wisely to look past the Olympics. Think about universities. Now is when you want to get noticed by a Division One school. Where do you see yourself in ten years? Surely not competing in your late twenties. Give it some thought."
I chuckled. "Well, no. I don't think my body will make it that far. I thought maybe I'd coach. I don't know…obviously something in gymnastics."
I frowned and studied the sea glass tiled wall in front of me. Beautiful shades of pale greens and ocean blue swooped in between hues of creamy whites. I had been so focused on going all the way that I lost sight of my future. Panic simmered under my skin for being so obtuse. I was mature, I had a stable head on my shoulders, but when it came to the real world, I was as blank as a sheet of paper. I suddenly felt like a two-inch-tall fool. Of course I'd want to compete in school if I could. Why wouldn't I?
"Did you plan to compete in college? Or no?"
"I… I never gave it any thought." My voice quieted. The corners of my mouth tugged further down, embarrassed it never crossed my mind. I glanced at him, my eyes squinting. "I was so fixated on making it to the Olympics that I never considered anything else."
"That happens more than you think. It is not uncommon. If for some reason you do not make it within the year, come the next Games, you will be over twenty."
"Yeah…" I mumbled. I already knew that.
"Did you plan to skip school altogether?" he asked gently, no hint or rise in his voice to make me feel any less.
“No," I said, my voice low, dejected.
I looked away and shifted my legs to a more comfortable position. Cubes of ice nudged my shoulders and neck and I drew in a gasp. The conversation with Kova made me completely forget I was sitting in ice. My sole focus had been on something else entirely to help pass the minutes in the bathtub. Yet it brought an overwhelming burden to my shoulders and a moment of reality slamming into me at the same time.
"My two cents?" he offered.
"Go ahead."
"Forget about the endorsements and prize money. Do not turn pro. You can go all the way without it. You do not need it. Instead, look into colleges, mainly schools with a Division One top-ranking gymnastics team. You are that good and it’s where you should be. Just be in the know. It cannot hurt you. If you play your cards right, you can have the best of both worlds. The coaches will be attending competitions soon to start scouting. They make inquiries if they feel you would benefit their school."
I nodded, feeling an abundance of emotions for Kova, but more grateful than anything for this talk. I sat staring into his eyes and wondered if this topic would've ever crossed my mind. I think it would have, just not as soon, and probably too late.
I had no idea schools made inquiries. That was just another reason to give my all when I competed.
Kova studied me, then rolled his broad shoulders and dropped his head. He rubbed the back of his neck and kept his gaze engrossed on my tile floor. Hopefully there weren't a million strands of hair everywhere.
Against my better judgment, I reached out and placed my hand over his and squeezed. He jumped and his head popped up. My frozen fingers shocked him.
I smiled softly, appreciative. It was all I could manage between the shivers that wracked my body. Just when I thought he was going to pull away or say something for showing affection, he stunned me and gave me a squeeze back. My stomach twisted. I didn't want to feel anything for him, but I couldn't help it when he pierced me with those emerald eyes of his. I'd let my guard down…and so had he.
Kova turned his wrist over and glanced at his watch. He hadn't let go of my hand in the process.
He cleared his throat. "Look at that… Time is up."
I pulled the stopper on the drain while Kova went to find a towel. I shivered violently as I stood there listening to the water slurp down. Stepping out of the tub, I hugged myself, certain I would develop hypothermia if Kova didn’t hurry up. Every muscle in my body squeezed and my teeth chattered nonstop. Talk about tightening up. Kova walked in with a towel and