ch 19
She reached out and hugged the teary eyed blonde, before stepping into the hallway. "Come on."
Payson was confused. "I came to you. Where are we going?"
"Your room, in case you didn't notice I'm with Lauren, unless you want to clue her in, I suggest we find another spot. So lead the way to your super secret special room, if we are going to wallow in Greece, we might as well wallow in style."
Payson smiled the brunette had a way of putting things that just made you feel better.
Kelly let out a low whistle when they entered the room. "Wow excellent choice in sponsors."
"Yeah, I'd better enjoy it now. After the way today went, who knows how many are going to stick around."
"You mean after you qualified first for two events, made the all around finals, and the team finals. I'm sure they find you completely pathetic."
"You know what I mean, I choked. Plain and simple."
"You rebounded. Plain and simple."
Payson walked over and sat on her bed. She ran her fingers down the edge of the comforter as she studied it. "Because of Sasha, I rebounded because of Sasha. Even after I have treated him like crap, he came through for me. He always does."
Kelly sat next to her and stilled her hand. "He's your coach he is supposed to get you through the rough times."
The tears she'd been holding back started to fall. "But how is he supposed to do that, when he is the rough time I'm going through."
"The same way he did today. Put aside your differences and focus on the goal. That is the only thing you can do at competitions."
"And what about the rest of it?"
"It comes in time."
Payson stood and started pacing. "I tried to tell myself I was over it. That he didn't matter. I thought if I didn't think about it, eventually it would go away. Then that woman, from last night. I dont think I could handle seeing him with someone else, I literally almost threw up. Then I thought about how he must feel when I'm with Nicky. Then I thought about how horrible I was being to Nicky, he's my friend, and I have been using him. He didn't deserve that and Sasha didnt deserve it, but I was just so mad. It was easier to be mad than to be hurt. Thing is it didnt even work, and I now I'm worse off than before. Tell me what to do to get over him?"
Kelly grabbed her arm and dragged her back down onto the bed. "First, I'm amazed you managed to perform any semblance of a routine with all of that floating around in your head. So brava to you. Secondly there is no magic recipe for getting over someone. You get angry, and you cry, and you throw things and then you cry some more. That is what I did with Carter. Next thing you know one day it gets a little easier, and then a little better, until one day it doesnt hurt as bad. But you have to face the hurt to get over the hurt. Take it one day at a time." She put her arm around the still crying girl." But sweetie, if you felt like that seeing him with another woman, maybe you don't want to get over him, and that is ok too. You love him and it hurts, but you can't let it affect your dream. "
"I dont, I didn't want to let him go, but he ended I have to move on now, or else I really will be pathetic."
"I have no facts to back this up, and I don't know why he ended it, but I dont think it was because he wanted too. You know he cares about you, I know he cares about you. It is a hard situation any way you look at it. Cut yourselves some slack and give yourselves some time." Payson nodded into her shoulder. "Now let's enjoy the cinematic stylings of Ryan Gosling."
They had eaten the fat free, sugar free, taste free yogurt and watched the Notebook. Payson fell asleep with the tears not yet dry on her face, but a smile on her lips.
Payson stood next to Kelly in the arena. Today was a new day, and everyone was starting off on even footing. Kelly was waving excitedly towards the stands where Austin was sitting. Next to him sat Nicky and Max, who waved at her when she saw them. Austin was mouthing something Payson didn't quite catch, but it seemed to be intended for Kelly since she rolled her eyes. She meant to ask her about that recent development last night, but after expelling her emotions, she'd fallen asleep.
She put all thoughts of budding relationships out of her mind as she focused on supporting her teammates on the vault. Only the three people would compete on each apparatus it would be Wendy, Kelly, and Andrea this round. Originally Lauren was slated for team finals but her injury kept her out. Payson had the higher d.o.d but after yesterday's performance she wasn't surprised to hear Wendy's name in leiu of her own, it was the right choice.
Wendy stood at the end of the runway, waiting for the signal. She would be performing the same vault Lauren had yesterday, a double twist. The younger girl landed it with ease. Payson cheered along with the rest of the team, that would merit a good score, 15.033, very respectable. She clapped even louder as Kelly raised her arms signaling she was ready. The tiny brunette rocketed down the runway and off the platform, landing with an almost imperceptible hop.
Kelly's Amanar earned her a 15.872 almost the same score from yesterday. They quieted and focused on Andrea. It was only her second time competing this vault, and it would prove to the world whether yesterday was a fluke or if she was the real deal.
Payson saw the judges sit up straighter in their seats as Andrea started her run, a front handspring and two somersaults later she was standing tall saluting the judges once again. Payson and Kelly let out a cheer as the 16.4 posted on the board. So far they were in first place.
Now she had to focus on herself and the beam. She put yesterday behind her, with Lauren's absence she needed to knock this out of the park. The lack of depth on the American team in this particular event, meant that all of them needed every single tenth of a point. Sasha came to stand by her side as they watched Reagan complete her final aerial sequence, it was a bit unsteady but she fought for it, all that was left was the dismount.
Sasha moved in front of her, "You ready."
She nodded. As it stood after two decent scores, both in the low fifteens, they would need an all but perfect routine to maintain their lead. No pressure.
Payson felt better during the routine today. Though it wasn't perfect there were no major wobbles or balance checks. She stood next to Sasha as they awaited the score. It was higher than yesterday's but it still wasn't enough. They fell to second place behind Romania.
They lined up and headed to the bars. Payson, Kelly, and Emily put on their grips . Sasha stood in front of them. "Shake it off, those standings will not hold. I watched the Romanian team yesterday. They have two girls that are good on bars and beam but they will falter on the next two events. They dont have a difficulty score above 5.9 on floor or vault. If we are solid, and we will be, these next two rotations will place us at the top of the podium."
The three nodded.
"Kelly you're up," Marty called.
Payson watched as first Kelly and then Emily swung from high bar to low bar, then she was up. They'd done their part and so would she, her routine was over before she knew it. Their combined scores put them three tenths ahead of the Romanians, who, as Sasha predicted had faltered on the vault.
There was only the floor left to conquer, and conquer they did. The final standings placed them squarely ahead of the Romanians, who had fallen to third behind the Russians. As they stood atop the podium holding their flowers and waving Payson felt like she'd won more than just the team gold.
She looked for Sasha after they descended from the podium. She didnt know what she was going to say, but she felt like she needed to say something to clear the air. Maybe it was the high of the win getting to her, but she knew that if he hadn't come to her rescue yesterday, she would never have been able to pull it together, and none of them would be standing there.
He was normally easy to spot standing at least a full head taller than most of them. She was turned towards the exit where everyone was lining up to leave, when she found him. He was standing next to the dark haired Anica laughing heartily, and her heart sank. She might have needed him, but he sure as hell didn't need her.
The Romanian team passed in front of her. The fact that they were speaking English let her know the conversation was mainly for her benefit. "They may have won this time but Anica says she will get us Sasha Belov before Worlds. Once he is our coach again the Americans dont stand a chance."
"Is she sure he is coming back?"
"They had a long 'conversation' in her room last night, I think that helped him decide."
"How do you know that?"
"Well she is my sister we talked. I just want them to be happy. If we get another good coach out of the deal then fine."
Payson walked away. If what they said was true, then the best part of the news was that Sasha was leaving. Maybe if he really left, she could climb off this emotional roller coaster, and get her life back on track. She didn't look at him when he finally boarded the bus. Sitting quietly next to Kelly, she let the girl carry on an entire conversation by herself. They got off the bus and headed into the lobby where they were greeted by Austin, Nicky, and Max.
"Kels you were great." Austin picked Kelly up off her feet and swung her around. She smiled brilliantly, before he turned and addressed everyone from the women's team who was still standing around. "It's still early and the guys and I found a great little spot just around the corner anyone care to celebrate."
"That's probably not a good idea, finals start tomorrow." Wendy said nervously.
"Yeah tomorrow afternoon. Besides I dont think they were inviting children." Lauren snipped.
"Do you guys not remember what happened the last time one of us missed bed check at a hotel abroad. I might not be able to compete in the finals but I want all of you too."
"Well we wont miss bed check. Plus you were like five hours late. It's four oclock in the afternoon right now. The finals start at one oclock tomorrow. Bed check is at nine. We said an hour, two at the most. All of us will be back in plenty of time. It wont even be dark." Lauren said.
"You're not even competing tomorrow, so how does this affect you again." Emily pointed out.
"It actually sounds like a good idea." Andrea interjected catching Wendy's eye, "It will really give us time to bond as a team."
"See, even the one hit wonder knows how to have fun. Lets go. " Lauren motioned to the door. No one moved.
"We solemnly swear to have you all back before curfew." Max said. Still no one moved.
All eyes fell to Payson. Lauren's face was bored. Kelly looked hopeful, Emily looked hesitant, Andrea was eager, and the two younger girls waited expectantly. "Captian Keeler. What say you?" Came Austin's voice.
"Pay," Kelly pleaded with wide eyes.
Payson sighed. She had so much on her mind she did not need this right now, but getting out of the hotel, and away from Sasha and his new-old girlfriend sounded like a good idea. She looked back at Austin and Max, who were staring at her with puppy dog eyes. "A mini- celebration."
"Yes!" Kelly cheered, while the two men high fived.
"One hour tops, then we are right back to our hotel, resting for tomorrow." The blonde stressed.
Kelly moved first. Grabbing Payson's arm and pulling her towards the elevators."We have to change, and we'll meet you back here at five pm sharp."
"Why can't we go now, and be back by five." Payson whined.
"We are sweaty and wearing track suits. Have I taught you nothing." Kelly sounded slightly scandalized. "Dont you want to look nice, Nicky is here."
"I told you last night. I dont feel that way about him."
"Then use tonight to let him down gently."
"I dont see why I even have to do that. We arent together, we just worked out together for like two weeks." Payson said as they entered the hotel room.
"Well then dont say anything to him."
"I dont think this night is about me an Nicky resolving our issues at all. I think it is about you and Austin and your thing."
Kelly stopped gathering her belongings, and looked over at Payson. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
"I'm talking about you, Austin Tucker, and your super secret romance."
"There's no romance, we're friends."
"Since when have you two been such close friends, you work out at the same gym that's all."
Kelly hesitated. She had always planned on telling Payson about her moving in with Austin, but the timing had never been right. Now she couldnt see a way around it.
"Right after Christmas my place was burglarized."
"What?!"
"Don't freak out. It was almost two months ago."
"Why didn't you say anything. Are you ok? What did you do? Where have you been staying? Are you back at that bed and breakfast? How are you paying for it? Do you need help becaus-"
"Hold it! Jeez! One question at a time. I'm fine, I moved out and I don't pay rent."
"Where do you live that you don't have to pay rent?"
"ImovedinwithAustin."
"I'm sorry, I didnt quite catch that."
"I moved in with Austin."
Payson gave a dry laugh."Of course you did because that is perfectly logical."
"It was at the time."
"Why didnt you call me?"
"...It was Christmas Day."
"You know that wouldnt have mattered."
"I know, but it did to me, and then everything worked out so..."
"And just how did everything work out?"
"I'm sure I dont know what you mean."
"I'm equally sure that you do. The two of you live together, and you're obviously together together -"
"Stop right there eharmony. We live together yes, but we are not together together."
"But I saw you today, and at the party, you looked pretty together to me."
"Well we aren't...that."
"O.k. so what are you then?"
"Roommates." Kelly shrugged. "Just two guys hanging out, and one of us happens to not be a guy. Let's just leave it there."
"Does he know that you guys are just roommates, because guys don't fly halfway around the globe for their roommates, nor do they give them flowers, or look at them the way he looks at you."
"It's nothing. Dont you have your own messy love life to worry about, because from where I'm sitting Russo just did the same for you."
Payson's face fell. That was something she was going to have to deal with sooner rather than later. She realized how cruel she was, leading Nicky on like she had been.
"Touche. I'll drop it...for now. Let's get ready so we can get back."
"Wow. Life of the party."
Thirty minutes later they met the guys downstairs. Lauren was already there pouting and Emily was standing in the corner talking into the phone.
"Where is Andrea?"
"She got drafted to babysit, even in Greece the other two aren't old enough to go where we are."
Payson hesitated. "Maybe this isnt such a good idea. It was supposed to be a team thing and now it's turning into a Rock thing. Maybe we should wait until after finals."
Lauren scoffed. "You cant be serious. So what if that girl chose to stay behind, she probably would have made it awkward if she was there anyway. It's better that it is just us."
"Come on Pay you already agreed, and Russo here flew all this way just to see you. You wouldn't want to let him down." Max ribbed.
Nicky blushed, while Payson looked away.
"Blowing off a little steam before a big meet won't hurt anything. We will be on our best behavior." Austin said seriously.
"Alright but just one hour, and non alcoholic beverages only. We will be back in our rooms before it even gets dark."
Three hour later Payson looked out at the night sky. She knew this was a bad idea. She looked back to the dance floor, everyone seemed to be having fun. Lauren was flirting with Max so bad it was as if Carter didn't exist. Max didn't seem to mind as they danced closer together on the floor.
Kelly and Austin were a different story he was leaning up against the bar while she was letting a curly haired man twirl her around. He didnt look happy. She walked over to him. "So you guys are roommates now."
"She told you?"
"Like five minutes ago."
"Yeah well..."
"You should ask her to dance."
"Looks like her dance card is full." Austin replied sullenly.
"If you want to ask just ask, If it's you I doubt she will say no."
"What are you getting at Keeler?"
Payson turned to meet his eye, "I think you know. Even if she doesnt, I think you do."
He shook his head."It's not like that. She is different. we are different."
Her voice was skeptical. "Really, nothing romantic at all."
"Yes or I mean no,"
"Good thing then, cause she is totally making out with that guy."
"What." The color drained from Austin's face as he whipped around searching frantically only to find Kelly ordering a another glass of water.
Payson laughed. "Different my ass."
"Very funny Keeler, She is just so... and I'm so... I'm having a hard time."
"You're all warm, and mushy, and full of secret feelings,"
He rolled his eyes but didnt deny it. "You might want to get your house in order before working on mine."
Payson stopped laughing."What?"
"You can only push a guy away for so long, before he moves on and stops trying."
She looked over at Nicky. He was chatting with Emily on a bench just off the side of the dance floor.
"Nicky and I arent like that."
Austin gave her an unreadable look. "It's not nice to give a man false hope but, who said I was talking about Russo." With that he walked over to Kelly leaned down and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and he signaled the others.
The walk back to the hotel was tense, well for Payson at least. She pushed what Austin had said to the back of her mind for later examination. He didn't know anything, so she must have been reading to much into it.
Her more pressing concern was Nicky. If he really had come here for her then she was being incredibly rude, they had barely exchanged more than a hello, how are you, if that since she had been here. The bigger issue would be if he did come here for her, expecting something, she needed to let him know where she stood.
They were right in front of the hotel when she grabbed his arm. "Can we take the stairs and talk?"
He nodded and they broke off from the group.
The others headed inside. They were three steps from the elevator when a crisp British voice rang out. "Well well well what have we here. Of course it would be you all, it's always some of mine."
The group turned slowly to find find Sasha standing next to Marty, they were leaning against the wall across from the elevator, and they were pissed.
Kelly spoke first trying to smooth things over. "We are back before curfew, and there was no rule that said we couldn't go sight seeing."
Sasha looked even angrier, "Common sense should have dictated that you would not go 'sight seeing' the day before the all around finals."
"It my fault coa-" Austin started, stepping forward.
"You, do not speak. You, have done enough. I dont care about some silly curfew, I expect more out of all of you especially my two all ar-," he broke off and looked around, "Where is Payson?"
They all looked around as if expecting her to be hiding behind one of the stautes or potted plants.
"Where is Payson?'' He asked again.
"In her room.'' Kelly answered.
Marty cocked his head to the side. "Already been there. Try again."
When no one answered Sasha stepped closer, "Did you lot leave her alone in a strange city?"
"She went on a walk to clear her head, for tomorrow." Emily volunteered.
"So you geniuses let your teammate go for a walk at night alone in a strange city? Where anything could happen to her-"
"Of course not, she's in her room with Nicky." Kelly closed her eyes, and waited for the fall out. Everyone else turned to glare at Lauren. No one spoke, no one moved. Kelly cracked open one eye and looked at Sasha first, he was livid. He turned taking the stairs two at a time.
"You are unbelievable." Kelly muttered.
"What! I didnt mean it that way, but you heard what she said just like I did, 'Can we talk', then they went upstairs. They aren't even staying at this hotel, ergo, they went to her room to 'talk'. You should be thanking me, the madder he is at the golden girl, the less trouble we are in."
Instead of heading straight inside, Payson and Nicky sat on the steps in front of the building. Neither of them spoke, choosing instead to study the designs on the stairs until Nicky broke the silence, "When I first saw you I though you were the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Then I saw you do gymnastics and it was like you were some kind of goddess. So much power grace and beauty in one person. You were my dream thing about a dream is you build it up in your mind to be something so great, that the reality can never live up to the fantasy."
"So I'm a let down."
"No way. You are even better than I imagined, the let down is us together. Something is holding you back, I don't know if it's gymnastics, or if it's something wrong with me, but-"
"There is nothing wrong with you. All of this is my fault, you just got dragged into my issues."
"Well it was a fun ride."
"Nicky I'm sorry if I-"
"You didn't do anything wrong. You never made me any promises. We were always just friends."
"You came all this way."
"Austin paid. The guy is loaded, and it was a free vacation."
Payson laughed. "So no hard feelings"
"There is no reason."
"We should head inside then."
"Yeah, I'll walk you to your room. Your lucky you aren't rooming with those two slobs."
They laughed about his neat freak tendencies until they reached her door. He grabbed her hand, "Whoever he is, he is an idiot."
Payson smiled wistfully leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Good night."
She walked away from the door as it closed. She hummed a little to herself as she let her hair down and gathered her things to take a bath. She was completely unprepared for the voice that sounded from the chair next to her bed. "Lucky guy, he dodged a bullet. Does he know you have a habit of seducing unsuspecting men in hotel rooms."
Hope this chapter satisfies. As always please let me know how you feel about it and what I can do to improve, any and all suggestions are appreciated.