Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

I Love the Feeling of Running Track

Charlotte

“Charlie, I’d like to have a chat with you,” Coach says as we make our way into the hotel.

I had gone with Ruby for a walk around the Harvard campus.

“Sure, Coach.”

We checked in a little earlier and we were given a couple hours to relax.

Coach takes a deep breath. “Your numbers are good, Charlie. Like really good.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I reply. I think I know where this is going. There are a few students on the team who are gunning for a spot with Team USA. Coach was hoping I would be one of those students trying out, but I never planned on making running into a career. I was supposed to be in social media working for a team. Now with my life on the verge of shambles, I may lose my internship and have to return to school to complete a fifth year.

“I want you to consider joining Esa and Christina for extra practices. I do believe you have a shot at making Team USA. It could be a life changer,” she says. Coach Angela Rutledge came from a poor background like me. She got into a college D1 track and field team and eventually took a bronze medal for Team USA. What she is saying is that joining the Olympic team could change my life forever.

“Did the Dean speak with you too?” I ask.

She presses her lips together. Coach Angela is a tough coach. She pushes you to be your best, but she also has heart. “I was asked some questions about your performance this season, and I told Dean Anderson you’re having an exceptional year and you have been shortlisted for the Bowerman Award this year.”

My eyes pop. “When did you find out?” Excitement bolts through me. The Bowerman Award is only the most prestigious award in track and field.

“Yesterday.” She blinks. “With leaving Riverside for the meet, the news kind of got put on the back burner. Sorry about that, but I plan to give you your moment of glory in my meet pre-talk this afternoon.”

“That’s. . .wow.” I’m speechless.

“You’re a hard worker, Charlie. I told the Dean I was surprised to even hear there was an investigation,” she says.

I look away feeling ashamed. “I don’t know how I got mixed up with my ex. He isn’t a good guy, and he’s really bent on causing me trouble.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Her lips turn down.

“Thanks.”

“And Finn Heaton and you, is there a relationship? Or has there been inappropriate conduct? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I sometimes question the rules myself. People in a work relationship can develop feelings. I appreciate the school is looking out for the integrity of the work being done at the university, but placing young people together could mean that sparks can fly.”

“It’s not like that, Coach Angela. I met Finn the night I found out Raphael was a big cheater. I was humiliated and tried to get away from him, and Finn came to my rescue. I didn’t know who he was. I thought I was getting placed with the basketball team and due to a last minute conflict, I was placed with the hockey team, but I met Finn prior to my placement and we aren’t together. If anything, he has become a good friend.”

I hate how the lying comes so easy to me. Even though it isn’t all a lie. Finn has had my back from the moment we met. Sure, there have been sparks flying between us but he’s proven he is there for me, and I can’t say that about too many people in my life. Maybe that’s why I am lying because I want to be able to stay close with Finn. Working for the team has been a great experience and how can we be faulted if we met before the internship began?

“I see.” She doesn’t give away what she is thinking of my response, and it makes my stomach sink. “I’d still like you to consider joining Esa and Christina for the extra practices. If you are named the Bowerman winner, it really is a life changer. I don’t see why the team wouldn’t take you. It’s good to keep your options open, just in case things fall through with the internship.”

Something tells me Coach can read my lies but maybe I am just being paranoid. This whole situation isn’t sitting right with me. I am not a liar. I’m as honest as it gets and this whole situation sucks. Why did I have to meet Finn the way I did? Even though I am grateful for having him in my life.

“You’re right, Coach. I should keep my options open. Can you give me some time to think on it?” I ask.

“Of course, Charlie. You know I want what’s best for you,” she says, squeezing my arm. I feel like I have been in survival mode most of my life and Coach Angela just gets me.

“I appreciate it so much,” I tell her. She has really helped me develop into the runner I am today.

I head up to my room and find Ruby texting on the bed.

“What did Coach want?” she asks, tucking her phone away.

“I’m on the shortlist for the Bowerman,” I reply to her.

“Holy shit, Charlie.” She bounces up to a seated position then stands on the bed. “That’s freaking fantastic.” She jumps on the bed then hops off and hugs me.

She lands on me with an oomph.

“Thanks.” I laugh. “I’m not a winner yet.”

“But just to be considered. . .”

“It’s pretty cool,” I agree. “She also wants me to join Esa and Christina for extra training so I can try out for Team USA in the spring.”

“Look at you becoming a superstar.” Ruby giggles. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Rubes, but I never planned on making a career out of running,” I say.

“But running is your happy place. You tell me that all the time,” she reminds.

She isn’t wrong. I love the feeling of running track. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor meet, there is something in the air when we compete that gets my blood flowing.

“I’ve worked hard on my degree. And the Dean spoke with Coach. They are taking this whole investigation pretty seriously. I can’t believe it. I’ve been lying to everyone, Ruby, and I feel like shit about it. But I won’t screw Finn over and if you think about the situation, it isn’t fair. I met Finn before the internship started and Raph is the one who should be in trouble, he’s the cheating asshole. I don’t know why he’s doing this to me.”

“Because he’s a bad person,” Ruby snarls, batting her lashes.

Her response makes me laugh, even with tears in my eyes.

“Oh, Charlie, the whole situation isn’t fair, but you need to speak with Finn and come up with a plan,” she urges, placing an arm around my shoulder.

“I couldn’t get a hold of him last night, and I am sure he must have found out about this whole debacle during morning skate. I hope Coach Heaton isn’t going to come down hard on him.”

“Isn’t he his brother?” Ruby asks.

“Yes, but he seems very strict with Finn. Like he expects nothing but the best from him,” I explain.

“Damn.”

“Yeah, I just need to get through the meet today and, hopefully, I’ll get a hold of Finn when we get home,” I say to her.

“Isn’t it weird that the hockey house has become home?” she asks with a giddy smile.

“It really is. This whole year has been very unexpected.”

“And it’s just the beginning.”

“Which is scary,” I reply.

“What are you going to do about trying out for Team USA?” she asks.

“I don’t know. I’ll talk with my dad when we get back to town. It would mean I would see him less than I already do.” I sigh.

“It must be so tough. Maybe eventually he can move closer to Michigan,” she suggests.

“That was the plan after I graduated and got a full-time job. My screwup with Finn is costing me,” I say to her.

“Nah, I’d like to believe everything happens for a reason,” she replies.

“I wish I could be as optimistic as you.”

“You’ll get there. You just need to have enough reason,” she replies. “Now get that champion ass of yours moving. We don’t want to miss the bus to the stadium.”