dancing the night away … I’ll do it.

  “Why do I feel like you’re going to flip my house upside down?” Jared walks to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

  I put down the Anthropology mugs I was unwrapping and lean into him, looking up at the chiseled jaw and cheekbones that I want to run my tongue along.

  “Because I flipped your entire life upside down.” I shrug, acting as if I just couldn’t help it.

  “In the best way possible.” He leans down, brushing his lips against mine.

  My whole body hums, and I’m amazed at how he can get me worked up even though there is dust in my hair and boxes piled high around us. He turned my life upside down, and I’m so thankful for it. For him. The next chapter is exciting, but scary. Jared is taking some courses to get his strength and conditioning license, and eventually he’ll go back to a school for a year to get his physical therapy degree. He really wants to work with children in sports, help them develop in a safe way and strengthen their bodies in a way that will allow them to perform to the highest of their ability. He’s so passionate about it; I have no doubt that the transition will be seamless for him. Plus, he’s Jared Hargrove. He can go into any gym whenever he wants and goof around on the equipment if he’s missing gymnastics.

  Me, that’s where things become a little tricky. I was a nomad before, someone who tracked fun like I was a dog on a scent and didn’t care about anything else around me. I never fully considered what I’d do after gymnastics. I never thought past the day in front of me. But with Jared, starting our life together, I find I’m excited to think about all of the options available to me. I haven’t told him this yet, but I’ve been looking at some classes at the local design college. I’ve always loved clothes, shoes, accessories, and I might have a career in it if I work hard enough. The job I choose is never going to be something I feel just okay about; I have to love it or it won’t stick.

  “I love you. Hey, did you get to the boxes of my candles yet?” I stroke his cheek, loving the rough stubble under my palm.

  “No, ugh.” Jared shudders. He hates knick-knacks and smelly things, just another thing that makes us so different.

  “If I have to put up with your sports memorabilia, you can deal with my throw blankets and soy oils.” I pat him on the ass before turning back to the box I was unpacking.

  “Baby … did you happen to um, read the letter that the Melstro’s sent?” Jared broaches the subject with kid gloves.

  To be honest, it is getting easier to talk about things. We had a heart-to-heart about the attack when we were in Aruba, and it helped me to let go of a lot of the hurt and anger I was holding onto. I know her parents sent a letter, but I haven’t been able to read it yet.

  “I haven’t, but I will soon. When I’m settled.” I know Jared read it, and he think it would be good for me.

  I don’t doubt that it would be, but I need to focus on moving right now, on forming some new ties to my new city.

  “You guys haven’t even gotten through the kitchen boxes yet? Oh my, let me help!” Jared’s mom walks into the kitchen, clucking at our lack of progress.

  It’s not my fault her son is so goddamn gorgeous.

  “Any news on the house? Gosh, it’s just so cute. Will be perfect for a couple of babies.”

  And it’s also her new favorite topic to keep dropping hints about grandkids.

  “Mom, what did I say? Don’t you have enough grandkids?” Jared rolls his eyes and smiles at me behind her back.

  “My son, you can never have enough grandkids!”

  We laugh together at her, her lust for a larger and larger family is cute as much as it’s annoying. I’m still not ready to talk about having children with Jared, but I’m warming to the idea of a little girl or boy running around with his eyes and my hair.

  But, we’re in no rush. We have all the time in the world, and someday, our moment will come and I’ll be ready.

  For now, I’m just enjoying our life exactly as it is.

  Epilogue

  Jared

  Two Years Later

  We watch the zebra herd as they gallop across the landscape, the sun painting the entire landscape orange and yellow.

  “This is incredible.” Peyton breathes beside me, her body on the edge of its seat in the safari Jeep.

  One of the African doctors I was working with had recommended we do a cruise through the preserve at dawn, and it’s probably one of the best ideas anyone has ever suggested to me.

  Actually, this whole trip has been one great idea. After going back to school and completing the couple of credits I had left to earn my physical therapy degree, I kept my promise to Peyton. She’d told me when we got married that she never wanted to settle, that travel was supremely important to her. What better way to use my new degree than to help people in regions where they may never be able to see a physical therapist. One of my professors hooked me up with a doctor in the Doctors Without Borders program in Kenya, and the rest was history. We’ve been out here for about two months, and it’s opened our eyes to so many things that we would have never been able to experience.

  “I’m so happy. You make me so happy. This is the perfect last day.” Peyton snuggles into me as we watch animals roam over the grounds.

  “Agreed. I’m so glad we came out here.” I squeeze my wife’s hand and think about how grateful I am.

  I’ve had the chance to provide the injured and those with birth defects with techniques they can use to strengthen their bodies or help relieve some of the pain they’re in. A flash of bittersweet sadness hits me in the gut because we’re going home tomorrow.

  “I’m excited to get home though. For the wedding, to see our family.”

  We’re headed home in a few short hours, making the sixteen-hour flight to New York just in time for Spencer and Natalia’s wedding. Yep, that’s right … she only made him wait two years. Nat will be heading to her next Summer Games in a little under a year and a half, but Spence wore her down so much that she couldn’t say anything but yes when he offered her the diamond ring I helped him pick out.

  I play with a lock of Peyton’s hair as I talk. “Yeah, I guess the best man and maid of honor have to be at the wedding, right?”

  “Oh, since you’re the best man, does that mean I get special wedding guest sex?”

  My blood heats at her suggestion. “You can have whatever you want, my wife.”

  She smiles, the complete picture of contentment, and I can’t help but admire her. She’s not only integrated herself with the people here, but she’s also run a successful business. After taking a year of courses at the fashion school in Dallas, Peyton started making connections with local fashionistas. Just six months ago, she landed her first deal with a moderately sized fashion label out of Dallas. They signed her for her own spring line, and she’s delivered in full. She now works with a team to manage all of the marketing, warehouse manufacturing, retail deals, and other facets of her business. I’m so proud of her, even if I don’t know the difference between a kimono and a sweater. All I know is, it is sexy as hell when she’s barking into the phone or sketching new designs.

  “It will be so great to see everyone. Especially your parents, they’re going to flip.” Peyton’s hand flutters to her stomach, cuppin
g her abdomen.

  She was only ready to talk about having children about eight months ago, and we started trying just for fun probably four months ago. I’ll never forget the day she told me she was ready, that she could just imagine a little boy with jet black hair and deep brown eyes.

  And now, it’s not just an imagination. At first, we thought she was just sick … had come down with some sickness she picked up in the clinic I worked in. But after taking a pregnancy test, at my precaution and secret hope, we found it wasn’t a virus at all.

  Peyton is six weeks pregnant, and I’m so overjoyed it feels like my heart may pop out of my body sometimes. I won’t say I’m wishing for a boy, but …

  “Are you going to wait to tell everyone? I mean, are we? You know I’ll do whatever you want babe.”

  Peyton looks up at me as the sun begins to rise. Now I know what Simba’s father meant in The Lion King when he said “everything the light touches.”

  “I’m not going to be able to wait, you know me! Waiting another two months? Hell no. I know it may be against superstition, but we at least have to tell the family.”

  And they are our family now. My parents, brothers and sisters have taken Peyton in and made her a true Hargrove. My mother adores her foul-mouthed daughter-in-law; Peyton is the only person in the family who isn’t threatened with getting their mouth washed out if they drop a curse word in mom’s house. She and my sisters helped Peyton pick out a white dress for our wedding reception almost a year and a half ago, and pretty much helped plan the whole thing too.

  “We’re going to have to turn one of the rooms into a nursery.” She looks away dreamily, and I know she’s in her happy place of paint colors and fabrics.

  My wife had a field day decorating our house, the three-bedroom craftsman that we did end up buying. It’s been a great home, and one I’ve missed while being out here. I can’t wait to get home, because I know it will look different to me now. That’s now the house where I’ll raise my children, the house where our life will truly begin.