Chapter 2: The Last Worthless Evening
"This is the last worthless evening / that you'll have to spend / Cause I'll be there / When your broken heart is on the mend."
"You know I have no idea how to be a gym manager, right?" Payson asked as she and Sasha walked into The Rock on Monday morning. Sasha laughed, following her up the stairs to the office. He noticed that she moved almost on autopilot, like she hadn't been away for years.
"You watched your mom do it, didn't you? You just…do paperwork, make travel arrangements and set up fundraisers. You'll be fine," Sasha assured her. Payson rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm sure it's that simple. When everything falls apart, don't say I didn't warn you."
Sasha laughed and left her to her own devices as the gymnasts started trickling in. Payson took a moment to look around the office and saw that it really hadn't changed a bit; it was still set up the same way it had been, and Payson felt like she'd stepped five years into the past.
She spent the morning familiarizing herself with the filing system and the computers, as well as the files of all the girls training at The Rock. The files were unorganized to Payson; the athlete files were alphabetized, but beyond that there was no rhyme or reason to how they were filed.
Grabbing a stack of folders so that she could demonstrate to Sasha her ideas, Payson left the office for the floor.
"I'm changing everything," Payson said bluntly as she wandered up to Sasha, her eyes on the files in her hands. She looked up to see Sasha smiling at her and several parents staring.
"Who's this, Sasha?" One woman asked.
"This is our new gym manager. Let me introduce her to everyone at once," Sasha said. He gently grabbed Payson's elbow and led her up the stairs to the little platform outside the office. "Gather round!"
The gymnasts came trotting over, looking up at her. She saw recognition dawn on several of the gymnasts' faces, but many of them were too young to really remember what she looked like, especially in an unexpected situation and with six years growth. She knew her body was different, curvier, and her face was a little softer. Her hair was shorter too, and she obviously wasn't wearing the same heavy make-up she'd worn in competition, making her look like a totally different person.
"We have a new gym manager, and I expect you all to welcome her and treat her with respect. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Payson Keeler."
There were gasps from the gymnasts who hadn't already recognized her and Payson gave them all a small smile.
"Give me just another minute with the parents, and then you can tell me all about how you're going to change everything," Sasha promised. Payson watched as he moved away and then went to stand at the edge of the mats, watching as the gymnasts started their training.
"Um, Ms. Keeler?" Payson turned to see a young girl, maybe fourteen, twisting her hands together.
"Call me Payson," she said. The girl smiled nervously.
"I was wondering, maybe, if you could help me for a second? I'm working on a Yurchenko on vault, and I can't quite get it. My sister always says yours was perfect."
"Sure. What's your name?" Payson asked, following the girl across the gym to the vault.
"Annabelle."
"Okay, Annabelle, let's see it."
#
Sasha couldn't help but stare at Payson as he watched her coaching Annabelle; she was a natural, mild mannered but commanding at the same time. He saw that spark back in her eyes, the spark he used to see every time she stepped onto the mat, one that he hadn't seen when she was sitting on his couch two nights ago.
"So, these changes you're going to make?" Sasha asked as he moved to stand next to her. She jumped a little.
"Oh, yeah. Okay. Good job Annabelle, keep working." Payson fell into step next to Sasha and showed him the files.
"It would be a lot easier to find files if they were color coded and tabbed by subject, and then alphabetized," Payson explained.
"That's fine. Do whatever you like," Sasha said. He sat down at his desk, pulling up his email and surreptitiously watching Payson. The grace she'd learned to apply to gymnastics after her injury had carried over into her adult life; she sailed around the room, almost like her feet never even touched the floor. She moved with such purpose, and he couldn't help but watch.
"You're staring," Payson said a little while later. Sasha felt the heat rise in his cheeks and he smiled at her.
"Sorry. Just trying to make sure you don't mess everything up," he teased. He fell silent for a few moments before speaking again. "You're a natural, you know."
"At what?" Payson asked distractedly, transferring several files into a new folder.
"Coaching. Annabelle made more progress on that vault with you in five minutes than she did in an entire day with Tara."
"It was nothing," Payson said, shrugging.
"It was not nothing. You have a way with them, Payson," Sasha insisted. "What if I made a coaching position for you? I could always use another pair of hands on the floor, and Jake will probably be retiring soon anyway."
"I thought I was your gym manager?" Payson joked. Sasha glared.
"Don't get cheeky, or I won't give you any job," Sasha said, laughing a little bit. "I can find a gym manager anywhere. I can't find a world class coach anywhere but right here."
"I don't know, Sasha," Payson sighed. "It seems…"
"Come on. Please."
"Sasha…"
"Payson."
"Okay, fine," Payson groaned, knowing it was no use arguing with Sasha when he'd made up his mind. "When you find another gym manager, I'll be a coach."
"Good. I'll leave you to it." Sasha ducked out of the office, unable to keep the smile off his face.
#
Over the next two days, Payson and Sasha fell into an easy routine, one that made Sasha wonder how his life would have been if he'd had the courage to tell Payson how he felt, all those years ago. He enjoyed having a woman in his home, although maybe it was just Payson, and she and Harper brought so much life to his days.
Sasha knew it had to end sometime, Mark and Kim couldn't stay on vacation forever, but he wasn't quite ready for it when Payson told him her parents were back in Boulder.
"My parents flew back into town this morning, so do you mind running Harper and me over there this evening?" Payson asked as he walked into the office. She barely even glanced up from the folder in her hands. He faltered, wondering what she would think if he begged her to stay.
"Uh…no. Not at all. We can swing past my apartment after we pick up Harper to gather your things and then I'll take you…home." He fought past the catch in his throat when he said the word "home" and prayed she didn't notice it.
"Thanks," she replied distractedly. Sasha spent another moment watching her, hunched over the paperwork in her lap, her hair thrown into a messy bun, and the top of her pen caught between her teeth, and then slipped back out to the floor.
The rest of the afternoon passed by quickly, though Sasha had willed it not to, and before he knew it, all the gymnasts were gone and Payson was waiting by the door, an expectant look on her face.
"Ready?" The way she looked at him made him think she could probably feel his reluctance. He'd held two of his gymnasts at least half an hour later than he usually would, just to keep Payson with him a little longer. Sasha knew that he would still see her every day, but it would be different than having her living in his house.
"Yeah, let's go," he said, a little forlorn.
They drove halfway across town to the only daycare Payson could find that she was happy with and picked up Harper, who ran screaming for Payson as soon as she saw her Mommy through the window. Then they drove back to Sasha's apartment, Harper babbling happily in the back seat, and loaded up their bags. After that, it was off to the Keeler house they went.
Sasha hadn't seen Mark or Kim in a long time, probably since Payson's wedding, though he and Kim had been exchanging emails over the last few years and he was excited to see the woman who had become his friend in Payson's years at the Rock.
"My mom is going to be happy to see you," Payson said as they pulled up outside. "She says you never come by anymore."
"I've been busy. At The Rock," Sasha said half-heartedly. Payson rolled her eyes.
"Right. So very busy at The Rock."
"Maybe I'll start coming 'round more," he said, glancing at Payson for her reaction.
"She'd like that."
Payson unbuckled Harper and set her on her feet, giving her a gentle push in the direction of the front door. The tot started running across the front lawn, screaming happily about grandma and grandpa, and Sasha quickly pulled Payson's suitcase out of the back so they could follow.
The door flew open and Kim appeared, beaming as she scooped Harper into her arms.
"Oh, my girls are home!" Kim cried, hugging her granddaughter tightly and then passing her off to Mark before practically tackling Payson.
"Sasha, good to see you," Mark said, pulling Sasha's eyes away from Payson.
"Mark. How was your trip?" Mark smiled and glanced towards Kim, which told Sasha all he needed to know.
"Sasha! Thank you so much for taking care of Payson these last few days," Kim said, as she and Payson came to stand next to them. Harper toddled in between the four of them, pushing around Mark's legs to get inside the house.
"Anytime," Sasha replied. He glanced towards his truck and thought about how best to make a smooth getaway. So much time lingering around Payson, knowing he'd have to leave her there, was gnawing at his stomach.
"Would you like to stay for dinner? It would be nice to catch up," Kim said, sticking her bottom lip out a little in a pleading look. Sasha looked to Payson, meeting her eyes.
"Please stay, Sasha. I've been taking over your apartment for days, the least we could do is feed you," she whispered, smiling tentatively. He was lost.
"I'd love to."
Kim ushered everyone inside, Mark and Sasha taking Payson's bags to her old room and Payson going straight for Harper, who was doing her best to climb up the bookcase and grab a small figurine. Kim went for the oven, pulling out a delicious smelling lasagna.
"Sasha, I really can't thank you enough for letting Payson stay with you," Kim said from the kitchen. He watched as Payson pulled out plates, handing him a stack, and then gathered silverware to set out.
"It's really no problem."
"Did she tell you…?" Kim asked carefully, glancing at Payson, who nodded.
"I told him, Mom," Payson sighed. Kim shook her head.
"I'm just so…mad. Jeffrey had everyone fooled," Kim hissed, cutting into the lasagna with a little more force than necessary.
"Everyone except Sasha," Mark said, appearing from Payson's room. Sasha frowned to himself as Payson's head snapped towards him.
"What are you talking about?" Payson asked. Sasha sighed.
#
New York City, 2012 - 6 months post Olympics
"Sasha!" He turned to see Payson gliding towards him in a long, silver dress that sparkled with every swing of her hips. He smiled and reached out to pull her into a hug, breathing in deeply. She smelled like home; familiar and comforting.
"Payson, so good to see you." Payson pulled back, keeping her hands on his shoulders and smiling brightly. He couldn't help but smile back, her mood was contagious like that.
"I want you to meet someone," Payson said excitedly. Her hands drifted down his arms until one of her hands clasped around his, and then she was urging him across the crowded room. Sasha glanced at all the gymnastics big-wigs surrounding them; Ellen Beals and Marcus, Marty, several other big name coaches and NGO officials. He hated gymnastics publicity events, but Kim had told him that Payson would be there, and he was sold.
"Who's this mystery person I'm supposed to meet?" Sasha asked, laughing. He and Payson were closing in on the bar, where there were only a few people sitting. Payson stopped behind one, a blonde haired man that could have been him from behind, and slid her hand over his neck.
"Jeffrey," she said. The man set down his drink and turned to them, one hand going to Payson's hip.
"Hey baby," he said. Sasha's jaw tightened as he watched Jeffrey touch Payson with an intimacy he hadn't wanted to associate with any of his gymnasts, least of all the one he was in love with.
"Sasha, this is my boyfriend Jeffrey. Jeffrey, this is my coach," Payson introduced. Sasha offered his hand politely, though it almost caused him physical pain.
"Pleasure," he managed to grind out between clenched teeth.
"Same." Payson smiled between the two and then someone, it sounded like Emily, called her name.
"Okay, you two get to know each other. I'll be right back." Payson disappeared, leaving Sasha and Jeffrey to stare at each other.
"So, how long have you and Payson been dating?" Sasha asked, even though he didn't want to hear the answer.
"Since just after the Olympics, so six months I guess," Jeffrey responded, his eyes following someone across the room. Sasha turned to see where Payson was headed now, but she was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Jeffrey's eyes were glued to Lauren as she sashayed through the crowd in a barely-there mini dress. He frowned.
"And how did you meet? It's funny she hasn't mentioned you before now," Sasha said, hoping Jeffrey would realize it as the jab it was supposed to be.
"I'm a talent agent. Payson was at a premier for one of my client's films a month or so before the Olympics and we started chatting. Things went from there I guess."
Payson reappeared then and Jeffrey whisked her off to dance, leaving Sasha staring at the space where she'd been. He ordered a Scotch, he'd need it if he had to watch Jeffrey touch Payson all night, and then leaned back against the bar to survey the room.
"They grow up fast, huh?" Marty said as he came to stand next to Sasha, ordering a drink of his own.
"You got that right, mate," Sasha sighed. Marty followed Sasha's gaze to where it was resting on Payson as she moved easily in Jeffrey's arms.
"That Payson's boyfriend?"
"Yes. I don't like him…his eyes have been straying all night," Sasha grumbled.
"You think he's gonna break her heart?" Marty asked.
"Yes."
"You know she's eventually going to ask you what you think of him," Marty reminded him. "What are you going to say?"
"I can't very well lie to her, can I?"
"You can't tell her the truth either. She's a young girl, man, she's going to get her heart broken. Best not to alienate her now, so you can be there to pick up the pieces later."
Together they watched their gymnast dance with Jeffrey until she was pulled away for some publicity photos with the rest of the Olympic team. Sasha almost couldn't stand how happy she looked, leaning in to kiss Jeffrey and laughing as her teammates dragged her away. She was so open, much less guarded than she had been when she was training at The Rock, but Sasha didn't think it had anything to do with Jeffrey. At least he hoped it didn't.
Jeffrey came back to the bar, but not his previous spot. Instead he wandered up to a striking brunette, ordering a drink and smiling at her. Sasha nearly growled as he caught sight of the brunette slipping her phone number into Jeffrey's jacket pocket. He set his drink down on the bar with a little more force than was necessary and started for the wanker.
"Sasha," Marty warned.
"What? I won't hit him," Sasha promised. And he wouldn't; Jeffrey would probably find a way to make Payson mad at Sasha instead of letting her find out why he'd hit him, so Sasha was going to keep his fists to himself. For now.
"Mr. Belov," Jeffrey said flatly. "Payson's over there."
"I'm not looking for Payson. Excuse us, Miss." Sasha grabbed Jeffrey by the arm, pulling him towards the corner of the room where they were less likely to be noticed.
"What the hell are you doing?" Jeffrey hissed, yanking his arm away.
"Just having a friendly chat," Sasha said lightly. Then he narrowed his eyes at Jeffrey."I know you think I'm just Payson's old coach, but I probably know her better than anyone at this point, and I know that right now she's blind to what you're doing."
"And what exactly is it that I'm doing?"
"You know what you're doing, and if what you're doing ever causes Payson even one moment of heartache, you'll have me to deal with. Got it, mate?" Sasha said, doing his best to intimidate the man.
"Well, aren't you just her knight in shining armor? I've got Payson taken care of, don't you worry," Jeffrey said, tossing Sasha a snarky smile. "See you around, Coach."
#
Sasha had been watching the color slowly drain from Payson's face as he relayed the encounter with Jeffrey and it made his heart hurt. The last thing he wanted was to cause her more pain.
"And how did you know about this, Dad? You weren't even at that event," Payson said softly, her eyes unfocused.
"Marty sent me an email, said that I might want to keep Sasha and Jeffrey away from one another," Mark answered. Payson turned her gaze back to Sasha.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Would you have listened?" Payson paused, seeming to deflate as her shoulders rolled forward and her back hunched.
"No."
"That's what I thought."
#
"Thank you for dinner, but I really need to be going," Sasha said after his second cup of post-dessert coffee. Payson was amazed at how smoothly the rest of dinner had gone, after Sasha told her that her husband had probably been cheating on her before they were even engaged. She'd felt duped, but reminded herself that it wasn't Sasha's fault. And once her mother had steered the conversation in a more neutral direction, the evening had actually been a lot of fun. Payson hadn't realized how much she missed Sasha's constant presence in her life until she had it back.
"I'll walk you out," Payson said, standing and following Sasha down the hallway. They both moved slowly, unwilling to leave each other.
"Thanks for staying, I know it made my mom really happy," Payson said. She didn't want to tell him that it also made her really happy. "And I know I've said this a million times already, but thank you for letting Harper and I stay with you." Sasha opened the door and let her through first before pulling it shut behind him.
"I enjoyed it," Sasha said. "Payson…I'm glad you're back. Whatever the circumstances."
"Thank you. You didn't have to help me out, but you did. You've always come through for me Sasha."
Payson felt like a sap saying that, even though it was all true. Her parents aside, no one had ever stood by her so staunchly as Sasha, and she thought it was important that he know that. Sasha leaned towards her and then back, like he'd changed his mind about something. Then he leaned in again and slowly brushed his lips over her cheek.
"Goodnight, Payson."
Payson frowned at the thrill that went through her as his breath tickled her ear. As he walked towards his truck, she reached up and traced the spot on her cheek that still burned from the touch of his lips.
"Goodnight."
A/N: HOLY COW! You guys are incredible! Twenty reviews in one chapter is absolutely, without a doubt the highest number of reviews I've ever gotten for a single chapter of anything. I can't even explain how happy I was to see all of them! Thank you to xxCrimexObsessedxPrincessxx, PSawyer22, als, justxsmile, iheartcam, shekinah, JacenLukeSolo, BlueSkyHigh, Lemurqueen, Elli-Wyatt, kdhansen22, Ida-cullen, JCI, Katie, BearyFunny66, Holliday Girl, mnmgirl, crazylady789, and AndromedaJane for your reviews!
I hope you all enjoy Chapter 2, and that you're all having a happy Easter! Review please!