My eyes start to fill with tears.
“Waiting sucks,” I say with a whisper.
She hugs me. “But it’ll be worth it.”
As soon as she says the words, I look up and spot Simon instantly. He’s watching me from the gym entrance. It’s as if the moment we’re in the same room, we have to find each other.
He waves with a smile, Beck and Tobias following in after him while Grey races over to where his coach is sitting with the other kids in his class.
I wave back, hoping he can’t see my glossy eyes.
I think I’m in the clear when he sits on a front bench next to some of the parents I’ve seen at practice.
“You can go sit with them if you want,” I tell Calla.
She huffs. “And listen to the way Beck cheers Grey on? No thanks. I love that man, but he can be obnoxiously loud.”
She loops her arm through mine as we watch our very first ninja competition. By the time the event is over for the night, Grey is in the top three. I couldn’t be more proud of him and wish that I could be there to celebrate with him tonight.
I stall leaving for the sole fact that running into Simon on my way out is very possible.
I know it sounds silly that I’m avoiding him. I said I’d wait, but I don’t want to smother him.
I want him to have the time and space he needs.
When I scan the open space and see no sight of Simon, I make my way down the bleachers.
I’m just off the last step when Grey calls my name.
“Greer! I knew you’d be here,” he says and crashes into me with a hug. “Did you see me?”
“I did.”
Despite his father standing behind him watching me with a heated gaze and making a hundred questions race through my mind, I smile at Grey. “I’m pretty sure you have more upper body strength than I do. You were pulling some pretty awesome stunt moves today.”
“Thanks! Oh, here it is,” he says and reaches behind me to grab a shoe that was under the first row. “Got it. Do you want to come get some food with us? Can she, Dad?”
I don’t have to be looking at Grey to know he’s got a hopeful look on his face as he looks at his father.
Simon takes a big breath and claps his hands. “I’m sure she has plans.”
“Do you have plans?” Grey asks.
I glance at Simon, who shrugs.
“You’re welcome to join us of course. You always are.”
My heart is screaming for me to say yes, but even though that pull between us is there, my brain convinces me to do the right thing. Give him space.
“Can I take a rain check?”
Grey nods. “Okay. Thanks again for coming.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Will you still come watch me for the next two weeks?”
“Of course.”
