Author's warning: If you don't want anything to cheapen the magic of the Olympics, do not read this story.
*
I'm writing this through Kev for several reasons: first, I'm a chicken. He says I'm not, that I'm strong for dealing with my demons, but I have no interest in taking this public.
Secondly, I fear I'd never tell the story well enough, and he's given me the encouragement and word choice to make sure this becomes available, to give something back, I guess.
For a long time, I've fantasized to stories online; it's safe and easy, and they make me feel so sexy and so...
bothered
. Being in top physical shape tends to build a very active drive, and not just for the gold, you know? But before a week ago, I'd never imagined—never in a million years—that I'd be the subject of a steamy story. I want to be known for my consistently good lap times, for my long career,
not
for my...well, you'll see. And of course, it sets a very bad example, which is also why I almost chickened out.
But as Kev says, some things just need to be told. Well, here goes...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Most girls probably think this of themselves, but I really
am
a good dancer. Of course, I'm toned and quick, but I'm also adaptive—I build in whatever is happening around me in a split-second, turning it to my advantage. I hope it looks sexy, because that's how it makes me feel.
I am no stranger to getting touched in clubs, to showing off my body by allowing the not-so-innocent contact. Okay, honestly, I encourage it, but the fun of the moment, the art, demands it. So when we first arrived in China to train and found out about an underground dancing club, well, of course we had to check it out.
Chaperones are a joke, by the way. While they're tasked with keeping our focus on our medal goals (our training and drive does a fine job of that, thank you very much), it's a simple matter to get around them—young people need to blow off steam sometimes. As do our guardians. As do the publicly prudish Chinese, apparently.
Anyway, it also probably helps that we're not in one of the "spotlight" teams; my best friend worked out the details for us to enjoy an unescorted night out. We needed to be so careful, but the thrill was magnetic. There's safety in numbers, unless you don't want to get caught, so we decided it would just be us two, even if I know others would want to go. Just not worth the risk.
I won't detail our sneakiness, but we found a reliable driver who took us to the outskirts of Beijing. It's such an amazing city! I mean, the games in Athens were cool, but this... So huge and so packed, yet the people are constantly on their most courteous behavior and so willing to be helpful. If the government wasn't so scary, I'd bet this place would be one of the hotspots, right up there with New York.
Our driver knew where we were going, and in halting English, told us yet again to be careful and call him whenever we needed him. It probably took us forty-five minutes to drive there, but I honestly don't know if the club was far away or a block away from our rooms—all I know is I was already in the mood for some magic. Bring it on!
My bud kept pointing things out and laughing about the fun we were going to have and asking if I was ready—she was nervous, which made me more nervous, but I didn't dwell on it. When our driver announced the place as he parked, I squeezed my friend's hand before opening my door.