Stronger (The University of Gatica #4) Read Free

fuck? How did it happen? I know you, and making mistakes on your timing and rotation isn't likely."
    "I saw something move in my peripheral. I glanced to see what as I was mid-air. It threw off everything. I knew it the minute it happened too. I just couldn't correct it." She shrugged, a shaky breath lifting from her.
    "At least surgery wasn't the only option."
    "Agreed, but it's next on the docket if I can't heal on my own."
    "The doc’ll give you a good plan of action, just make sure you stick to it. Don't mess around with it at all. Do your workouts and strength exercises just like he prescribes. This freshman in high school a few years back had something similar happen to him and he overdid it, snapped the ACL like a rubber band under pressure."
    "Thanks, Jani. Always the one to help ease my nerves." Chrissy rolled her eyes and snorted.
    "What? I'm just saying. You need to be spot on with the doc's advice. No 'I can do a few more because I'm Chrissy Harris, a track goddess'."
    "Yeah, feels like I'm something special right now." She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. "I'm more nervous about having to spend Christmas here on my own than getting back on the track."
    "The holidays will keep this place quiet. You can focus on healing then. You won't have to deal with anyone."
    “Except sweet Jamie.”
    “Who?”
    Chrissy opened her eyes, her brow lifting. "The weight room coach, Jamie."
    "Oh, yeah. He’s sweet, though."
    "Sweetie isn't the name I would necessarily give him. He's a cool guy, but no teddy bear. He works with football players. He’s going to make sure I do absolutely everything I’m supposed to. No love."
    Jani reached out and squeezed Chrissy's hand in hers. "He’ll give you tough love. He’ll push you, but make sure you do it on your own time. It's going to make you stronger so this doesn't happen again."
    "Stronger? Why does that sound like a death sentence?"
    "You're just tired. Let's talk about something else. I’ve some juicy news."
    The door opened and Elizabeth walked in. She lifted the glass of water in the air and smiled. "I have victory. There was ice in the machine down the hall. First time since I got here a few weeks ago."
    "Get over here. Jani has juicy info to share with us."
    Elizabeth picked up the backpack and sat on her bed. Jani took the glass of water as Elizabeth dug out a small bottle of pills.
    "There are only a few in here. Don't you need more?"
    "The doc called them in. I'll get them later. I just needed a few samples to get through the weekend. Pharmacy on campus’ll open again on Monday." Chrissy carefully leaned onto her elbow, taking the pill and popping it in her mouth. A quick sip of water and the world would soon be right.
    "Juicy gossip time!" Jani announced, bouncing on the bed. Chrissy growled and reached down to push at her friend.
    "Watch the movement. Go sit with Elizabeth."
    Jani moved, the smile on her face contagious. She tucked her long legs under her and tugged at a short strand of brown hair as a knowing giggle spilled from her lips. "So there's a new hottie on campus in the athletic department. And guess whose son he is?"
    "Coach Phillips’?" Chrissy smiled, unable to help herself.
    "What? You already know? Damn..." Jani's smile dropped and Chrissy immediately wished she had just kept the information to herself. "It's because of Jason, right?"
    "Yeah, he was bitching about the new guy. He said coach’s son was coming here for a while, but he's injured too."
    "So, you're going to both be working in physical therapy in the gym over Christmas?" Elizabeth asked.
    "Sounds like a recipe for love..." Jani wagged her eyebrows and giggled again.
    "Or disaster. I'm not interested." Chrissy picked up her phone and sent a quick text to Aileen to let her know she was beat up, but still kicking... with one leg… sort of.
    "Chrissy, you need to get over Brent. It's been more than a year since you guys broke up," Jani spoke, crossing her arms over her chest.
    "I'm