Sinners and Saints
Payson tried to block out the bickering happening nearby. Honestly, she came into the annex to get away from all the tension and drama in my main gym, but it just followed her. Lauren had stolen Emily's choreography, and then Emily went off and refused to perform at all- stating it would all be too embarrassing. Now Lauren was mad that Carter was upset when Austin told him about her little theft, Emily was mad at Lauren for said theft and the harsh words accompanied with it, their parents were fighting over their drama and Kaylie… for some reason was pissed that her routine sucked and was taking it out on Payson since Payson got out of performing. So, she left. She got to work but then the door opened and in came Austin and Carter.
They were fighting over Emily and Lauren and how it was Carter's fault they were in this mess since he told Lauren to steal Emily's choreo. Carter protested, and said that if Emily really wanted to be a gymnast she had to stand up and not let Lauren walk all over her. Austin then tried defending Emily, but the Carter pointed out if Austin really cared he would have helped Emily earlier and not wait until all was said and done to come to her defense. Austin tried to say that that wasn't the point, since Carter was the one to encourage Lauren to do what she did. Carter tried to refute his words but by then Payson had had enough.
"Can't you two just punch each other in the face and get over it?" She called. "Lauren is an evil bitch and she clearly misunderstood Carter when he tried to help. It's not his fault Tucker, and Anderson… what happened to giving up?" That's it she had enough. She walked towards the two and glared at them. The faster they kissed and made up the faster she could get back to training.
Carter held his hands up in defense. "Dude… girl… dudette… " he fumbled. Austin snickered but Payson sent him a glare to shut him up.
"Payson is fine."
"Payson," Carter started. "I heard what you said and I thought about it… and after her stunt today I decided to break up with Lauren."
"Just decided or did you actually break up with her?" Payson asked. There was a difference and if Carter was going to try and stretch out his relationship with Lauren as long as possible then he better actually commit to her. If not, he needed to dump her and get his life straight. It was bad enough he lived out of her garage, but now he was couch surfing and refusing any help Sasha tried to offer.
"I told her I couldn't be with her," he answered.
"So you broke up with her, that's good."
Carter looked really upset. "Yeah… but… I think she just took it as a challenge."
"What kind of challenge?" Payson asked.
There was some more squirming before Carter responded. "A challenge to be a better person? She did a lot of crying and begging when I dumped her. She said she could be a better person and all she needed was time to prove it to me. When I told her I didn't want to give her time, that I was completely through with her now, she got all angry and said I was wrong and she would prove it."
"Dude… you're screwed." Austin put a consoling hand on his friend's shoulder. It would have sounded more sincere if the big oaf wasn't trying to beat down a smirk.
Payson rolled her eyes. "Good luck with that. Look, are we all better now? Can I get back to training without your hormones and rivers of tears interrupting?" Both boys sent her a grin and nodded. "Perfect."
"But…" Settling a glare on Austin, she waited for him to get whatever he wanted to say out. "It's lunchtime now and you need to eat."
She let out an explosive huff. "Okay. Let's go eat but then you both have to promise me to shut up and train or get out."
"Scouts honor," Austin swore.
"Like they would have let you in," Payson protested.
She smiled though as the boys started laughing and then Carter took a potshot at Austin. It was nice seeing them like that. Guys seemed to get over drama a lot faster than the girls did which was awesome. She was so sick of the drama so seeing that it all just disappeared with a few simple sentences was like finding hidden treasure. She never thought she would be one of the guys –she is a girl after all- but here she was, enjoying her time with Austin and Carter and happier with them then with the girls.
"Alright you bozo's let's get food," She stopped their play fighting and ushered them out.
o.O.o
Rolling up her sleeves, Payson braced herself. Today was the day. Today was the day that they finally tackled the village of boxes that had taken up residence in Austin's house. They put this off long enough. Payson had even come prepared. She kicked Austin out of bed, dumped some homemade breakfast sandwiches on his lap and told him to eat and meet her in the kitchen. They would get this place straightened out.
She wanted to start here so that it was all clean and ready to use because she was sure in an hour or two Austin would complain about hunger and try to run off to get food. She wouldn't let him escape that easily. She quickly started on the fridge, dumping all the bad leftovers, gave it a quick wash and stocked it with some groceries that her mother sent over. When that big baby started saying he was hungry she would shove food down his throat and tell him to keep going.
"Okay Keeler, those were delicious, anymore?" Austin asked before he shoved another sandwich into his mouth.
"No, but I do have some box cutters, garbage bags, and lots of cleaning products."
Austin did a quick about face and tried to leave. "Stop right there Tucker… We are doing this today."
"Keeeeeeeeler," Austin whined.
"Shut it young man. You are not going anywhere until this house is in tip top shape. Don't make me call my mother," she threatened.
"Low blow Keeler. You know I can't let Kim down. Her disapproving stare could reform criminals."
Payson only responded by handing him the box cutter. "You open, I'll organize."
"Don't we have to get to the gym?"
"Nope, I called Sasha and we don't have to be there until this afternoon."
"But we need to set an example. How would all those gymnasts feel when we don't show up?"
Payson sent him a blank stare. "With your reputation, I hardly think missing one morning practice will hurt it. Now stop stalling and get to work."
Austin grumbled for another minute before he finally gave in and started working. Together they finished the kitchen in no time. That might have also been because Austin didn't have a lot for cooking. Three pots, a pan and hot plate… no lids. Seriously, this boy needed to do a little shopping.
They tackled the living room and bathrooms next. They managed to get through them and as lunch was approaching they moved all the other boxes into the garage. They made quite a dent and Payson was proud of them. There would be space for Austin's party and the place would actually look clean and put together.
"Okay Tucker, I figured we could have soup and grilled cheese for lunch. Sound good?"
"You know what goes great with lunch… drinks. I'll just run to the store-"
"And no you won't. There are some bags of garbage that need to go out and a pile of dirty laundry that has a hot date with a washing machine."
Not giving him a moment to think of yet another excuse, she picked up a bag of garbage and shoved it in his arms. The Olympian grinned, gave a mock salute and walked away.
o.O.o
Payson laughed as they walked into the gym. After being released from his cleaning duty, the big brat was bouncing around with energy. He had cracked jokes the entire ride to the gym and as they pulled up he started on an impression of Sasha.
"Stop it," She said as she giggled. "He'll hear."
"Hear what?" Lauren asked suddenly. "Hear about you two dating? I'm honestly surprised. I thought Austin Tucker would have better taste in women, but… I now see he likes to scrape the bottom of the barrel."
"Hello Lauren," Payson greeted. "I thought you were on a path to be a better person."
Lauren sent her a sour look. "Whatever."
She was getting ready to respond when Kaylie and Emily walked up. "Lovely, this will be fun."
"Payson, why are you only now arriving?" Kaylie asked right away. The captain looked over her shoulder and adopted the same sour expression as before. "Austin… I should have known you would be a bad influence."
Payson sighed. "Look, I called Sasha this morning and asked for the morning off training so I could help Austin unpack his house and get it ready for the party he is throwing tomorrow. I got permission, Austin isn't a bad influence, and you two need to back off. I'm a big girl and I can make my own choices and I'm not dating Austin. We're friends. You know that thing we all once were before all your petty bullshit got in the way…"
"Go Keeler! I love feisty women," Austin spoke up.
"Oh shut it Tucker." Payson smacked the man on the chest. He was only going to make this worse. Sometimes his mouth just got away with spewing all his unfiltered thoughts and right now it wasn't helping. He needed to shut up or Payson would be pulled back into the drama and then she would need to punish him.
"You wound me Keeler, but I'll make a peace offering." He turned towards the other three and sent them his most charming smile. The man must have worked hard on it, but it didn't work on her or her mother. "I'm having a housewarming party tomorrow and I would like to invite you all."
Kaylie made a disapproving noise. "Like we would ever go to your party. We are serious athletes and tomorrow we will be here, training, like we should be."
"I want to go," Lauren cut in. "It sounds like fun."
"And that is why you will never make the Worlds team. Unlike you, Emily and I will be here, training." Payson blinked at the blatant show of ignoring her. Kaylie really must think her a lost cause if she didn't try to include Payson anymore. Then again, Payson was spending more and more tie with Austin and she didn't hang out with the other girls as much. It didn't help that everyday there seemed to be some new life crisis that threatened to ruin their friendships forever.
Sasha showed up next and Payson got a distinct impression that this was slowly turning into a comedy sketch and only until they delivered the punchline would she be able to escape. All they needed now was a laugh track and all would be perfect.
"Look, I feel like you have all been working hard so tomorrow I want you to take the day off. Relax, let your hair down and have fun." After delivering that lovely and well timed message, Sasha took off- the coward. Payson glared after him. He would also pay, right after Austin. He could have stuck around and told them why they got the day off. He could have told them earlier in the week as an incentive to train harder. He could have waited until the end of the practice and gave it to them as a reward but no… not Sasha. Sasha had to find the exact moment to deliver something that would royally screw her over.
"Look at that, no excuses now." Lauren looked smug.
"Look," Austin stepped forward. "I don't even care if you show up Cruz, I was being nice. Whether you show up or not, just don't bring your drama to my place. Now Keeler, I have some excess energy and a rings routine you think needs work. Let's get to it."
Taking the much needed escape, Payson was quick to agree and walk away. She didn't get far though when Lauren had to get the last word in. "They are totally having sex."
Austin snickered and Payson shook her head in exasperation. "Lauren thinks the shrubs and grass outside are having sex. Anyone or thing that spends some time together must be having intercourse."
"Oh they will know when we start having sex. It will be the day I walk in with the largest grin known to man," Austin responded.
Payson smacked him on the chest again. "Keep dreaming Tucker."
o.O.o
The party was just getting started and Payson was helping Austin open bags of chips. Sasha was outside getting the keg into place, and the really early guests were taking advantage of the hot tub.
"So… do you think they will come?" She didn't care either way… okay maybe a little. She was friends with Kaylie and Lauren for years and Emily had really started to grow on her. It was just right now… at this moment… it was hard. Lauren was being worse than normal, Kaylie was power tripping, and Emily wasn't really helping the situation by throwing emotional fits and storming off half the time. She didn't feel like a part of the team and the constant jabs at her for not being in perfect form were getting to her.
"Lauren will show. I know for a fact she wants to get it on with some of my more hot friends to make Carter jealous. As for the other two… Commandant Cruz wouldn't let Emily get within a mile of my place."
"I hope they don't show up," she admitted. "Not because I don't want to see them or that I want to be here… but -if I am forced to be here anyways- I want to have a little fun and I won't get that if they show up and start fighting again. It's been nice being around you and Carter and not being directly involved with all their problems." Seriously, watching from the outside and seeing how ridiculous they all were when in full blown meltdown was hilarious and enlightening. She really acted like that once upon a time?
"Once we're done here I want you to go outside and have fun Keeler. I mean it. Actual fun. No getting people drinks or making sure other people are okay. No trying to be the responsible one. I want you out there laughing and smiling."
"I don't think I know how to have fun. At least not outside the gym," she admitted.
"You know how to have fun. Remember Mario Kart… fun. Remember that time we tried making muffins for breakfast and it turned into a food war. Or that time in ballet class when we kept making funny faces behind the instructors back. Keeler you can totally have fun."
"You know what is fun…" Payson eyed the bag of chips in her hands. Tucker was right. She was just feeling insecure at the moment knowing that soon Austin's place would be flooded with pretty girls and she would fade into the background. But right now, at this moment, she was the center of Austin's attention and it was nice.
"What's fun?" Austin had a playful look in his eyes.
"This." Payson grabbed a handful of chips and threw them at Austin's face. He looked ready to retaliate but before he could, Payson bolted. She dropped the bag and ran to hide behind Sasha. The Romanian was tall and burly enough to block her from view, and since he could move on his own she wouldn't need to worry about being stuck in one spot. It was perfect.
"Oh you will not get away with that!" Austin called. He came running on to the balcony and searched for her. Sasha was chuckling but managed to completely hide her. Austin slowly prowled around, weaving between people, his eyes constantly on the lookout. Sasha slowly turned and gave her time to move with him so she was constantly hidden from Austin.
For the next hour they played cat and mouse. Payson had to ditch her Sasha hiding place when the man reminded her that he did have a date that night, and he only came for 10 minutes to fulfill his end of the bargain- the traitor. She then took off for the kitchen and happily munched on some party food until Austin bull rushed in, causing her to drop her food and run out again.
Her next spot was among some of Austin's Olympian friends. They were all these tall guys and she hid in the middle, listening as they retold stories from their Olympics. It was interesting and she lapped it all up. They even complimented her and said they were looking forward to her return. They believed in her just like Sasha and Austin and actually thought she would make it back. That spot was ruined when Austin had spotted her from the balcony and with a war cry of 'Keeler' came running. One of the snowboarders helped her escape and soon she was back in the house and laughing as the group caught Austin and threw him into the hot tub.
She was trying to get a picture of a water logged Austin, but it was hard when she wouldn't stop giggling. She finally managed to snap a picture when she saw something drop off the fence. Taking a closer look, Payson was surprised to see Kaylie lying among the garbage after climbing over the fence. She couldn't believe the girl. Honestly, who the hell climbed over a fence to party crash? The front door was wide open. The girl could have walked in.
Seeing that her fun was over, Payson put her phone away and went to talk to people. She returned to the guy group from before and they welcomed her back.
"Austin finally gave up or did you get caught?" One of them asked.
Payson laughed. "Neither. It seems someone else caught his attention." She pointed out Austin who at that moment was playing with Kaylie's hair.
"Not my type but to each their own," a guy named Kyle said. "What I care about is the story you were telling earlier about Austin and a balance beam. We need to know more."
Payson smiled and started retelling an over dramatized version of the event. The guys all cringed at the appropriate part but were soon laughing, absolutely loving Austin's misfortune. "Although he got off to a rough start, I will admit he was very elegant on that beam," Payson said as she finished her story.
"Man I wish I was there," someone named Corey said.
"Did anyone record it?" Kyle asked.
"If they did, Austin would have destroyed any copies by now," Payson responded.
"Copies of what" Tucker asked as he approached.
All the guys developed grins and Payson thought now would be a great time to run away again. She was getting really good at it. Before she could though, Austin clamped a hand down on her shoulder and stopped her from moving.
"Now where do you think you are going Keeler? I need to pay you back from before and I think… I might have another reason."
"How's your balance Austin?" Kyle asked.
"Beam doing anything fun lately," another guy added.
"It takes some tough balls to switch coaches like you did."
Suddenly that hand that was trapping her turned into two arms as she was pressed against Austin's chest and caught by two muscled arms. She wasn't escaping anytime soon. "Why do I have the feeling you told them something you shouldn't have," Austin asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I did nothing. All we talked about was how they won their medals. That's it. Not a word from me was said. Nothing to see or hear here."
"Keeler, you babble when you are trying to hide something."
"I do not. I was just telling you exactly what happened. They did all the talking and I did all the listening." She was not going to admit to this.
"Then why don't I believe you?"
"You're just paranoid." She tried to keep her answer short. No babbling here.
"Alright Keeler, I think you need an appropriate punishment. To the Wii we go." Austin hauled her up and threw her over his shoulder. He winked at the guys and walked them into the house. "You know the rules Keeler- no cheating."
Payson rolled her eyes but settled down and started the console.
The guys gathered around and Payson wasted no time climbing onto the couch and getting comfortable. She sat close to Austin, knowing full well she would need the use of her elbows if she wanted to win. She didn't consider it cheating seeing how she just got really excited about racing and her elbows started swinging on their own. If he got in the cross fire than it was his own fault for not sitting further away.
Her pocket started vibrating, and she checked it quickly. Kaylie's name was flashing across the screen and as excited she was to answer the call; she hit the red button and declined the call. Seriously, she was here to have fun and she was going to have it. Kaylie and her drama could just back off for one day and allow her that.
"Okay Keeler, here's the deal. We play best three out of five. Loser goes on a froyo run. Winner gets to enjoy the spoils."
"You got yourself a deal Tucker."
The duo settled in but grabbed two others to make it a four person race. Characters were picked and after asking a passing guest on a course the group started. They were on the edge of the couch watching the lights count down. Austin was revving his kart, Kyle was beside her and he was adjusting his grip. Payson narrowed her eyes and as the last light hit the bottom, her elbows were out, taking an early lead.
"Foul!" Austin called. He tried to nudge her but she didn't let that distract her. She was getting good at taking corners tightly. She hit the fits mystery boy and grinned when she got the bananas. Having the lead it made it easy for her to lay the slippery trap and watch her opponents slip and slide out of control when they hit the foul little yellow things.
She grunted when he was hit with a blue shell and shot her friend a glare. "How did you get one of those so early?" She asked. She got her kart steady and managed to steal second. She would need Austin to screw up or to get some boosters if she hoped to get first again.
"Karma for the elbows."
Payson tsk'ed and just went back to focusing. Kyle was trailing in last place having got the full brunt of her bananas and taking a green shell from Brody the fourth racer. Brody was catching up, clearly getting into the groove of the race. Payson refused to lose though. She hit a mystery box and when she saw that star appear above her head she grinned. Poor Austin groaned besides her. It was time to take back that lead.
o.O.o
Kim Keeler was a god send. Seriously, if anyone ever asked Sasha if he believed in God, he would say yes because he clearly sent one of his angels to earth and named her Kim Keeler. If she wasn't an angel then he didn't know what she was, something above an angel? Was there such a thing? Yes there was, because it was named Kim Keeler.
At first he had called her because when he saw Steve Tanner arrive with Chloe Kmetko he knew that he needed an excuse to hide the date he was on. He liked Summer, but he didn't want the gym knowing about them and if either Chloe or Steve knew… then the whole gym would know before the first entrée arrived. Instead he texted Kim under the table asking her to come, and like the saint she was she arrived at the perfect moment.
When they placed their orders and Kim told them to act like she wasn't even there and try to salvage the remainder of their date, Sasha sent the woman a warm smile. He could see where Payson got his goodwill and patience. Payson didn't inherit all of Kim's patience, but some. He tried to engage Summer into a conversation but the blonde was more concerned glancing over her shoulder and watching Steve. When Chloe stood up and went for the restroom, Summer quickly excused herself and followed behind the vibrant woman.
"Thank you again Kim, it must have been terribly inconvenient to come on short notice," He said to the woman.
"Oh no thanks needed. After all, I'm the one who finally gets to eat here and you said you would pay. It also helps that both my daughters had plans for the night."
Sasha smiled. "Yes, when I was leaving Austin's Payson was having fun. She's really seemed to open up and step out of her box a little since he's arrived."
Kim laughed. "Oh she has. That boy… honestly… for someone with such a bad reputation he sure is a wonderful boy. He told me honestly that there would be drinking at his party but he would look after Payson and ensure she was perfectly safe the entire time. I sent her with a note though. If the police come knocking she knows to show them a note and have them call me."
"I admit to being worried too. Tucker was just like me when I was younger but It seems he has straightened out a lot faster than I did."
Kim laughed again before taking a sip of her water. "He idolizes you. They both do."
He wasn't able to respond as Summer returned looking upset. "Is everything okay?" He asked.
The blonde frowned some before and then started talking. "I ran into Chloe while washing up," she started. Sasha wanted to roll his eyes. Of course she did. She followed the gym mom. "We started talking and well, I got very upset that she and Steve have been engaging in casual sex with Lauren around."
It was Sasha's turn to frown. Was Summer upset that Chloe and Steve were having sex where Lauren could see, that Chloe and Steve were setting a bad example or was she Upset that Steve was having sex with Chloe period. He wasn't sure and he didn't know if he would like the answer.
"What's it matter?" Kim asked breaking her self-imposed rule to act like a wall when Summer was at the table. "They are two consenting adults and I hardly think Steve would be throwing someone against the wall in front of his daughter and start rutting like an animal."
Sasha hid a smile by pretending to take a drink. Oh Kim…
"It's perfectly natural for two adults in a relationship to have sexual intercourse. Steve is a smart man and I am sure he keeps his encounters with Chloe discrete. If this is an issue than it is something you and Lauren need to talk to Steve about. Don't go after Chloe. It's not like she sneaking into his house for some scandalous late night activities. They are dating, not planning to steal the hope diamond and have sex on the display."
Summer look even more upset and was about to open her mouth but Kim kept talking.
"Now, I'm sure Chloe will tell Steve what happened and they will work it out like the mature people they are. Why should this ruin our meal? Where did that dessert menu disappear to?"
Sasha handed her the menu and grinned. "I asked around and I heard the chocolate torte is amazing."
"Thank you Sasha," Kim said as he put the menu down. "That sounds good. Now, I'm back to being a wall. Remember I'm not even here so you two crazy kids enjoy yourselves."
Sasha tried to engage Summer into some nice light hearted conversation but the woman kept bringing everything back to Steve and Lauren and her worries. Clearly Kim 'disappearing' meant the blonde could let out her frustrations over the situation. Kim just listened and ate, not really seeming to care. Sasha didn't care who Steve slept with either. The man could have daily orgies and Sasha would just ask that he clean himself up enough to ensure Lauren was at the gym and her dues were paid.
As the meal wound down, Sasha could not have been happier. Kim had to step out at one moment to take a call, but she came back with a smile on her face so he assumed everything was okay with her daughters. Payson was probably still having fun at the Party and Becca was sleeping over at her friend's house. Kim wasn't rushing to out of here so he assumed both were alive and well.
"Right then, you two lovely ladies can start to get ready and I will just go take care of this." He waved the black leather folder that held the check and stood. He was really happy this night was over. Next time he would plan to take Summer somewhere else. Some place where he wouldn't have to worry about running into Steve Tanner. He liked Summer. She was a kind and caring woman. He imagined that in a few years she would be a great and wonderful mother like Kim Keeler, and at his age he was looking for that. He wanted a woman he could settle down with and enjoy a true family with. He hoped Summer was that person.
He paid quickly and arrived back in time to escort the ladies outside. Kim had arrived on her own and thank him once again before bidding them both good night. Sasha watched her leave and was amazed that such a person existed. Most of the women he knew, if asked to show up last minute like that would have demanded more than a free meal. They would have wanted to be a part of everything but not Kim. She wanted them to have a wonderful date, despite her being there and tried giving them the limited privacy she could.
The Keeler family was something special. He was really glad that he was started to be really close with them. If there was one gym family he didn't mind being around, it was them.
"Sasha, we should get going," Summer said, effectively breaking him out of this thoughts.
"Of course, sorry. Let's get you home, it's getting late."
