Cheater: A Summer Games Short Read (Going for Gold) Read Online Free PDF Page A

name ‘Collette’ just before you want to pull out,” she called from the side of the horse.
    “Who’s Collette?” I thought she’d say it was some famous psychiatrist versed in patience.
    “I’m Collette, and I’ll make you want to stay.”
    In the air, I hesitated long enough to call out her name. Those two syllables were enough to gain my full rotation and stick the landing.
    When I turned around to thank her, she was gone. Coming through the door were Wade and Nick.
    “Alec, good to see you.” Nick wrapped me in a bear hug. “Wade and I were going to go over his floor routine. Do you want to hang out and watch? You may learn something new.”
    Wade rubbed at his jaw, refusing to make eye contact. I smiled. It gave me pleasure knowing that he’d feel that for a day or two.
    “No, Coach. I’ve learned all I need from Wade today. Besides, I’m beat.” I emphasized the word “beat.” “I’m heading over to the cafeteria and then back for a nap. I believe you scheduled floor time for me at seven.” When I’d picked up my key, I also received my schedule. It outlined designated training times, open training times, and the various events I needed to be at.
    “That’s right. I’ll see you at seven.”

    * * *
    W hen I entered the cafeteria , the noise was overwhelming. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people milled about, chatting each other up. Two aisles ahead, Cole waved his arms like a bird. He was sitting with Trent and Steven, the final two gymnasts on Team USA. I scanned the room for Eric and Todd, our alternates. I found them standing in the food line. Todd was smiling like a goofy kid. He’d probably never see the mats, but he was in Rio and enjoying the experience—something I couldn’t help envying.
    With a tray full of chicken breast, green beans, and fresh berries, I walked toward the table Team USA had commandeered. It wasn’t only gymnasts. There were swimmers, wrestlers, archers, divers, golfers, shooters, and runners. But of course it didn’t escape my notice that Bryn was there, sitting at the end with her tear-stained eyes trained on me.
    My stomach knotted with her so near. I wanted to yell, cry, and stomp my feet. Instead, I choked down my dry chicken and listened to everyone talk with excitement about their lives.
    What went right in your day? Mom’s words invaded the space I’d given up to sorrow and self-pity. What had gone right in my day?
    I was in Rio.
    I was an elite athlete who had earned the right to be here.
    I was a Maes, and we didn’t complain—we conquered.
    Intent on living in the moment, I shot a few pictures of my surroundings and sent them to Mom. She said she’d be with me always; why not in the cafeteria too? Still, the heat of Bryn’s stare caused me indigestion. Once I’d finished all the food I could stomach, I said goodbye to my teammates and the new athletes I’d met, and walked around the village. One road led to everything from coffee and ice cream to the medical clinic.
    My phone pinged with a message from Mom: “Don’t forget the bug spray.” The text made me laugh. Zika had been her biggest worry. I imagine it scared a lot of people, and I’d have to be more diligent in applying the spray.
    After I’d made the full circle, I found Wade shirtless and chatting up a girl outside our building. She smiled and giggled while he peacocked in front of her.
    He raised his hand in a cautious wave. I gave him the finger. We might have to be roommates, but we didn’t have to be friends. What we used to have was permanently over.
    Bed sounded pretty good right now. Once I entered my dorm, I headed straight down the hallway, intent on collapsing between the sheets. If I got up at five, I’d have enough time to shower, eat, and be in the gym waiting for Nick. There was no doubt he’d work me hard.
    To my shock, I turned the corner and found Bryn sitting on my bed.
    “Out.” I pointed to the door.
    “Wait, Alec. I need to explain.”
    “Actually,