Superstars: Irish Courage

Irish Courage - Chapter 24

"Ifreann. How do you even know about that?" Alice groaned to herself as she heaved herself up from the mat.

"Last time we met, I was working as an assistant to one of the coaches that used to own the gym. I was there for your last routine." He said to her.

She turned around with a frown marring her features as she looked at him, her mouth forming into a thin line. He knew, knew she had walked away from everything. The sponsorships, the purse, everything she had been taught to compete for. As these thoughts were rushing through her head she finally took notice of the other men that stood next to Gavin, obviously the other instructors and teachers at the gym, she took a breath when she noticed Rex and Frank within the group and knew she'd be in for questions later.

"Boys, this is Alice Serenity. Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist, World Vault Record holder and our new employee." Gavin introduced her to the group.

The group came towards her and introductions were made, Gavin had a total of five main members of the staff. Rex was the boxing coach, much to her surprise, Frank was one of the head personal trainers along with Rex's boxing assistant, Daniel was the wrestling coach, Reggie the dance teacher and Isaac the track and field coach.

Ali greeted all of the new faces with her best smiles but didn't shake hands because of the amount of sweat her body now possessed. They then went on to talk amongst themselves as she was left with Frank and Rex. Rex stood there, handsome as ever, with his arms crossed over his chest that was covered with a black vest. His face however, held a look of uncertainty.

"Well, aren't you full of secrets. We're learning more about you every day." Frank joked as he patted her on the shoulder, a smile gracing his features.

"I'm allowed to have my secrets." She replied, shooting him a small smile.

"What made ya quit?" Rex asked suddenly as he continued to stare down at her with an unreadable expression.

Ali took a breath, pinching the bridge of her nose as she closed her eyes before returning her eyes to him. Although she had only known Rex for a short period of time, she wasn't ready to reveal all of herself to him, after all, he was still practically a stranger to her and there was no way she was going to explain to him why she decided to leave that part of her life behind. No way.

"It's not something I like to share." Ali stated as she walked over to where her bag lay and began packing up her things.

"Oh come on, Ali. Are ya sure you've even been to the Olympics? Because I'm not convinced." Rex scoffed with a disbelieving smirk as Frank frowned.

Ali, took another breath, this one deeper than her last as she stilled. Her temper flaring, she did not have to explain herself to a hot tempered cowboy who suddenly felt the need to ask about her life. She let out a frustrated breath as she felt a headache coming, from the dull ache at her temples and pulled out a black box from her bag and held it for a second. The only reason it was with her was just in case she needed evidence to show to Gavin that she was qualified for the job.

She turned on her heel and faced Rex, her eyes burning with the fire of her frustration and thrust the box into his hands.

"That's all the proof you'll need." She told him before turning to Frank.

"Return it when you're convinced." Alice told him before walking away and leaving the gym.

Ali hitched her bag higher up onto her shoulder as she began the walk back to the centre of town as she let her frustration roll off of her with every step.