Snowcrossed: Currently Under Construction

38. Overdue Introductions

Baker's face was painfully blank, his cheeks red from the cold. But his eyes...

He branded me where I stood—the betrayal searing into me like a red hot stoker.

My mouth parted in hopes my mind would cooperate and provide some sort of explanation, but my mother had beat me to it. "You must be Dallas," she said, pulling up behind Baker, with Austin and Johnny in tow. I didn't want to decipher the looks they flung my way, but I could feel it. The deception and pure blame they slashed through me like this was somehow my fault.

Baker made to leave, but my mother guided him back around and subtly pushed him toward us. "I'm Linda," she greeted, and Dallas twisted, giving my mother a winning smile as he took her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Hadley said you couldn't make it."

I hadn't told her about the breakup. I hadn't seen her since it happened. She'd been so busy with last-minute preparations that I didn't have a chance.

Dallas slipped his hands into his pockets. "I apologize," he said, dipping his chin a slight. "It was rude of me to cancel at the last minute."

My mother looked him up and down—her compassion and forgiveness shining through. "Well, you're here now."

My eyes found Baker's, hoping to convey my innocence.

It didn't work. The look he gave hit so hard it should've splintered bones.

My mother lifted an arm, driving my little brother to the forefront. "Dallas," she nearly grunted, straining to push her towering sixteen-year-old, "this is my youngest Johnny."

"Yes," he replied, setting his sights on Johnny. "Hadley told me all about you. You race in the pro lite circuit, right."

I blinked, surprised he was listening, let alone retained the information. Johnny, however, wasn't impressed.

He folded his arms across his chest as he took a firm stance, his eyes—my father's eyes, like the hottest of flame.

My mother discreetly pinched his arm, and I glared. Not in Dallas's defence, but knowing they would have treated him this way regardless of whether Dallas cheated.

Their loyalty lay with Baker, not me. And it triggered me in ways I couldn't even begin to explain. Luckily my father stepped in. "Johnny, you better get your bike ready. Your heat starts soon."

Johnny reluctantly peeled himself away. Glaring something fierce at Dallas.

Dallas didn't seem to mind. His focus was already pinned on Austin and Baker.

The tension intensified like an electric hum from a faulty breaker. One that sputtered every now and then.

Austin did his best to remain civil for my sake. Our peacekeeper played his role exceptionally well and even asked about Dallas's trip as he shook his hand, but Baker...

Pro racer Nick Baker stepped forward. Eye to eye, nose to nose. "Baker, I presume," Dallas greeted with a crooked grin, and I swore the temperature in the building dropped a few degrees.

Baker levelled him with a stare.

They shook hands: one a blank canvas, built from ice and just as hard, the other warm and riddled in art, including the tattoo Baker and I shared. A tattoo Dallas took particular interest in.

It was an act. More to appease my parents, who kept their eyes locked on them. Baker wouldn't disrespect them. I knew that. But it didn't mean he'd back down should Dallas dare to say anything. 

I caught the squeeze in their hands—their knuckles bone white. "You know," Dallas said, "Hadley never mentioned you. Until a few days ago, I wasn't even aware you existed."

His words were like a punch to the ribs. I hadn't mentioned Baker because I wasn't ready to talk about him, to anyone. Baker was my safe space, my home, and he was nearly taken. Ripped from the clutches of my hands, and when I got him back, he wasn't the Baker I knew, and if I had said anything, I risked the very possibility of breaking, and I refused to break.

As expected, Baker huffed a smile, refusing to let the barb slide. "Funny. She certainly mentioned you. And all of your latest... conquests."

Dallas's features remained immovable, but I could tell he didn't like that if the tension in his shoulders were any indication. 

Luckily my mom stepped in. "You must be hungry," she said, her black hair pulled back in a high ponytail that swept her shoulders when she turned and gestured to the door.

I wanted to appreciate the kindness she and my father were exuding, not like my brother Johnny. Had Dallas not deceived me, he would've been an important piece of my life, and it would have meant so much.

Their hands unclasped, but neither let their guard down. "Starving," Dallas said, maintaining that facade.

"Well, the boys are just about to race," my mother said as my dad came around Dallas and clapped a hand on Baker's shoulder, guiding him away, "maybe Hadley and Janelle can take you over to pit lane and grab you something to eat from one of the food trucks."

My gaze trailed after Baker and my father before they disappeared outside. To the greyish gloom that replaced the day's earlier light.

My spirits dimmed—my heart yearning to follow after Baker. To explain.

"Sure," Janelle said. "Hadley has to put the equipment away, but I'd be more than happy to take you, Dallas."

Her plastic smile was nothing short of extraordinary, and I appreciated it. The last thing I wanted was to fight with Dallas in front of my parents. Especially here, with this many sponsors and their friends.

Dallas's gaze wandered to me, the questions brimming, but I didn't care. I needed to find Baker.

A/N: Way to ruin everything Dallas!

Thank you all so much for reading! I'm curious to know who your favourite characters are thus far. A lot of ppl say they love Baker and Janelle, but I'm wondering if there are any Hadley fans, maybe Austin?

I've heard the more engagement we receive on our stories, the more ppl will see them (from what I understand). Even something as simple as emojis and starring the chapters goes a long way.

No pressure though, I started as a silent reader too, but it would mean the world to me.

Hope you're all having a fantastic day! 🥰🥰