Downhill From Here

12. Sitting on the Baby

Bowie's POV

November 1st

9:09 pm

"Two more days," Nathan said nudging me in the side with his wrist.

"Don't remind me," I groaned, lifting my board into the back of Nathan's truck. So far I had counted and he had 2 cars. A black RAM truck that looked like the latest and the Range Rover I had seen last night.

He took my board for me and closed the back of the pickup. Walking around the car, I felt the stiffness in my joints and sighed as I opened the door. I just wanted to take off my clothes and get a warm bath.

"Here, let me help," I heard from behind me. Nathan placed a hand on my hip and I grabbed onto the assistance bar, putting my foot on the stepper. His car was way too high up.

"This car is not short-people friendly." I wasn't even that short.

He laughed into my ear and lifted me up like I weighed nothing into the passenger seat. I was groaning and he smiled at me before closing the door and walking around the car.

I kneaded my thighs with my knuckles, feeling the soreness everywhere. Two more days and I'd be competing in the first local competition. I was so nervous, that I couldn't even eat. And the not eating only made me slower on the pipe which I was sure Nathan had noticed.

He closed the door behind him and started the car. Heat blasted from the vents and I leaned back, enjoying the sensation.

The moment October was over it was like the weather had completely switched. It was cold cold.

And it was only a matter of time before the first snowstorm hit.

Nathan pulled out of the Black Mountain resort VIP parking spot and headed onto the main road. I'd be back here for my noon shift. I was already dreading it.

"I can tell you're nervous. You've been quiet all morning ."

"I have not," I argued, pulling my hat off and running my hands through my curls. I seriously needed to wash it.

"Come on Bow," he said using my nickname for the first time. "Talk to me."

I huffed and pulled my hair into a bun. "I'm just...I'm scared I guess. I've never competed before and I'm starting to get really anxious about it."

He shook his head softly. "It's not that different from practice. You're gonna be fine."

I started out the window, seeing the local shops pass us in a blur. It was one of the things I loved about Aspen. There was something so comforting about the small businesses with all of the people you know moving about their day. It was sunny today despite the frosted cold air.

"I'm scared that everything I've ever wanted won't be...I don't know...I just feel like I have to do well or I would've wasted everyone's time."

I watched as he pulled over to park in front of a local diner. It was one I'd known well. Across the street was Dave's Bar, where Stevie and I had spent most of our college years. We knew the owner well and performed almost every night at the karaoke bar. It had been a month since we had been back.

"What are you doing?" I said sitting up. He put the car in park and looked over at me. With a tan coat and a black cap on, he sighed. It was weird not seeing his hair out, falling all over the place.

"I don't want you to think I need you to get 1st place in order for all of this to have been worth it."

I rubbed my eyes and leaned my head to the side looking away from him.