Chapter 23

After this year, Payson was done with secrets. She was done being afraid of what people thought of her. She was done compartmentalizing her life. She was done settling. That wasn't the way she was going to live her life and it wasn't the example she was going to set for Ally.

The first step in this cleansing process was telling her parents the whole truth about Sasha – the sacrifices he made for her, the support he gave her, and the real relationship they shared. Mrs. Keeler found out in her car after picking up Payson from the airport. She was so stunned that Payson had to switch seats with her and drive them the rest of the way home. Kim didn't speak again until after she listened to Payson retell the whole story to her father.

And here's the odd thing: they didn't hate it. After letting the news sink in and hearing Payson's unfiltered, honest take it was hard not to understand. The Keelers were obviously disappointed that she'd kept this from them, but Payson's openness now was starting to make up for it.

Her father sat back in his seat after he absorbed the news. Mark was a sensible man and he saw the determination in his grown daughter's eyes. He knew that protesting and questioning her feelings was pointless. If there was one thing he knew about his daughter, it was that she stubbornly pursued her goals.

Mark ran his hands through his hair and sighed. "Well, Payson. Next time you fall in love, please don't keep it a secret from us."

Payson grinned.

"There's not going to be a next time, dad."

Sasha Belov was not having a good morning. He woke up late, dropped his toothbrush on the floor, and burned his toast. It that wasn't bad enough, the first person to make contact with him was Ellen Beals. All in all, these individual elements added up to a very disappointing start to a very important day of National Team practice.

"Why are you so late?" Ellen Beals cried when she saw him walking across the parking lot towards the Rock entrance. He tried his best to ignore her, but she was matching him stride for stride and bellowing into his ear. "How irresponsible! Some of the gymnasts and their parents have already arrived. Payson isn't here yet either!"

Sasha paused and turned to her. "Wait – Payson isn't here? Payson is never late. Even when she broke her back, she somehow got here earlier than everyone else."

"Well," Ellen Beals said with agitation. "It appears that she's on Boston time now, because she's not here and we need to get practice started NOW!"

Sasha resisted the urge to point out that if, in fact, Payson were on Boston time she would be extremely early, not slightly late. This, however, was the least of his concerns. Today his goal was to focus on his athletes and make sure that they were prepared for the Worlds trials next month. The last thing he wanted was for them to suffer the consequences of petty politics and National Committee mood swings. He would make this was a fair competition or die trying.

Practice started normally, though Sasha noticed that Nina was off.

"Come here, Nina." He said after she dismounted the beam.

"Yeah, Sasha?"

"What's wrong? You're not performing up to par."

Sasha noticed her look sideways toward the Rock entrance. "I guess I thought Payson would be here." she said.

Sasha sighed. "Nina, there is no reason to be nervous or anxious for Payson's arrival. I'm sure she'll be pleased to see you. You were her gymnast for so long; she's not just going to forget about you. It's not like she's even been gone a long time, so –"

"Sasha." Nina stopped him. An odd smile was creeping up on her face. "I never said I was nervous…I'm just looking forward to seeing her again. That's what I meant."

"Oh." Sasha cleared his throat. "I – uh – that's good." He turned away quickly, hoping that Nina wasn't perceptive enough to notice that he was obviously thrusting his own insecurities on her. He needed some fresh air and he needed it now.

Then, just before his hand could grasp the doorknob that led outside, the it swing open at full force. Sasha jumped back just in time to avoid getting hit in the face.

"Payson?" he croaked with wide eyes.

There was Payson Keeler: Olympic gold medalist, National Team Assistant Coach, mother of one, and love of his life. She was leading a small group of officials into the Rock. There was something determined about her body language. It was positively alluring. Golden hair down and swinging at her shoulders, she turned briefly to Sasha and winked. Payson continued to walk inside the gym. She was headed right for Ellen Beals.

"Ah! Coach Keeler has shown up…" Ellen Beals looked at her watch. "…forty-five minutes late for practice. Considering you only have to make one of these each month, I thought you might take better care to be prompt."

Payson smiled sweetly. "I'm sorry you missed me, Ellen. It won't happen again."

Sasha walked over to the cluster of adults curiously. Athletes around the gym were likewise captivated by the scene. Some stopped outright to stare while others at least feigned concentration on their workouts.

Ellen Beals glanced at the officials surrounding Payson. "Uh – what is this?"

"Oh, these are some representatives from the National Gymnastics Organization. I was late because I picked them up at the airport this morning." Payson explained. "They came to handle some unfortunate circumstances."

"Unfortunate circumstances?" Ellen Beals asked skeptically. "Has one of our girls broken the rules?"

Payson smirked. "Not exactly."

One of the officials placed a thick manila folder in Payson's open hand.

"Sasha," she said, turning to him. His heart jumped when he heard his name escape from Payson's lips. "Would you do me the honor of taking out that packet and reading a few lines from the first page?"

"Uh…sure." Sasha said, stepping forward. He grabbed the folder from her hands, their fingers grazing for a second. Even that slight contact felt like an electric shock.

"Go ahead, Sasha." One of the officials said, nodding toward the packet. "Nice and clear."

Now no one was working out at the Rock or bothering to pretend otherwise. Something juicy was obviously unfolding in their midst.

"It's an email dated in February: Ellen Beals to Keera Donaldson…" Sasha started. "Ms. Donaldson, Your decision to pull away from the sport of gymnastics has distressed the NGO, the National Committee, and myself. I fully empathize with your perspective. I more than anyone understand the trials and sacrifices needed to be an elite gymnast in this country. There are rewards too, Keera." Sasha looked up from the paper with confusion. He noted the red, sour expression on Ellen Beals' face.

He continued. "We at the NGO are willing to compensate for your sacrifices. We still believe that you are the United States' best hope for gold, and we are willing to work with you. All we want is to inspire and encourage you to do your best. For instance, if having your own vehicle will make transportation to and from events and practices easier on you, we can make that happen easily. Also, if you continue your gymnastics I have a list of corporate sponsors who are still very interested in your image. Being on the National Team doesn't have to be without its perks…"

Sasha looked from the paper completely shocked at what he just read. "Are you kidding me?" he asked loudly. "How long have you been doing this, Ellen. Is Keera the first?"

'Whether she's the first, seventh, or tenth – Keera will be the last, we assure you." An official behind Payson said confidently. "What do you have to say, Ellen?"

Ellen Beals rolled her eyes. "Oh please. How can you even prove those came from me? Sasha Belov and Payson Keeler would love to see me fired. How do you know they aren't forged documents?"

"Because the Donaldsons have verified everything in this packet." Payson said seriously. "In fact, Keera was the one who brought this to my attention. You made her very uncomfortable, Ellen."

"This is unacceptable." another NGO official chimed in. "Not only did you attempt to bribe and athlete, you did so under NGO's name. No one knew about any of this, Beals. Where were you going to get this money? I'm assuming the new car wasn't going to come out of your salary."

Ellen Beals' face fell. She didn't respond.

"There are more emails, letters, and testimony from the Donaldsons here." Payson pointed to the folder in Sasha's hand. "You offer everything from TV spots, to sponsorships, to new equipment. Let me tell you - Keera's parents are very unhappy about this. They never liked the idea of their daughter selling her image for money. In fact, they are a lot like my parents were."

Sasha Belov let out a tension-breaking-awkward laugh in the middle of the floor. Everyone's head shifted toward him.

"Sorry!" he said, suppressing his smile. "I'm just admiring the irony. Lord, if I had a nickel for every time that woman lectured me about 'the rules'…"

Payson stared at him, eyes twinkling. She suddenly wished that they were alone. Later, she reminded her herself with comfort. Later.

"I-I need to talk to my lawyer." Ellen Beals said stubbornly.

Payson shrugged. "Fine. It will only prolong the inevitable, though."

Ellen Beals shot panicked looks at the NGO representatives, but no one contradicted the assistant coach. Their silence had an obvious meaning: Ellen Beals' days in the National Committee were over.

With as much class and discretion as possible, the officials told Ellen Beals to gather up her belongs and let the National Team and their coaches practice alone for the day. Payson folded her arms and watched the loose ends tie up perfectly.

"You know –" Ellen Beals turned toward Payson angrily before following her escorts out of the Rock. "This treatment is absolutely unacceptable. I am a National Committee member and I should be shown the respect I deserve!"

"I thought that's what I was doing."

Payson Keeler flashed Ellen Beals her best exaggerated-gymnastics-salute-grin. Sasha had never seen anything more attractive in his entire life.

When the door finally closed behind the four adults, a collective sigh of relief emitted from the entire Rock. It was rare that such dramatics unfolded before 10 a.m.

"Ding-dong, the witch is dead…" Jessica whispered under her breath. Nina giggled.

After a moment of stunned silence, Sasha turned towards his gymnasts. The look on his face wasn't agitated like it had been all month; it was a mixture of amusement, daring, and sincerity.

Sasha Belov was back.

"Well," he asked the National Team calmly. "What are you all waiting for?"

As if turning on a switch, the noise, chatter, and gymnastics continued again.

"So, what's on the agenda today coach?" Payson Keeler was at his side again, right where she belonged.

The corners of Sasha's mouth turned upwards in a sneaky smile. "Train them until they drop and hopefully make this day go by very fast."

"Fast? Why?" she asked, though already knowing the answer.

"Because as soon as these girls to stop tumbling around my gym, you and I are going to talk."

Nina was the last one to leave the gym that night. Payson felt torn. A part of her wanted the gymnast to stay longer and nail her new move. Another larger part of her also wanted to kick Nina out as soon as possible so she could join Sasha in his office.

"I think maybe I should start fresh tomorrow….I'm so close, but I'm so tired." the girl resigned.

Payson's ears perked up. "Yes! I mean, I think that's a wise decision. Tell you what? I promise to help you with it on Monday."

Nina grinned. "Wait…does that mean you're staying?"

Payson glanced up at the lights in Sasha's office. "I really hope so, Nina."

Nina wrapped her arms around Payson warmly. Payson was trying to remember why she'd ever left this place.

A few minutes later Nina was gone. Payson made her way up the familiar stairs to the Rock's main office. She and this site were starting to form an emotional bond. After all, it was the place where Sasha proposed that they date, the site where they'd stolen a few private moments during particularly long days, and the site he eventually fired her. Her stomach started to churn nervously as she finally turned the knob and walked in.

Sasha wasn't at his desk, but on the coach. He wasn't reading or doing paperwork either. He'd just been sitting there…waiting for her.

"Hi." She said, not really knowing what else to open with.

Payson took a seat next to him on the couch. She fiddled with her hands nervously. She just couldn't stay still. Sasha steadied them with his grip. The warmth from his fingers was overwhelming to her. It spread up her arms and into her chest.

"Say something." She commanded gently, looking him in the eye.

"I missed you, Payson."

"Good." She said.

Sasha smirked at her answer. It was very Payson.

"I have a proposition for you." She continued very professionally.

"Oh really? What's that?"

"Us."

Sasha sat back in his seat. "Payson, I want you to really think about –"

"I have." She said seriously. "I've done nothing but think about it all month, Sasha. I understand what you did and why you did it. I really do. Ally needed time with both her parents and Austin needed help getting used to fatherhood. Yes, I'm glad we went to Boston, but it doesn't mean we have to stay there – especially now that Ellen Beals is out of the picture. I'm moving back to Boulder whether you like it or not, Sasha. I'll camp out here everyday if I need to."

Sasha searched her face for any traces of hesitation. "Are you sure about this, Payson?

Payson threw out professionalism and draped her legs over Sasha's lap, scooting closer to him, literally trapping him under her body like an emotional hostage.

"I don't know about you, but I'm tired of making up excuses over why we shouldn't be together. Besides, I think I effectively killed the biggest one today at practice…"

"I must say," Sasha said in awe. "You walking in here confidently and firing Ellen Beals might be one of the sexiest things I've ever seen a woman do." The words escaped from his mouth so quickly, he'd barely registered them in his head. A blush immediately followed his statement.

Payson smirked. "Belov, are you flirting with me?"

"Am I allowed to?" he asked more seriously now. "Is there anyone back in Boston…anyone you love?"

Payson scrunched up her face in thought. "Well… yes. Her name is Allison Keeler."

Sasha suddenly realized how close he and Payson had gotten in just a matter of minutes. It was almost as if their bodies were pulling each other in slowly and painfully – whether or not they noticed or wanted it. It was out of their hands.

"So did I do it?" Payson asked after some silence.

Sasha raised his eyebrow. "What?"

"Prove to you that I wanted it?" She smiled slyly at him. "That I want you…"

Out of instinct, Sasha lifted up his right hand and pushed a stray blond hair out of Payson's face. He gently tucked it behind her ears. Payson's head followed his touch sideways, trying to lengthen the contact between their bodies.

"Someone once told me that wanting something meant going after it wholeheartedly without excuses or hesitation." She continued. "I can't remember who it was though…I guess he wasn't that important."

Sasha smirked. "He sounds like a smart guy. I bet you got a gold medal out of that advice, uh?"

Payson's face softened. Closing more distance between them she leaned her head against him and inserted it in the crook of his neck. It fit there perfectly.

"That's the thing, though…" she said. "I used to think that the gold medal was the event of my life; that is was what I wanted most. I was wrong."

"You were?"

Payson lifted her head up again and locked her eyes with Sasha's.

"I don't think I've ever wanted anything more than I want you."

Payson Keeler had literally taken Sasha's breath away. Her body was intertwined with his, easily connecting like pieces of a puzzle. Just a few years ago she'd been a determined, inspirational sixteen-year-old. Even as a coach Sasha had placed her on a pedestal. He never stopped to consider that she could evolve and become an even better person than she already was. Then again, Payson Keeler was always accomplishing the impossible. Sasha didn't know why he was so surprised.

"So…" Payson huffed and brought her hands up to play with his hair. "Are you going to kiss me, or do I have to do everything today?"

Sasha chuckled, but didn't waste much time. Intertwining his fingers in her hair, he brought her face down to meet his.

Payson opened her mouth eagerly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Sasha took his time, enjoying the savory taste of her that had been denied for weeks. A familiar lavender scent crept into his nose, making him smile against her lips. Payson grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him down to a horizontal position on the couch, allowing their bodies to press together. Payson moaned in satisfaction, finally enjoying reality instead of the many dreams that had sustained her in Boston.

Sasha paused and broke away from her.

"Wait – where are you going to work here in Boulder?"

Payson dropped her jaw and rolled her eyes dramatically. "Very funny, Sasha!"

Before Sasha could laugh at his own joke, Payson had turned the tables on him. She gently pushed him back on the coach and climbed on top of him, pinning him down with her legs. She smiled above him, letting her hair hang down and tickle his chin.

"You don't need any guidance, I see." Sasha said, looking up at her in awe.

Payson leaned down and kissed him lightly. "No, I'm not in the market for a coach. A boyfriend, on the other hand….I could use one of those."

A/N – I know I said this would be the last chapter, but I lied! There's ONE more chapter on its way that mostly exists for my own personal amusement. It also ties up some things concerning Ally and Austin. I will also add a sample from the sequel I've been writing to this piece. Yay! I will feature Sasha/Payson as was well as another interesting couple…=)