[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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I didn't leave. Not because I didn't want to. Being as far away from Nick Baker seemed like the logical choice given his outburst. But my family and the rest of the team wanted to stay for Johnny's race, meaning Janelle and I would have to wait for a ride to the airport. Well, me, Janelle, and Dallas.
"Hadley baby I'm sorry," Dallas said, again and again. Over and over till I was sick of it.
I did my best to ignore him the entire time. Thanks to Janelle who intentionally seated herself between us. "You should have thought about that before you cheated," she deadpanned, keeping her eyes on the track and the current race going on.
The crowd cheered as the bikes ripped along the track. Spewing snow from the teeth of their tracks and dusting out those trailing after them as they tore through the bone yard and around sharp bends.
It was cold, but it was nothing compared to the stare Dallas glared at Janelle.
"Let's go, Johnny!" I yelled, my insides pulling and twisting like a fist as he fought for first.
He was just as talented as mom said. Fast and quick thinking if the last-minute decisions he made were any indication. I attributed it to the team, giving most of the credit to Baker who actually took the time to work with my little brother this season.
He stood along the fence with Austin and a beat-up-looking Nate–his focus fixed on Johnny.
My heart was bruised–recovering behind ribbed bars meant to protect it. It was nothing more than a punching bag for Baker to throw his words like angry fists. Our fight wasn't nearly as bad as some of the others. But it didn't mean it hurt any less.
I'd made the effort to explain. To talk it out, but as always he raged, leaving me primed with anxiousness.
Johnny ripped around the last bend, spewing snow and flying toward the finish line. Neck at neck with Moreno.
I shot up with the rest of the crowd. "Let's go, Johnny! Go! Go!"
My cheers ripped through my throat, my heart racing in time with the bikes.
The announcers voice boomed across the stands and onto the track, "Bell and Moreno battle for first along the straight stretch. 'Just About' Johnny, might have to change his name if he makes the podium today, Dan."
I felt Janelle's gaze slide to me. "Why do they call him 'Just About' Johnny?"
Emma answered on my right, her eyes bright. "Because he's never made first," she said, lifting her voice over the masses. "And just about don't count."
I chuckled, my smile broad. "The boys used to tease him," I said, leaning in. "He'd come close, but he never made the podium. 'Just about' he'd say. And the boys would respond with, 'just about don't count.'"
