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Dedication: Efferlast for the amazing cover! Thank you!

Recap:

"That's rough. When did you see her last?"

"Last night, actually," I sighed. "We didn't really talk."

He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "It's okay, Grace. You have me now. And I'm not going to leave."

I felt my eyes turn wet again. "Thanks Harvey."

"No problem."

I drew closer to him and sighed.

Maybe this night wasn't so horrible, after all.

-----------------

My hand slaps the cool tiles and a rush of exhilaration floods through me.

Emerging, a smile of triumph stretched across my face, I grin up at Coach who is mirroring my gleaming grin back to me.

Although I feel and probably look like a drowned rat, I know I just broke my own record. I could feel it in my veins.

"Am I good, or am I good?" I smirk, hoisting myself up so I'm propped on my elbows.

"Excellent," he comments with an impressed nod. "Keep that up and you are going to smash the try outs."

"That's what I want to hear!"

"Come on, let's go do some cool down exercises. Don't want to overwork you, with try outs this Thursday."

I dive underneath the lane dividers and paddle towards the steps.

Glancing to him, I notice Ashton watching me quietly.

"What's first?" I ask, choosing not to think about his eyes and where they're focusing.

"Stretch your arms."

Stretching one arm out in front of me, I hooked my other underneath and pull it towards me. I repeat the movement on the other arm. I follow him as he does a few side stretches and lunges. 

After touching my toes, I straighten and let out a slight gasp at Ashton's proximity. His eyes are trained on my lips. 

Reaching out, he brushes a loose tendril of hair off my face. His long, slender fingers brush my skin. His hand cups my cheek and I move my head into his hand, seeking his warmth.

"Think I'm good enough to get on the team?" I whisper, biting my lip softly as I stare into his dark eyes.

"There's no doubt in my mind," he murmurs. "You're incredible."

***

Ever since my dream-like moment with the Coach, I have been soaring on Cloud Nine ever since.

With my chin planted in my palm, I gaze trance-like at the board.

"Hey," Harvey says, leaning over and lightly flicking me on the nose. "Anybody home?"

"Huh?"

"Class is over, loser," he snickers, slamming his textbook shut.

Blinking, I stare around, noticing everyone is packing up.

"What's got you off with the fairies?" he asks, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

Golden locks, deep brown eyes and a chiseled jaw materialised in my mind. I'm embarrassed to admit a goofy grin spread across my face.

"Hello?" Harvey asks, waving his hand in front of my face.

"Er- It's just the swim tryouts," I lie lamely. I don't want to admit that I am crushing on the Coach, considering Harvey already drilled me about staying the night at his. Plus, he was very sweet to me last week, after the horrible dinner with his family. "They're this Thursday, remember?"

"Right," he says sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "How could I forget?"

"I love that you're always my number one supporter," I tease, shoving him playfully as we walk out to the hallway.

"Looks like I was right Mia," a loud and obnoxious voice called, purposely loud enough for myself and Harvey to hear. "She's with the dork."

My laughter died down as I stared at Mike, who is stood a little way from us, a sleazy smirk on his face.

"Nah," Mia sneers. "I still think she's trying to screw the Coach for a spot on the team. She just needs a friend."

"Wow," I say loudly, rolling my eyes. "Don't you have anything better to do with your time than analyse my life?"

"It's just so pathetic," Mia sighs, placing a hand theatrically on her chest.

"Says the girl who is pining after the swim team captain, who doesn't feel the same way, so she has to settle for this," I counter, motioning towards a furious looking Mike. "The prawn of our year."

Flashing her a broad grin, I reach for Harvey's hand and tug him after him. My eyes connect with Hayden's as he leans nonchalantly against his locker. His face is impassive as he stares back at me. 

"Sassy thing you are," Harvey laughs. "I can't think quick like you."

"It's a gift, what can I say?"

"You getting nervous for the try outs?" he asks as we make our way towards a table outside.

I inhale the fresh air and openly welcome it. The classrooms get so stuffy, I appreciate eating lunch outside, not in the cafeteria.

"Nope," I gloat, brushing a bit of hair from my face. I pause, smiling to myself as I think back to when Coach did the same thing. "I'm feeling really good about it."

"You're going to smash it," he grins, throwing a thumbs up in my direction.

That's what Ashton said, too.

He sits heavily on the bench and I follow suit. I shrug off my hideous coat and roll the sleeves of my shirt up, wanting to feel the sun rays on my skin. I loosen my tie and immediately feel myself relax.

Harvey withdraws a chicken sandwich from his bag and then another, before passing it to me.

I give him a questioning look.

"I made it for you."

"Why did you do that?" I ask, quirking an eyebrow.

"Because you always bring chips or something. You should enjoy a good, homemade sandwich."

"Aw," I coo, nudging him. "You're so thoughtful. Thank you."

"If you're going to be the best swimmer, you need to fuel yourself," he states matter-of-factly, taking a bite of his own sandwich.

"Look at you, being all supportive," I grin. "I knew you had it in you."

"I don't agree joining the swim team," he points out. "But I support your decision as your best friend."

"Best friend?" I smile.

"Yes, your best friend."

"Yay!"

"Shut up," he laughs. "Now eat your food."

I fake gasp. "I am so proud."

"You're a dork."

Unable to keep the huge grin off my face, I take a big bite.

"You holding up okay?"

"Yeah?" I ask, a mouth full of food.

"Charming," he laughs, shaking his head at me. "I mean, about what happened the other night."

"What?"

"Dinner," he says slowly. "I had no idea that happened to you. The car accident."

I place my sandwich down. "It's not something I really go around sharing."

"You can talk to me about it, whenever you like."

"Thanks Harv."

"I'm sorry for my nosy parents. I will never torture you with their presence again."

I wave him off. "It's fine, they just bought up a subject I'm not okay talking about."

"I bet you miss him a lot," Harvey murmurs quietly, giving me a sympathetic smile.

"Every day," I reply, giving him a wan smile.

"Lucky you're tough."

"Totally."

I look down at my sandwich, not feeling quite as hungry now. Getting the hint, Harvey decided to change the subject.

"Whatcha' doing this afternoon?" Harvey asks, finishing off his sandwich.

"Swim practise."

"Didn't you already practise this morning?" he asks, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Yeah?"

"Aren't you going to, like, overexert yourself?"

"I'm determined to get what I want and besides, I beat my own record this morning. I want to do it again."

"I wish I was as motivated as you," he sighs. "I can't even convince myself to go for a run."

"Okay, let's start running after school then. Well, after swimming, that is."

"Oh God," he groans. "What have I just got myself into?"

I give him a slow grin, wiggling my eyebrows.

"No take-backs."

***

"Twice in one day," Ashton smirked. "Am I irresistible or what?"

Oh hell yeah.

"Pfft," I scoff, rolling my eyes. "You wish. You just happen to always be around the pool. Almost like you're waiting for me?"

"Oh really? Waiting for you?"

"Don't blame you, really."

I offer him a flirtatious smirk, before shouldering past him. I make my way into the change room.

As I take a step into the doorway, Hayden shoves past me roughly.

"Ow," I complain loudly.

I merge left, towards the ladies' room and Mia is there, her arms folded across her chest. She gives me a dirty look, before making over-the-top throwing up gestures.

I cock my head to the side as I stare at her.

"Feeling ill?"

"No," she bites back hotly, glaring at me. "I'm sick from your try-hard flirting."

I snort. "Could have fooled me."

"You're pathetic."

"Is that your favourite word?" I retort, mirroring her stance.

"I'm warning you," she snarls, stepping towards me. "Don't try out for the swim team. You'll regret it."

"Oh, I'm shaking," I snarl back, narrowing my eyes.

"You should be."

"Because you might kick me in the shin?" I mock gasped, covering my mouth dramatically. "That's all you can reach right?"

Her cheeks burn a scarlet colour. I really shouldn't make fun of the fact she resembles a small, Barbie doll but she just makes it too hard to resist.

I let out a laugh as she opens and closes her mouth a few times, looking like a gaping fish. It makes me immensely happy that she has no come back for that.

Plastering a smile on my face, I push past her and make my way into a cubicle.

I so don't regret stealing her timesheets.

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Do you think Grace should be taking Mia's threats a little more seriously, or do you think Mia is just trying to scare her from trying out for the team?

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