As Good as My Coach

By Angie Thompson

True excellence comes with a price...

Eva has never doubted her coach's ability, but a startling conversation leaves her mind racing with questions. Are the girls' suspicions true? Why won't Alexei let her compete? And how can she learn to be her best without a better coach?

When her preoccupation leads her into danger, Alexei steps in, and Eva is forced to make a choice. Will she follow a fleeting dream or embrace the lessons her coach can teach?

A short story

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quiet Waters Press
• Release date: Jul 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781951001032

Angie Thompson

An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and five siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, nine nephews, and several assorted pets! Get in touch with her by emailing [e-mail]. Love getting the behind-the-scenes scoop? You’ll find it and more at quietwaterspress.com.

Book preview

As Good as My Coach

Angie Thompson

––––––––

Quiet Waters Press

Lynchburg, Virginia

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

As Good as My Coach

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About the Author

To all the wonderful friends I made in Russia. I see Alexei in every one of you.

And for Nate.

Special thanks to Katja for her invaluable help in choosing the title and to my wonderfully patient design team who stuck with me through multiple rounds of covers!

Papi’s old car stops with a loud clunk as he pulls it into a parking space.

"Ah, mi bonita, you will rest a while and then you are good as new, sí?" Papi pats the car gently as I open my seatbelt. He speaks to the car more and more as it gets older and louder, the same way he speaks to our kitchen things and his work tools. It is silly, but it is Papi, and everyone loves him, especially me.

Mama died when I was seven, so Papi and I are alone, but he never lets me feel lonely. When we moved from Puerto Rico a year later, Papi found a job cleaning at my school so we can be home together. After I finish my homework, he always finds something special for us to do before we go to Rising Star Gymnastics Center. But it is