Page 103 of Crew Girl

She’d worried she’d feel sick right now. Maybe actually be sick. But every part of her was playing along. Shoulders at the ready. Back straight. Arms and legs itching to feel the burn of exertion.

“Sit ready…” the race official called. “Attention… GO!”

Her strokes were strong, recovery beats a touch longer. She’d caught a glimpse of Coach before the race but hadn’t risked an actual look. Or at Madison, who had somehow convinced Cam to come and watch.

They were allies now.

She glanced at the leaderboard. Like Coach Hayden had said, she was riding the tails of the top two Gravenhurst rowers and the rower from Claremont. Her competitive streak kicked in, made her push harder, but she could feel more resistance in the cable with every pull.

Her heart was feeling it, the rest of her, too. Lungs, legs, and arms burning. She dug deep, then dug in. Had to push on even though she was beginning to hear the whine of ever-increasing tension coming from the flywheel as the tape dug in, gumming up what should be a smooth, steady cadence. She didn’t bother looking at the leaderboard when the first Gravenhurst rower punched the air. Or the second.

Catch.

Drive.

Finish.

Recover.

Catch.

Drive.

Finish.

Recover.

And then it was over. She’d placed twelfth. She gave herself a minute to get her breath back, then put Phase Two of the plan into action.

Coach Hayden and a few of the racing officials were standing in a circle around the erg she’d ridden.

“What happened?” Cam asked.

She shook her head. “Something was wrong with the erg.” She didn’t chance a look at him. “It probably affected your race as well.”

Cam figured it out. “Teagan… what did you do?”

Note to self: Never play poker with Cam.

“Nothing.”

Coach jogged over. “Teagan, you were right. The judges determined there was an obstruction on the drive train. They’re taking the erg out of the rest of the heats.”

She ignored Cam’s look. And Madison’s. Kept her eyes on Coach’s face. Where they belonged.

“What about our scores?” Cam asked.

Coach Hayden shook his head. “You can’t race again today. You wouldn’t have the energy. But they’re going to strike the scores you had from the record.”

Cam’s reaction wasn’t exactly jubilant. But she could tell he wasn’t mad either. Madison shot her a grin from behind her dad. She was clearly a very wise girl. Hopefully they would be friends one day.

“I’m sorry, guys,” Coach Hayden said. “I know you wanted to impress the scout. But it is what it is. You’ll have a chance to re-row at a time set by the President of the Jury.”

“Okay.” It was more than she’d expected. A clean slate and a do-over. “Thanks, Coach.”

When Cam yanked her into a room, walls covered in Boy Scouts posters, he hadn’t done it to show his gratitude.

“What the hell, Teagan? You shouldn’t have done that.”