Healing Us: Sports Romance, A Comeback Uncovers Love by Abi Josselyn Read Free Book Online Page A

used to having a roommate. She came out
refreshed and they walked to the track.
     
    “I attacked you in every possible way yesterday, Beth and I
can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. I was looking for a punching bag and
there you were.”
     
    “Why were you seeking a target Heather. If something’s
wrong, you can talk to me instead of attacking me.”
     
    “I have never run in international competition and being on
the world stage is scary. What if I crack under the pressure of representing my
country? I was having a freak out moment and I’m sorry.”
     
    “It’s cool Heather as long as it doesn’t happen again. I
would advise you to seek the help of one of the sport’s psychologists that they
have on staff here at Apex. Dr. Walsh has been extraordinary and I don’t think
I’d still be in Utah without her support. You were hyped up yesterday Heather
and I think you should double check the supplements you’re taking.”
     
    “The things that I put in my body are not something I’m
going to discuss. Yesterday, I had four cups of coffee because I was with a
friend who kept refilling my mug. I’m not used to caffeine and it had a
horrible effect.” Heather said as she took a swig from her insulated mug, which
smelled an awful lot like coffee. “Regarding Ben, I do caution you to look out
for him and it’s just friendly advice. He’s aloof as if he’s hiding something
and the only time he smiles is when he’s talking to Lizzie.”
     
    “Ben’s going to be leaving Apex to tend to some personal
family business. Please don’t go around spreading rumors about him because he
means a great deal to me.” Beth saw Ben as soon as they got to the track. Beth
and he locked eyes and her heart palpitated. “Here we are. I’m glad we cleared
the air and I’ll catch up with you later.”
     
    It took everything for Beth not to run to into Ben’s arms
but they had decided to play it cool. There were a lot of people who still
thought he had a girlfriend named Lizzie. Beth picked up her pace so she would
have a few moments with him before meeting with Seth.
     
    “You look relaxed. Did you speak with Seth?” Beth asked. Ben
wasn’t wearing his Apex gear and he was in jeans so she figured he had.
     
    “I did and he was cool like I knew he would be. He has a new
therapist who’s been chomping at the bit to join the team. Don’t know a thing
about the person but I guess he or she is very capable. I said you would
respond best to a female PT because she would know how to deal better with a
female athlete. It was BS and he knew it but he said that he’d try.”
     
    “When do you leave for Colorado?” Beth asked.
     
    “I take off in an hour.” Ben grabbed Beth’s hand and
squeezed it. “I called my niece and told her that I was coming home and she
squealed so loud that my eardrum nearly broke. She asked why and I told he that
a little bird whispered in my ear and told me it was the right thing to do.”
Ben laughed. “I’ll tell her all about you when I get the chance. She’ll love
seeing you on the podium with your gold medal.”
     
    “It won’t be the same at Apex without you. I actually looked
forward to PT even on the days that you pushed me to the limit.”
     
    “It was all due to your dedication and determination. I hope
you come back to Utah and we can see each other but I don’t want you to pass up
any opportunities for me. If the right man comes your way grab him even if I’ll
be jealous. I want you to be happy most of all Beth.”
     
    “We’ll see but he would have to me pretty special to make me
forget about you. I’m so happy that you’re going back to be the parent that
Lizzie needs and deserves but I’m sorry it has to end this way.”
     
    “It’s not ending Beth. We’re entering a new phase in our
lives but we’ll have Skype and email. They won’t make up for the feeling of
your body, which by the way caused me to take several cold showers when I got
home last