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Long, elegant crimson drapes held open by a gold sash gave view to a canal that lead to the Caloosahatchee River. I stopped to take in the breathtaking sight before meeting up with everyone outside. After what just happened only moments before, I needed to get my head on straight and taking in the view did the trick. There was something about the water that washed away any stress and helped me focus. Growing up, I’d always had a view of the Atlantic Ocean from my bedroom. Anytime I needed to get away, needed to think, the ocean was where I went. Nothing could compare, but this was just as spectacular. The sun was setting over the winding canal that was wrapped between heavy trees. A warm cascade of colors illuminated the sky, the most evanescent sunset worthy of being framed. It was all so grand, and not at all what I expected from the man I saw every day in the gym to have.
Freaking Coach Kova. Confusing. Contradicting. Exhausting...And maybe a little sinful. I expelled a heavy breath and decided I’d deal with that moment later.
Stepping outside, people were gathered around chatting with one another. It was late afternoon, and with all the foliage in the backyard, thankfully it wasn’t too hot. Despite making the effort to avoid him, I glanced around and my traitorous eyes automatically found Kova. His back was to me as I watched through intrigued eyes. My head tilted to the side. I could hear the lilt in his voice drift through the air. He appeared deep in conversation, his hands moving fluidly as he spoke.
With my shoulders back, I took a deep breath and confidently made my way to a group of girls to make it appear like I wanted to be involved in their conversation. Though, if I was being honest, I didn’t feel like talking to anyone here. My mind
was everywhere at the moment and I needed Avery to talk to. I smiled politely, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Kova as he turned and began grilling. His girlfriend was at his side, dutifully helping him. He did a quick flip of the meat and shut the grill lid. He placed the cooking utensil to the side and wrapped a loving arm around Katja’s lower back. Kova pulled her in, their hips meeting and he dropped a kiss to her cheek. With all the one-on-one time I spent working with him, it was obvious to me his jaw was set tight, but she smiled timidly in response and my heart gave a little pang. After what I witnessed when I arrived earlier, coupled with what happened in his office, I was more baffled than ever. I began wondering if this meant I had deeper feelings for my coach. I knew it wasn’t right, but this feeling inside, this feeling of being unsure, the way my stomach tightened, and my heart fluttered, the longing said more than I wanted to acknowledge.
Kova must’ve felt my confused stare. He looked over his shoulder and his emerald eyes traveled up to mine. Something in my gut said to hold his gaze. His hand tightened his hold on Katja’s hip and he tugged her closer to him. I swallowed hard at the sight and realized how I stupidly wanted that to be me. With a small nod of his head, Kova gave me a tight lipped smile, clearly only meant for me, then turned around.
Thankfully, thirty minutes later the food was placed on the table and chairs were quickly filled. I looked around and saw an empty seat beside Reagan. I’d rather eat my mom’s bark flavored, pre-packaged meals than sit next to her.
To my left, Holly took a seat next to Sarah. I walked toward her when Hayden called my name.
“Adrianna! Come sit here.” I groaned through a faux smile. There were chairs opened on both sides of Kova’s. One of them obviously reserved for Katja. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Reagan’s scowl. I ignored her and made my way over to Hayden. He pulled a chair out and whispered in my ear, “I know how much you’d rather sit next to Reagan, but sit with me.”
“You know me so well,” I chuckled. Hayden thankfully sat in the seat next to Kova’s. There was no way I could sit that close to him. This was enough. “The view is stunning.” He followed my gaze.
“Growing up here, the view doesn’t do anything for me anymore.” He shrugged carelessly. “It’s just a bunch of canals and rivers on this side, but people love them and pay good money to live on the water. I bet you feel the same way about back home.”
I thought about what he said. “Yeah, I guess so. People from all over come to our beaches, but it’s nothing to me either. Now that I’m here, I do kind of miss waking up to the sound of the ocean, the smell of the salt water, sand between my toes. I never thought I would.”
I drifted off thinking about Palm Beach and how I was a bit homesick and I didn’t even realize it until now. With gymnastics constantly on my mind, I didn’t have time to think about anything else. I hadn’t spoken to Avery in over a week, except for a few texts here and there.
“So, aside from this fabulous view, people mainly come here to apple bob.”
I looked at Hayden with an arched brow. “Apple bob?”
“Yeah, haven’t you gone apple bobbing? We’re famous for that. There’s a fall festival every year and a big apple bobbing competition. People from all over come to watch and partake in the festivities. We’re a very homey town.”
I stared at Hayden’s straight face, gaping at him. “Tell me you’re joking.” Surely no one would travel for apple bobbing. Finally, he burst out laughing, a contagious smile spreading across his face. I found myself giggling and I playfully backhanded his arm. The empty chairs rustled next to Hayden. I looked up as Kova and Katja pulled out their chairs and took their seats. Katja was all smiles, not a worry on her serene face, while Kova stared intensely at me. His eyes darkened and shifted over to Hayden. My smile faltered the way he was watching him.
“I’m joking with you,” Hayden said, grabbing my attention. I looked at Kova once more before giving my full interest to Hayden, but he was no longer looking my way. “You should see your face right now! Priceless!”
“You jerk. I thought you were serious!” I punched his arm but felt the weight of someone’s gaze on me. My skin prickled in awareness but I refused to look up. I knew who it was. And call me crazy, but I had a sinking suspicion he wasn’t keen on the idea of Hayden being by my side.
“I know you did.” He paused. “For real though, no one comes here to apple bob. I don’t even know if that’s a thing here. Cape Coral is a great place for an outdoor enthusiast. Boating, fishing, lots of water shit to do. Much like what you’re used to, I’m sure. There’s no apple bobbing competition. Not that I know of, at least,” he finished with a grin. “What about Palm Beach? What’s over there? I’ve never been.”
Before I could answer, Katja exclaimed, “Let’s eat!”
Dinner was served and it was probably the best I’d had in a long time. It felt good not to hold back for once and eat what I wanted. I could now, since I was on my own, but I was so used to my mother either watching me or making sure my meals were proportioned that it was an unconscious habit of mine to be careful.
Plus, I didn’t want to be one of those “extra cardio” girls.
Dessert was being brought out when Katja asked, “Adrianna, so your parents allow you to be here alone? Kova mentioned to me that you are here by yourself.”
I glanced at him before I answered. “Yes.”
“I must be honest, I cannot imagine allowing my fifteen-year-old daughter to live on her own even though I know others do it and cohabit with each other. How do you get around since you do not live with the other girls?” She had asked each one of us a few questions, so I knew my time was coming.
I sipped my water then responded. “Well, my parents hired a driver for whenever I need to get around. Where I come from, it’s not uncommon for teens to be on their own at my age, or with a chaperon other than the parents. Plus, it helps that Coach is friends with my dad.”
“Coach is friends with your dad?” Reagan repeated, with a look of disgust.
“You have a driver? Like a personal one? How did I not know this?” Holly asked.
“I do. He’s been with my family since I was a kid.”
