Chapter 36

• He slips away, leaving me to wander around the penthouse in a giddy daze. I unpack, I explore a little more, and I make myself a sandwich made of the most upscale ingredients I’ve ever seen outside of a fancy restaurant. I take a long, leisurely soak in a clawfoot tub while listening to music. I take my time drying off and lounging around in a fluffy white robe provided for me. After a while, I video-call my family back home. I have a great time catching up with my mom, dad, and two older sisters. I walk around and show them some of the penthouse, which they all find deeply impressive. My sisters, both athletes in their own right, are excited for me but a little bit jealous. My mom reminds me to be careful, my dad tells me to work hard and do what Coach Nick says. I’ll have no problem doing that-- in fact, I would do just about anything Coach wants. In or out of the studio.
• When I hear Coach Nick arrive back at the apartment, I quickly hang up the call with my family and listen for his footsteps. I realize that it’s been several hours, and it’s now dark outside, although the city continues to glow like dense stars in the darkness.
• I hear Coach walking across the apartment and the soft jangle of keys. I hop up off my bed and hurry out into the hall to intercept him as he comes toward the bedrooms.