Page 116 of Crew Girl

The trophies lining the boathouse walls weren’t helping. Visual reminders of the cup she and the team had wanted to win today. They still had a chance. But she’d made it harder for them. And after everything they’d been through together? Training and fighting and calling truces so they could work as one unified team? She didn’t know who she’d disappointed more. Coach, her team, or herself.

“Teagan, hey.” Noah was the first one in. The rest of the guys soon appeared behind him. “What’s going on?”

“I need to talk to you.” They gathered around, quiet and worried. “Umm… I messed up. I violated one of the rules of the Rowing Committee and I need to withdraw from the boat.”

“What?” Crabcatcher looked shell-shocked.

Perry shook his head, like he hadn’t heard right. “You’re not coxing?”

“No.”

They weren’t happy. She didn’t blame them.

“There’s going to be a cox from the junior team stepping in.”

Murmurs of discord filled the room.

“I’m sorry I let you down.” She was going to cry and that would only make things worse. “Thanks, guys.” She turned to head out.

“I won’t do it.”

She turned back around. Cam.

“I won’t row,” he said, directly to her, but it was a declaration he wanted everyone to hear. “Not without you.”

“Cam, don’t. Please—”

He shrugged, like it was a done deal. “If she’s out, I’m out.”

Josh stepped forward. “I’m with him. It won’t be the same boat without you, Teagan.”

It was too big a sacrifice for the team to make.

Teagan glanced at Coach Hayden, expecting him to cut in. Tell the guys to buck up and get on with it. He looked like he hadn’t seen it coming, but was impressed it had.

“I got you, Big T.”

Balooooooooo. Big, strong, mushy-hearted Baloo.

“I’d rather lose with you,” Crabcatcher said, stepping forward, “than win without you.”

Sweet, kind Crabby. He deserved a new nickname. He hadn’t caught a crab in ages.

Quaid and Noah stepped forward together, Noah with arms spread wide. “O coxswain, my coxswain…”

He looked around, waiting for someone, anyone to get it.

“Dead Poets Society!” Quaid shouted.

They high-fived, then pulled their shoulders back, standing firm with their decision.

Perry came forward, too. Pretended he wasn’t feeling as emotional as the rest of them. He flicked his hair dismissively. “The medals are ugly anyway.”

He and Juliet really were perfect for each other. And they never let her down.

Ryder stood alone, behind the rest of the team, then joined them. “We both know I would never have come this far without you.”

Her heart was melting. She was feeling all the feels. Highs and lows and everything in between because, as amazing as this was, it was still pointless.