[18+]
College student Hadley Bell is eager to return home for the holidays, but there's a problem. Her ex-no. 44 Nick Baker, Professional Snocross Racer and member of the Bell Race Team, still resides under her parent's roof.
Tensions run high, and...
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Thoughts of the race had me wringing the nerves out of my hands.
I was ready, I told myself. I had trained since the first snowfall. Had spent hours in the gym, on the track—studying my opponents from last year.
After Austin woke me, we loaded the sleds onto the truck, and came to the track, leaving Hadley and Janelle to get ready.
She wasn't there when I woke, but I wasn't mad. I needed a minute to focus. To ground and prepare and I felt like everyone understood, given the quiet drive over.
In the cold I stood, studying the track I'd help build as everyone readied in the hall behind me. Committing every bend and jump to memory. I assessed everything, from the clouded sky to the freshly coated ground.
It's not a real race. It was a pre-season opener. A chance to have fun, raise some money and put on a good show for the kids, but no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise, it was my shot at redemption.
The cold nipped my nose—breath fogging my face and obscuring my view.
It was nothing compared to the snow that would blind my vision if I didn't get the holeshot. If I didn't figure out a way to beat Hunt right out of the gate. I studied every YouTube video and clip I could find—learning everything I needed to know about my opponent.
Trucks, cars and sleds began filling up the parking lot. Meaning I needed to get to my booth and be ready to sign some merch and photos.
I took out my phone. Finding Hadley's number, then hesitated.
My accident had fucked us up in more ways than one, which made the thought of confiding in her and ultimately providing support for me seem selfish.
I took her through hell. And I finally got her back, which meant I wasn't about to fuck it up, even if I did need her.
I tucked my phone back in my coat. I could do this. I could pretend. I'd done it for the last few months. White knuckling my way through every social event and party. I could do it again. I just needed to focus and get my mind right. I promised myself I'd do this. For me. For my team. For the year I missed. To prove to myself that I could get back on my sled.
"Forty-four!"
I glanced behind—hands in the pockets of my FXR coat.
"They're ready for you."
I tipped my head in a pathetic attempt at a nod.
I could do this. I would do this.
△
I readied Santa's scarlet-coloured throne—fluffing up pillows and fake snow, making sure everything was perfect before the kids were set to arrive.
