Make a friend at practice

It is time for practice. When you arrived, you learn that Trent did not show up for practice. Trent was lazy and irresponsible, but, surprisingly, rarely missed practice. You tried to talk to Joel, but Coach had Joel helping the relay teams with starts and transitions, and so he was not available. Since Trent was absent, you planned your own workout. You decide to focus on endurance.

You had just finished your first set, when Victor, an international student, asked if you would like to practice with him.

Victor was an amazing long-distance swimmer who always practiced alone because no one on the team could perform at his level. You jumped at the opportunity. Victor set a brutal pace, without your demigod enhancements, you could never have kept up much less finished. Victor kept adding sets to the workout, and you both finished nearly an hour after all the other swimmers had left. Victor hugged you.

"Thank you! It has been a long time since I had a swimming partner. I am sorry to add to our workout, but I did not want it to end. You are a much better athlete than people say you are."

"No. Thank you for the hardest workout of my life. I think I am going to need your help walking to the locker room."

Victor laughed and helped you out of the pool and into the locker room. You and Victor talked as you showered and changed. He was very likable and easy to talk to. He offered you a ride back to your dorm, you accepted.

"Coach is wasting you on Trent. You should practice with me, be my wingman. Together we could take first and second at every meet this year."

He pulled up in front of your dorm and leaned over to give you another hug. He held the hug for an awkwardly long time.

"I must be going crazy. You smell like fresh-baked bread. Think about what I said, wingman."