Healing Us: Sports Romance, A Comeback Uncovers Love (7 page)

Beth woke to the sound of crackling embers and the sweet
smell of love left behind by she and Ben. She reached for Ben and her hand fell
flat on the empty space. After a moment of panic, she woke up to find Ben
lounging on a plush chair. He had been watching her as she slept.

“Good morning sleepy head. I was willing to sit watching you
sleep for hours because I’ve never see anything so beautiful.” Ben said as he
climbed beneath the sheets and stroked her velvet skin. “I went next door and
bought you a sunrise muffin made with whole grains and agave along with a
strawberry smoothie. Nothing bad for my superstar and future gold medal
winner.”

“Last night was the first time in years that I haven’t
dreamt I was running. Sometimes in my dreams I’ll forget my shoes or run
completely naked and they’re so ridiculous that I wake up laughing.”

“I think we all have dreams where we’re doing something in
the nude. I don’t know why that’s so. I’m usually driving to work and I’ve
forgot to get dressed.” Ben pulled Beth in for a kiss. “My world would be
perfect if I could wake up every day this way but it’s time to get back to the
real world. My flight back to Denver takes off this afternoon.”

“Party pooper,” Beth joked. “I should check in with Seth
because we have to figure out a strategy to beat Su from Ethiopia. That woman
is lightning quick at 30 years old. I’m always saying that I’m nearing the end
of my career but she gives me hope that one can get faster beyond 25.”

“I’ve only seen Su on television and that woman always has a
smile on her face. I believe that a positive attitude has a lot to do with
winning.” Ben put his fingers at the corners of Beth’s mouth and pushed them up
into a smile. “That’s better. Keep it that way because you look beautiful when
you smile.”

“Thank you Ben,” Beth said as she pulled herself out of bed.

“Thanks for what Beth?”

“Thanks for being you, last night and for not once
mentioning Heather. My brain needed a break from everything.”

“I can tell you what my research found if you’re ready to
talk about it.”

“Let’s hop in the tub and you can tell me there,” Beth said
with a devilish grin.

“If you think we can both talk and bathe at the same time –
I’m game.”

Beth giggled as she sashayed to the tub and started running
the water. “It’s a good thing you’re not my physical therapist anymore because
we’d be too tempted during the pool exercises.”

“I just thought about Elijah. He’s not going to be working
with you – is he?”

“No, I mentioned something to Seth about him being an
ex-boyfriend and how I felt uncomfortable.”

“Perfect.” Ben massaged Beth’s back with a loofah as he
spoke. “I looked into your past and you’ve never had a bad drug test. You were
on a lot of banned substances while you were recovering but you went off everything.
According to comments made by physicians, you went of some drugs too early but
you were insistent. Seth asked all of the relevant questions before you were
brought on board. Anything Heather has on you is pure conjecture.”

“What about you. I care more about Lizzie than anything
else.”

“I was a witness for the prosecution in my sister’s case and
I’ve never even been given a parking ticket. In addition, I’d hardly qualify
meth and heroin as PED’s. In order to become Lizzie’s permanent legal guardian,
I had to pass through family services. I was put under a microscope so
Heather’s accusation won’t hold water.”

Beth changed positions so she could get her quads rubbed
down.

“So if I’m hearing you correctly; I should turn Heather and
Elijah into the authorities?”

“Regardless of whether you go to Seth who might let them
just walk away and promise never to compete again or you go to the federation
you’ll still need proof.”

“You mean wear a wire?”

“No, but you have a smartphone and you can record them or
even take some pictures.” Ben laughed. “You’re going to have to channel your
inner James Bond so we can get this over with and you can focus on the
Olympics.”

“Ugh, reality sucks and I wish we could stay in this room
forever.”

“Lizzie and I are travelling across the continent to see you
compete so you have to put this behind you.” Ben smiled.

Beth splashed water in Ben’s face. “You and Lizzie are
coming to the games? I can’t believe you’re just now telling me.”

“It was going to be a surprise but I suck at keeping secrets
when it’s good news.

They finally got out of the tub and checked out with just
enough time for Ben to drop off Beth at her building and race to the airport.
It was hard to say good bye but Beth now had Ben and Lizzie to look forward to
at the games. Her instructions from Ben were clear and she decided once she had
proof, the evidence would be turned over to Seth. Being involved closely with
an international investigation would be too much stress and it would negatively
impact her race.

Beth walked into her suite and was immediately met by
Heather.

“We need to talk but all track and field athletes are to
report to the Bolt track in 30 minutes. You can deliver your diatribe when we
get back tonight. I’m sure you’re going to lecture me on the importance of the
purity of the sport and so on. You don’t know how common the use of PEDs is
Beth and as long as I stay one step ahead of the IDTF then I’m golden.”

“I’m in a good place right now and I can’t say your problems
are at the forefront of my mind. The only thing I feel for you and Elijah is
pity and sadness. I’ll see you at the meeting.”

As they filed into the conference room at the track
facility, no one knew what the subject of the meeting would be. Beth assumed it
would be to congratulate those who were moving on to the Olympics and to take
care of administrative details.  Beth took her seat next to Dixie who made the
team in her hurdle event, which wasn’t a surprise.

“Hey Dixie. I never see you out and about, which I’m sure is
because your busy with your family.”

“Julian is a handful and Samir helps but I’m still very
busy. We’re planning our lives beyond the games, which is stressful. Many
people don’t plan for a career beyond the track and we don’t want to be like
that. Samir got into medical school so now I have to figure out what to do. I
always thought I’d like to coach high school track but who knows.”

“Do you know what’s on the agenda for this meeting?”

“I know only because Samir works at the hospital where the
IDTF has a lab. They are ramping up their testing because word came down that
something suspicious is happening here at Apex. Heads will roll if anyone tests
positive.”

Beth tried to act surprised. “Oh, that’s a shame.”

Seth walked up to the podium and started his speech. He had
a serious look on his face that Beth had rarely seen. “As all of you know,
rumors run rampant around Apex. If I had it my way social media would be banned
on the entire campus. I ignore most of it because I don’t care who’s dating who
but when it concerns a serious issue like PED’s I listen. In my experience
rumors are just that – rumors and hope that’s true in this case. Starting right
now, you will all be tested more often than usual. Not everyone will be tested
but you’ll be chosen randomly.”

Beth looked towards Heather and she was unfazed by Seth’s
comments which meant she knew what was coming. Beth knew she would have to rely
on Ben’s plan to put an end to Heather’s illegal actions.

Seth finished his speech. “I’ve posted a schedule for your
workouts for the next three weeks before we head out for the games. You can
contact the travel department to fine tune your flight plans. The IOC has
provided a schedule and as you can see track and field events don’t start until
the second week. That means you’ll be bored for the first week and I encourage
everyone to cheer on the American competitors. Don’t pull any bonehead moods
before your events because it will not only make you look stupid but Apex and
the US as well.

When Beth made it back to her room she came across Elijah
and Heather who were chatting about nothing in particular. Beth had to bait
them into a conversation and press record. She would play it for Seth and the
fiasco was out of her hands.

“Aren’t you nervous of getting caught after today. Someone
must have tipped off the authorities,” Beth asked as she covertly pressed play.

Heather was obviously wearing the pants in the relationship
because Elijah didn’t open his mouth. “I’m not worried because I was tested
today and I passed with flying colors.”

“You wouldn’t have passed had you not come up with a way to
outwit the federation.”

“That’s right Beth, I can take a pharmacy full of drugs and
nothing would show up. PEDs are pretty easy to mask and if I have my blood
doctored every two days, I’m fine. That’s why I was nervous in Oslo because I
didn’t have the time or place to get the transfusion with all the travel.”

“You did take PEDs before Oslo – correct.”

“Yes Beth I took performance enhancing drugs and you won’t
say a word or I’ll do a number on your reputation and on that of your
boyfriend.”

Beth pressed stop and Elijah hadn’t said a word as if he
knew about the recording.

“I wish you’d realize that this will have serious
implications on your future because someday you’ll get caught. Maybe not right
away but it’ll happen. Stop taking the junk now and you may not win Olympic
gold but you’ll be able to sleep at night.”

“Are you done preaching St. Beth. Were set – right Elijah?”
Heather asked.

Elijah looked disgusted as he stormed out of the suite,
slamming the door.

“Elijah knows I’m right. You should stop this craziness now.

Beth walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of
tea. Hot water created steam as she filled the mug, which made her think of
being in the warm shower with Ben. Her back against the wall and his acrobatic
tongue fluttering upon her clitoris. Most men couldn’t even find the thing and
if they did they didn’t know what to do with it. Beth’s phone buzzed just in
time or she would have poured hot water on her hands.

“I was just thinking of you,” Beth said.

“Good thoughts I hope.”

“Let’s just say they weren’t PG thoughts – not recommended
for younger audiences.”

“I hear ya. Our time together was all I thought about on the
flight home. What have you been doing with your time besides reliving our time
together.”

“Seth called a meeting and warned us that they’ll be drug
testing more than usual.”

“Why? Did he give a reason?”

“He said that rumors are flying and Heather didn’t bat an
eyelash.”

“She won’t get caught that way,” Ben said and his tone was
disappointed.

“No but I got her confession on tape and tomorrow I’ll walk
into Seth’s office. I’m one step closer to getting rid of this drama in my
life. I should have this suite all to myself in a matter of days. You should
visit.”

“If I can make it happen, I will. I’m miserable without you
Beth but it gives you time to prepare and I’ll see you there no matter what.
Lizzie’s calling so I have to bounce but I just wanted to say good night and I
love you.”

“Love you too Ben.” Beth hung up the call and sipped her tea
before bed.

The workouts the next day were more serious than those
before. The tone at Apex was different because of the approaching Olympic games
and the increased drug testing. Beth’s shoulder was tapped as she signed into
the facility for drug testing, which was only an inconvenience to her because
she knew the results would be clean. For those who had even taken cold medicine
the tests would be stressful, although things like that would probably be
thrown out on the second test.

Beth made it out on the track and started by running sprints
with Dorsey who still had the coltish look of a teenager. She was 19 and if
there were a vote taken for friendliest person at Apex, Dorsey would get it.
They ran 400’s together and worked on speed as they made their way around the
track.

They walked 100 meters to cool down as Heather blazed by
them. “I’m surprised the 400 isn’t your race because you have a quick start and
enough to keep up your momentum,” Beth said as she sipped water.

“The reason that I’m not running the 400 just blew by us.
There’s Heather and two Jamaican’s that are expected to medal, which would
leave me off the podium. I’m happy with the 1500 and think my chances of a
medal are realistic.”

“Thief,” Beth joked. “The 1500 was my race but I got bumped
up to the 5000 against my will. You took the race that I intended to run.

“I’m sorry Beth. I didn’t intend to crowd you out,” Dorsey said
with a worried look on her face.

“It wasn’t you fault at all Dorsey. Apex knows what they’re
doing and we have to trust their decisions. The 1500 is in capable hands – or
should I say legs. Ready for another round?”

“Let’s do it.”

Dale, who was one of the coaches, pulled Beth aside after
she walked off the track to take 5 minutes.

“Beth, Seth has asked that you report to his office.”

“Excellent, because I have something important to discuss
with him. Did he say what time?”

“He said immediately.”

Beth smiled and walked over to her bag to retrieve the
recording with Heather’s confession. She was having a good practice and she was
more than ready to pass the buck. Beth walked through the corridor to Seth’s
office and walked into the open door where she found him sitting behind his
desk.

“Close the door behind you Barker and take a seat,” Seth
asked sternly. He didn’t often use her last name.

“I’m so glad you wanted to see me Seth because I have and
urgent and very delicate situation to bring to your attention.”

“PED’s Beth? You, really? Your test came back positive today
and you’ll be retested before you leave here today in case it was a
false-positive. You were the last athlete that expected to test dirty because
your reputation is that of a stand-up woman and I’ve witnessed it myself. This
is an embarrassment to the whole program and the US Olympic team as a whole. At
least this happened before the flag was raised in your honor.”

Beth was frozen with shock and knew that a second test would
clear her. In her hand she held the recording of Heather, which wouldn’t mean
much. It would only show where she supposedly scored the drugs. Tremulous and
sweating, Beth wanted to break down and sob but she knew it would do no good so
she let her anger and disbelief lead. “This is an error Seth and one which I
will deny to the grave.” Beth pulled her hand through her red hair.”

“I hope that’s true but until we receive further test
results I want you to leave the track immediately. Don’t go back to the field
or to your locker as your things are being searched as we speak.”

“Bullshit Seth; that’s a violation of my right to privacy.
I’m not worried that you’ll find anything but I know that you need a warrant.”
Beth stood out of her chair and raised her voice.

“You signed papers before you came to Apex. We’re not
amateurs here and we take violations very seriously. You’ll be required to
submit to a second test in the room next door and someone will escort you
there. It will include a urine, blood and hair test and you’ll be given the
results within three hours.”

“Then what Seth? Beth asked.

“If you test positive, you’ll have six hours to collect your
things before being escorted off the Apex campus indefinitely. From there it’s
up to the IOC and others to determine how long you’ll be banned from
competition. I’m sorry if I sound cold but this is out of my hands and the
rules are the rules regardless of how I feel about you or Ben Knight
personally.”

“Ben? What happens to Ben?” Tears began streaming down
Beth’s face.

“Ben doesn’t work for Apex anymore. I have no control over
what this might do to his reputation. He was your physical therapist and many
know that the two of you are personally involved.”

Seth pressed a button on his phone and spoke to his
assistant. “Send them in.”

A woman in medical scrubs appeared and walked Beth next door
for further testing. The phone in her pocket and the recording were useless.
Beth put her hand on the device and wanted to call Ben and fill him in but at
this point they would probably take it away if she tried to make a call. She
felt as if she were a dead woman walking being escorted to the electric chair.

The tests were finished and she went back to her suite where
she sat motionless on her couch in a state of disbelief. Heather was at the
track but she had already passed her test and had little to worry about. Beth
wasn’t concerned about Heather anymore; she was only worried about clearing her
own good name. Beth was considering whether to call Ben and fill him in before
or after the next test results when her decision was made for her and the phone
rang. It was Ben.