Just Friends, Right? — Grant Mercer's First Cut

The next morning, Caleb drove me to camp. He stopped outside the gates. Call me after practice. Even if I am terrible? I kissed him quickly and walked inside.

Especially then. Twenty athletes stood beneath ten Team USA flags. One woman wore the captain jacket. Avery Cole.

Two world titles. Millions of followers. Perfect smile. You are Mia Bennett?

That depends. And, are you a fan? She laughed. I saw the old video.

Her gaze dropped to my body. Team USA needs athletes, not inspirational stories. Coach Brooks blew me with him. Your first cut starts now.

Grant Mercer, two-time world champion. Grant looked at me, then at the roster. I was assigned to Avery. Today you are assigned to Mia.

His jaw tightened. I held out my hands. Problem? I need your weight.

The room quieted. Old shame crawled up my throat. Then I remembered the national trophy in my bag.