Page 15 of Ruck Me Harder

But if it was easy, everyone would do it. And there’s a reason only a handful of guys in the world are able to throw the Shirai II vault. I’m one of them. Sometimes.

I get the theory of it. I understand where I’m going wrong. That doesn’t mean fixing it is any easier.

When Coach claps his hands and declares my time is up, I’m so relieved, I collapse on the mat.

“Go cool down,” he barks.

Brody steps toward me with my water again.

“Don’t you have to practice?” I snipe as I snatch the bottle from his hand.

He laughs. “You’re grouchy today.”

“Shut up,” I mutter.

He shoves me gently. “Come on. I’ve got to do some time on the high bar. You can spot me.”

Grumbling under my breath, I follow him across the gym. There are plenty of other people around that could spot him.

Lifting him to the high bar, he does a few swings around the bar before he hangs there, stretching his arms and shoulders.

“A few guys were talking about going out to the bar after this,” Brody says, folding into a pike and then stretching into the laid out position. He does a series of toe-touches, alternating between pike and straddle.

Letting out a sigh, I sink onto the mat and stretch. My legs are so sore, they’re almost shaking.

“You need to come,” he continues.

I roll my eyes. “Pass.”

“Come on,” he wheedles. “You never come out with us.”

“Yeah, because I’m—” I cut myself off abruptly.

“You’re what?” Brody asks.

“I’m not up for socializing right now,” I finally say.

“You just need to get laid,” he says.

I make a face. I don’t like to talk about my personal life. It’s personal for a reason.

“Come on. You could use a break. You’re always working or training. When do you ever take time for yourself?”

I open my mouth.

“That’s right, never,” Brody pushes. “You’re going to burn out, man. Then you’ll crash and get hurt right before Worlds. We need you on that team. We can’t bring home a medal without you.”

“I don’t have the time,” I say honestly. “I have to work.”

“Do you work today?” he demands.

“Well—no.”

“So tonight, you’re coming out with us,” he says, as if he’s decided for me. “It’s been forever since the guys got together. Frankly, we could all use a night out.”

With a groan, I hang my head. “Why are you so obsessed with me?”

Brody laughs, swinging around the bar in a simple giant. “So that’s a yes?”