by Claire Adams
"Of course." I sat in my chair and waited patiently, though I knew I was going to be late to swim practice. I figured I'd go through the drill with the coach, do the practice, and then make the final call on whether I had the balls to give everything up.
For a while. Only for a while.
"Thanks for staying." The older man sat down next to me and tapped his knee. "Your paper on the mind of men was one of the best I've ever seen."
"Really?" I lifted my eyebrow as surprise ran through me. I'd enjoyed writing it more than I'd ever admit, but psych was always a subject of interest. I wanted to know what made people tick and why it was different from person to person.
"Yes. I'd like to submit it to our dean for review if you don't mind." He tapped his lips. "You're a business major, right?"
"Yes, Sir, but psychology is my minor." I wasn't sure where any of this was going, but I liked Dr. Barnes enough to sit there and listen.
"Would you ever consider changing it to be your major? I assume you have a year or two left, right?" He leaned back and turned to face me.
"I'd love to, Dr. Barnes, but I'm honestly considering dropping this semester and trying sometime in the future. My family needs me to work a bit more than I've been able to." I ran my hand through my hair, hating that I was having to say no once again due to my poverty.
"I understand that, but I'd beckon you to hold off for a little while longer." He got up and walked to the front of the room. "You're a talented young man. I think you could go far with the right degree. You mind seems to work in a way that mine did when I was your age."
I chuckled. "No offense, Sir, but I'm not sure we're at all alike. You seem quite put together and I'm a jacked up mess most days."
"We all are. I'm just old. Age has shown me how to better hide the insanity." He chuckled and perched his glasses on his nose. "Humor me."
"Sure." I got up and pulled my backpack onto my shoulder.
"If my dean reads this and likes it, I'd like to talk about you coming to work for me on some research I'm doing on a subject very similar to yours. It could be done late at night or early in the morning. No set schedule, but I think you'll find that the stipend I could offer would help quite a bit with your financial struggles." He lifted his hands out to the side.
"I'd love that, but it's time that I'm struggling to find." I let out a short exhale. "Let me chew on it a few days?"
"Of course." He extended his hand and shook mine. "We have lots of scholarships that go untouched, too. I'm pretty sure Dean Markham will offer you a few grants just based on the work you've done on this paper. We're always looking for open thinkers who've lived a little bit to join us."
"Hmm...that would be great." I tucked my hands in my pocket as excitement tore up my insides. "Thanks a lot."
"I'll be in touch. You consider my offer. It's not the kind of thing we extend to just anyone." He nodded once before turning back to his desk.
A scholarship would have been great, but the research position sounded like something that would lead to maybe a real position at the college. I could see myself working in the psych department, teaching or working as an administrator.
I huffed. "Since when, greaser?"
The thought faded from my mind as I moved toward the natatorium and picked up on the sound of several people shouting. A fight.
I took off running toward the large glass structure and pushed open the door to see Martin and another guy in a fist fight. I moved into the middle of it and turned to Martin while putting my hand on his chest and pushing back a little.
"Hey, he's not worth it. Calm down." I turned and looked over my shoulder in time to catch a right hook to the side of the face.
Dude was strong. Really strong.
"Oh no the fuck you didn't." Martin moved around me and started to waylay the guy before I could shake off the dizziness of being hit so hard. I pulled the fight apart again as Coach walked out, yelling and screaming at us to cut it out.
"What the hell is the matter with you guys?" Coach Parks moved into the center of the fray and everything died down. "Who started it? Tell me now. Right now, dammit!"
"I did." I lifted my hand and worked to get my jaw to move right.
"Good. You're off the team." He pointed to the door as the whole place went into madness.
"No, he didn't. Coach, it was a mistake. Okay?" Martin reached out and tugged at my jacket as I started to walk off. I could take one for the team. Besides, I needed more time in my day, anyway.
Coach turned to me and got in my face. "We don't have time for this bullshit. You don't show up for two days, don't call or text, and now you're starting fights? I see something in you, Tate, but unless you see it, too, then my vision is useless."
I could tell that he wanted me to fight back, to fight for my spot, but I was tired.
"I'm sorry. It's all good." I patted his chest and nodded at Martin. "See you later, man."
"No." Martin gripped my jacket again, but I pulled from him.
"Yes. Leave it be. I need more time in my life, anyway." I walked to the door as Coach called out.
"Kid, wait."
I turned in time to watch him let out a loud sigh and hit his head on his clipboard. "Look, Darren Manip is coming from the US Olympic counsel today. You'll want to be here. We're having a semi-meet for him."
"I don't want to be an Olympian. I want a cheeseburger and a long-ass nap, Coach. I'm not like most of these guys. I'm killing myself working and trying to do this shit." I shook my head. "I'm good. I fought and I got kicked out. It's all good. Actions have consequences. I get it."
"Go suit up, you pain in my ass. If you impress Mr. Manip, you won't have to do anything but look pretty and swim hard. You're not missing out on this." He pointed at me as his expression tightened. "But if you fuck up one more time, you're seriously out of here."
I nodded. "Thanks, Coach."
"Whatever." He grumbled under his breath as he left all of us standing there, staring at each other.
"Tate, you didn't have to do that." Martin moved up to stand in front of me.
The idiot he'd been fighting with stepped up beside him. "No, you didn't, but it was fucking cool that you did. Thank you."
Martin glanced over at the guy and shook his head. "Fuck off, Brian. I'm being serious."
"I am, too." Brian patted Martin on the back. "Sorry I was fucking with you. I'm not going after Katelyn. I promise."
So, it was over a girl. Always.
"I know you're not. I'd kill you otherwise." Martin turned to face the guy who was at least twice his size and probably belonged on a football field instead of in a swimming pool.
"Come on, tough guy. Let's go impress the big wigs today." I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and moved us toward the locker room. "What the fuck were you even worried about? Katelyn seems to be completely taken with you, and I've only been around you guys twice, maybe."
"I don't know. He's interested in her, but she's mine." Martin stopped at the door and pulled out of my hold before rolling his shoulders. "I lost my mom when I was a kid, and my dad's a bastard and a half. I've never been cared about like I have been with her. The thought of losing her makes the crazy come out inside of me. She's my everything."
"Wow, I had no clue." I reached out and gripped his shoulder tightly. "She's not going anywhere. Get your head in the game and let's do this. Okay?"
"Yeah. You're right." He gave me a weak smile and followed me into the dressing room.
I changed quickly and decided to take the last number for the day. I needed to get to the garage, not only to help Jerry, but also to take care of Val's car, but I wanted to see what I could do. The offer from Dr. Barnes was enough to make my whole week, but hearing that I'd impressed someone from the Olympic committee? Yeah, that'd be righteous.
I waited my turn patiently and prayed silently that Martin would do great as he took his turn. I didn't know the guy that well, but after the last few hours of standing beside him and chatting, I
realized that I wanted to. He was my kind of friend, and Sam would dig the guy, as well.
"Alright, tats. You're up." Coach had lovingly given me a nickname, and everyone had picked it up, as well. I could not care less. It almost made me feel like part of something, which was dangerous. I'd never really been invited into anything, and without Val's help, I wouldn't have been this time, either. Gratefulness washed over me as I pulled my swimming cap on and positioned myself on the side of the pool.
Martin had beat his own time and my best time, but I knew I had it in me to push hard, to go faster and farther. I closed my eyes and let out a slow breath as the whistle blew. After that, instinct took over and I let my body do what it knew how to do best. I'd been swimming from the time I was old enough to get myself down into the water. It was my reprieve, my escape.
I pushed up out of the water as the cheers and yells penetrated my hearing. Everyone was jumping around like a bunch of crazed idiots. I pulled myself up out of the pool and turned to face my coach as he pulled me into a hug, lifting me off my feet and bouncing me around like a sack of potatoes.
"Coach, put me down. You're gonna break your back." I pushed at his chest and shook my head. "Damn. What happened? Did I break my time?"
A deep voice resounded from behind me. "You broke lots of times and records. Some of the best I've seen. What's your name, kid?"
He extended his hand, and I shook it. "Tate Phillips."
"Great, well I'm going to invite you and Mr..." The guy released my hand and extended his to Martin.
"Martin Patterson, Sir." Martin shook his hand, visibly paling. "It's so nice to meet you."
"You too, son. You'll both be invited to the Olympic tryouts that we'll be having here in about a month. It's just a preliminary, but it should be a good challenge to see what you're made of." He turned to Coach Parks. "There are great athletes here, Jerry, but you knew that."
"I sure did." Coach Parks shook the guy’s hand and waited until he left to turn to me and Martin. "You did it. It's been damn near ten years since any of our swimmers have qualified for the prelims. I'm so proud of both of you. We'll get the paperwork together, and I'll book the rooms and-"
"Coach, wait up. I'm grateful for the opportunity, but I don't have the money for any of that stuff." I shrugged. I wanted to be embarrassed, but I'd been handing out that same story my whole life. It wasn't a mishap or some tragedy that left me and my family poor. We were just poor. We had always been. It was part of who I was.
"What? You're not paying for a damn thing, Phillips. The program pays for all of that. You can bring your mother, or if you have a special someone to come with you. I'll get the room and give you each a stipend for the weekend." He patted our backs and let out a chuckle. "You two bastards did it. I'm so proud of you."
He walked off, and I waited until everyone had walked by and congratulated us to extend my hand to Martin. "Wow. Crazy day."
"The best ever." He pulled me in for a quick hug and pat on the back. "Now...let's get to our girls and share the good news. You bringing Val for the weekend or your mom?"
"I don't know." I grabbed a towel and worked to dry my hair. "I didn't expect for there to be a weekend." I glanced up at the clock on the wall and let out a groan. "I gotta go. I'm late for work. I'll check you later, man."
"Tate," Martin called out to me, and I stopped to look over my shoulder.
"What's up?"
"Thanks for today. I hate that I pre-judged you when we first met. Forgive me."
"Already done, fool. Later." I turned and jogged back into the locker room. Martin wasn't the first person to judge me and wouldn't be the last. Besides, I'd judged him too and been dead wrong. Much like I was with Val.
Speaking of...I picked up my phone and called her as I moved around getting dressed. She was more excited than me about everything, which caused me to fall harder for the dark-haired beauty.
She wanted me to visit her parents and while I'd have said hell no a few days before, now I was ready. I wanted to fight for her.
No matter what that might mean.
Chapter 28
Two Days Later
Val
Tate had my car working in time for me to leave for the weekend at my mom's house. Allison's wedding was the next day, and the rehearsal dinner and final decorations were that night. I hated the fact that I was on my own as I headed out there that afternoon, but Tate would be joining me for the wedding. All of my friends were invited to the wedding, and I knew they would all be there to support me, if nothing else.
Between the news of the psychology offer and the Olympic tryouts coming up, Tate was in a great mood. I enjoyed being around him even more than usual and felt his absence almost too much as I pulled up in my parents’ driveway. I sat there for a minute, taking in the beauty of their mansion. A soft huff left me at the fact that my almost run-down car was a punishment for not being or doing enough in their eyes. It was sad, and for the first time ever I didn't feel sorry for myself, but for them.
They could control Allison and me until she was married and I was graduated. Then we were free women, and then what? I wasn't ever looking back when I was done with school. I'd been spewing the same nonsense my dad had pumped into my head when I told Tate that I would probably end up at Scott Enterprises.
"No way in hell." I got out of the car and let out a long sigh before grabbing my bag and greeting the latest bellman at the door. I had no clue who he was or any of the people working at the house and on the grounds. My mother’s lack of patience and ill temperament meant that employment at the Scott mansion was a revolving door.
"Afternoon, Miss." The older gentlemen at the door nodded and smiled at me.
"Hi, there." I extended my hand, surprising him a little from what I could tell. "I'm the black-sheep of the family, Valentine."
"Ah..." He smirked. "I'm the outcast of my own family, as well. It's nice to meet you."
"How is everyone? Crazy?" I walked in and looked around, wishing that I had the same warm welcomed feeling standing in my own house that I did at Tate's mom's place.
"The wedding frenzy has taken a hold of just about everyone, but I didn't say anything." He pursed his lips.
I laughed, liking him already. "Mums the word."
"Valentine?" My mother's voice caused my muscles to lock and a cold chill to run down my spine. There was no other person in the world that could make me feel as small as she could, and she hadn't even done anything yet. It was the promise of the berating to come.
"Yes, Mother?" I picked up my bag as she walked into the foyer.
"Don't carry your own bag." She turned her attention to the bellman. "James, this is your job. Do it or you'll be packing and looking for another one."
"Mom, I got it. Seriously." I lifted the small suitcase and wagged it in front of her. "It's one-"
"Now!" She ripped the bag from my hand and half threw it at the guy. "And you, don't teach these people around here that they don't have to do their jobs. I can't stand your generation and their willingness to bend the rules for anyone or anything. I swear."
"Nice to see you." I smiled. "You look pretty."
"Don't chastise me, young woman." She poked me in the chest. "Your sister is going to have a beautiful event tomorrow and you're not going to ruin it or you will pay for it for the rest of your life. Understood?"
"Is Val here?" My sister bounded down the stairs, and I was grateful for a reason to turn away from the witch in front of me.
It hurt that I didn't have tears in my eyes from the way she spoke to me. I was too calloused by it.
"Hey, you." I moved to return the warm hug Allison gave me. "Are you excited?"
"Very, but I'm nervous, too." She giggled. "We're doing the run through in an hour, so get changed into something nice. After that we'll have the dinner, and then Bart and I are going out for a drink. Mother said that-"
"That I have a boy I want you to meet. He's a great choice for you, Valentine." She cleared her throa
t. "You do remember me mentioning him, right?"
"Yes, Mom, but I'm seeing someone. I'm not-"
"Surely not that biker trash that your father had to warn off." She laughed, and my blood ran cold. "Please tell me that you didn't disobey us to that extent."
I kept my eyes on my sister. "Am I going with you and Bart for drinks? Is that part of the blind date?"
"Yes, and your date is a great guy, but we'll talk later. Go get ready." My sister pressed her forehead to mine and whispered, "Before she eats you alive."
"Amen." I turned and jogged up the stairs as my sister moved in to interfere on my behalf. I couldn't thank her enough for being good to me. It was nice to know that I didn't stand alone as the only decent Scott in Minnesota.
I would go on the stupid after-party date and be nice to the poor guy, but I wasn't interested and nothing would become of us. I was falling in love with Tate, and nothing was going to change that.
*
"Well? What did you think?" Allison stopped in front of me as we wrapped up the rehearsal dinner. My mother and father were busy saying goodbye to various guests who had come to be part of the event. My mother had showed her ass three or four times during the evening, and I needed more than one stiff drink to get through much more with her.
"It was perfect. The wedding is going to be great." I looped my arm into my sister's. "It's about time for my mail-order groom to show up, right?"
She laughed as we walked out the back of the house onto a large balcony that overlooked a large frozen lake. "You how Mom is."
"Yes, and I'm glad that her meddling worked out where you and Bart are concerned, but I-"
"Val, I don't love him." She glanced over at me as her big blue eyes filled with tears.
My heart broke in my chest as I reached for her. "Then why are you going through with this?"
"Because I have no choice." She choked on a soft sob. "I keep thinking it's going to be okay, and he really is a great guy, but I just would rather be friends. There's no passion between us. No heat."
"Oh. Wow." I hugged her tightly and moved back as someone coughed behind us.