vault had been nearly flawless, nearly perfect, nearly the best. I knew in my gut I had done well, I just didn't know how well.
My smile grew until my cheeks throbbed. I was only a tenth of a point from getting the perfect score. That meant I got all the points for difficulty.
Madeline glanced at me, her eyes gleaming with pride. I threw myself into her, jumping into her arms, something countless gymnasts have done when they're overcome with excitement. She squeezed me so tight and I smiled against her.
"Excellent, Adrianna. Unbelievable job and score. I knew you had it in you, but you continue to surprise me every day," she said.
Madeline released me, and I stood before her, so ecstatic I could barely see straight. That score put me in the lead on the first rotation.
"Keep that up and you'll be unstoppable."
"We will be unstoppable," I corrected her. She was just as much part of the team as Kova was, and I wanted to make sure she knew that.
"Get your mind focused on bars. Execute another flawless routine like you just did on vault and no one will be able to beat you today." I nodded. "I'm telling you, girly, you're one of those gymnasts who come out when they perform. I didn't expect it." Madeline turned away with a smile.
Bars was also my jam. My heart fluttered just thinking about it, anticipation flowing through me. I wasn't worried in the least when it came to bars, not anymore. I moved between the high and low bar effortlessly and smooth as silk. Vault and bars were my specialty events, the ones I did extremely well on and could perform more difficult skills the majority could not. Whereas beam was Reagan's specialty.
Once I had bars behind me, another almost perfect score, the rest of the competition flew by. I was on cloud nine and dominating the meet. My scores continued to blindside me—and my coach—and when more than one gold medal was draped around my neck, the only eyes I sought in the sea of coaches and gymnasts were a pair of bright green eyes that had made this all possible.
If only Kova was here to celebrate with me.
Later that evening, I couldn't sleep. My body was depleted of all energy, but my mind was running wild with thoughts of Kova and how I placed at the meet. I wanted to tell him how I did, but I needed privacy. I glanced around the dimly lit hotel room. Grabbing my cell phone from the night stand, I quietly got out of bed and achingly made my way into the bathroom so I wouldn't disturb the girls. The last thing I needed was Reagan to see me on my phone in the middle of the night. I decided if she or Holly woke that it wouldn't seem strange if I was soaking in the tub, so I quickly filled it and got in.
Reaching for my cell, I leaned back and texted Kova.
Hey…I just wanted to tell you that I placed first in three events today, and second in one. By far the best meet for me to date.
Much to my surprise, three little dots popped up and he responded immediately.
Coach: Madeline informed me how wellll you did. I am so proud of you. I kneew you could do it.
I had no idea she had messaged him, but I was happy she had. A small smile slid across my face and my fingers started moving.
She thinks if I keep going the way I have been that I'll be unstoppable.
Coach: I have no doubt about hat.
My smile grew bigger and I tried not to laugh at all of his typos.
I hope you're feeling better.
Coach: I fine Nnothing vodka cannot help
My brows furrowed at my phone.
Why are you drinking? I thought you were sick.
Coach: I am sorry I was there today
I giggled to myself and shook my head at his mistake.
Are you drunk right now?
Coach: Ria, I am a Russian man I do not get drunk
I laughed. Typical of Kova to get dickish with me.
You're drunk lol
Coach: I not
You are
Coach: Ria
I was full on grinning now.
Prove it
Moments later, Kova texted me a photo with the caption You make me happy. My heart fluttered in my chest. He was slumped against a couch looking comfortable and cozy, a slight smirk curved the corners of his lips. His eyes were heavy and glossy, almost lazy, with slightly flushed cheeks. He wasn't looking at the camera though,