Bring Me To Life

Stay

All you have to do is stay a minute
Just take your time
The clock is ticking, so stay
All you have to do is wait a second
Your hands on mine
The clock is ticking, so stay
----Stay, Zedd ft. Alessia Cara

March 25, 2017

Grayson breathed in the chilly morning air of the Colorado mountains, watching as Cait snapped the latches on the ski boots.  Phil handed her a pair of skis and she frowned.  "Phil, what the hell?  These are short.  These aren't my skis."

"No, because you aren't racing anyone today, Cait."  His sigh was exasperated.  "You haven't skied in a year.  Today is just about getting your legs under you again.  You and I are going to take a nice, leisurely trip down your favorite run."

Grayson looked up at the sheer mountain face that Phil was pointing to.  He shuddered slightly at the thought of Cait hurling herself off it. 

Cait grumbled a bit but stepped into the skis.  She jogged in place in them for a few seconds, the skis slapping the snow.  Then she made her way the few feet over to him.  "Wish me luck!" She leaned in for a quick kiss. 

"You don't need luck, Kitten.  You're gonna be great.  But be careful.  Please listen to Phil and take it easy," Grayson stared her down.  Her laugh did nothing to calm his nerves.

"Did you catch the name of that particular run?" She shot him a grin.  "It's called Go Devil."  Her smile got even bigger and she headed for the lift.

Grayson sighed.  He was supposed to still be playing basketball, but they'd run into a buzz saw against South Carolina in the second round ending his dream of winning another national championship just to quiet his critics. So, here he was with Cait, watching her ski away from him, both literally and figuratively.

She'd given him a couple of days to process the loss and the fact that he'd soon be back in the hospital again.  He needed surgery on that ankle, once the swelling went down. And then she'd showed him the training schedule and explained her plans.  Grayson had swallowed hard and accepted it.  He had no idea what he would be doing, so he hadn't been able to offer much in the way of commentary.  He knew he'd be laid up in Durham for awhile, but beyond that he was clueless. 

She'd persuaded him to come with her this weekend, and they'd arrived on a private jet yesterday.  That had been an experience.  Shortly after takeoff, Cait had leaned over and asked him what he knew about the Mile High Club.

Not as much as he did now.

The ranch had not been at all what he had pictured.  Soaring cathedral ceilings, glass and cedar walls, with stunning mountain views, a flying staircase and a huge stone fireplace, plus the trophy room with Cait's medals, a heated pool and hot tub.  Not to mention, the suite of rooms that belonged to his girlfriend.  He wasn't clear about why she needed a hot tub outside when the tub in her bathroom was basically the same size.  But the bed was plenty comfortable and they had certainly made full use of it.

He was pulled from that particular pleasant memory by Jack's arrival on the scene.  Not the most comfortable experience to be face to face with a man when you were fantasizing about his daughter.  But Jack didn't ask any questions about the slight smile, just handed Grayson a hot cup of coffee and looked out into the early morning air. 

Grayson yawned and Jack cracked a smile.  "You get used to the altitude eventually," he advised.  Before Grayson could respond, he pointed to the top of the mountain.  "Here they come." 

Cait was easy to spot in a red windbreaker.  She looked like she was absolutely flying down the mountain, braided hair trailing behind her.  She made a few sweeping turns.