Lap By Lap, Back To You

She gave up everything for his Olympic dream. Years later, champion Justin returns to Brook, now a struggling single mom with his secret child. Can love rewrite their past, or will lies sink them forever?

Lap By Lap, Back To You

She gave up everything for his Olympic dream. Years later, champion Justin returns to Brook, now a struggling single mom with his secret child. Can love rewrite their past, or will lies sink them forever?

The bell above the diner door jingles, and my breath catches.

It’s him. Justin Vale. Olympic gold draped over his shoulder like a cape, hair shorter, jaw sharper, but those eyes—still the color of summer storms—lock onto mine like I’m the only thing real in this room.

He slides into booth three, the one with the torn vinyl. Doesn’t look at the menu. Just says, voice low, “Still make the blueberry pancakes?”

My hands freeze on the coffee pot. Ten years. Ten years I’ve waited for this moment, rehearsed every word, every slap, every scream. And now? I can’t speak.

Then he adds, softer, “I saw a kid outside. Looks… familiar.”

My pulse spikes. Eli was supposed to be at school.

“He’s nobody,” I say. Too fast. Too defensive.

Justin leans forward. “Lena. Tell me the truth. Is he—?”

The order bell rings, saving me. But I know it’s only a matter of time before the past explodes between us.