Page 112 of Crew Girl

Baloo’s face made it clear Josh wouldn’t be getting a bear hug anytime soon.

Ryder was loving this. “So you got scared and bailed. Is that what we can expect tomorrow?”

“No.” He was solid on this.

Ryder wasn’t. “Why should we believe you? Guys, we need someone we can count on. All you have to do is tell Coach you want me back in stroke seat. I’ll take us to victory.”

“Look,” Josh cut in. “I know trusting me after what I did is a big ask, but I can get us to the podium.” He had to. Tomorrow was the last time he’d climb into a boat with these guys. Ever. And he would get them a medal, no matter the cost.

Perry wavered. “Josh, you definitely messed up. But our practice today was phenomenal.” He crossed the room and stood by Josh and Teagan, addressing the group. “I’m with him. He’s our best shot at medaling.”

Baloo shook his head. “Sorry. I can’t row for him.” He stood beside Ryder.

“Josh owned up to what he did.” Noah went to stand by Josh. “That has to count for something.”

Quaid looked torn. He didn’t cross the room. “Sorry, Noah. Ryder was stroke when we won.”

“Teagan won that race,” Crabcatcher said, his head turning back and forth between the two groups. He stayed where he was. “But it was the winning boat.”

Cam, as ever, had his neutral face on.

“Cam?” Teagan nudged him. “You’re the tiebreaker. Who gets your vote?”

All eyes fell on Cam. He took his time, stroked his chin, then held up his hands. “Neither of you.” He headed to the main door. “I’m not taking part in this vote, thanks.”

Noah was still reeling from Quaid’s decision. “You really picked Ryder?” he asked Quaid.

“His only crime is ambition,” said Quaid in his defense.

They both looked torn. Like they didn’t know how they were going to be friends anymore. Which was not at all what Josh wanted. Not that he wanted any of this.

He could understand why his teammates were conflicted. Ryder was a dick, but he worked hard. Ambitious, like him. Put in the hours. Didn’t have to fight his own body to build strength and stamina.

One more day, Josh. All you have to do is keep the eight seat and survive the regatta.

Baloo came over when the team hit the showers. “Didn’t think you had it in you to own it like that.”

“Me neither. And like I said, I’m really sorry. For what it’s worth, I DM’ed Logan and told him everything. I didn’t hear back.” Not a surprise. “But he knows the truth anyway.”

Baloo nodded. It was as close to a thank-you as Josh was going to get. “You’re still not getting my vote.”

“Fair.” Stung like hell, but he held out hope they’d find a way to be friends again. Get crushed in a bear hug. Maybe at their twentieth reunion. If he lived that long.

TEAGAN

Eagle’s Cove’s main drag, what there was of it, was buzzing. Rowers and parents and supporters had filled the town’s eateries in advance of the competition.

Teagan’s mom and Juliet had taken all the food in the house to the catering tent at Easton Prep “just in case.” Good luck to them. But did they have to take her smoothie ingredients and the blender?

She parked her bike outside a cafe advertising a Haverford Smoothie Cup, but as she headed in she spotted someone sitting in a car with the window rolled down. They were slumped low, in a baseball cap and sunglasses, like they were trying not to be seen.

Wait a minute. She knew that cap. She knew those sunglasses. Was that—

“Dad?!”

“Hi, Teagan.”

Teagan stared at her father in complete shock. Everything she’d wanted to say to him over the past few months jammed in her throat. “You’re here,” she managed to croak. “Why?”