I nod, surprised."You remember the details?"
"I listen more than people think."
He says it with zero ego.Just a fact.
I tilt my head."It almost looks like you give a damn."
He grins without looking at me."Don't tell anyone.It'll ruin my brand."
I smile despite myself.
He leans forward slightly, glancing at my screen."Is that the Sölden edit?"
"Working title:Chaos, Pain, and Miracles."
"Catchy."
"Wait until you see the footage of Martin waving at the drone mid-run."
He chuckles.Then grows still.
The sound of his breath is the only thing I can hear.My heartbeat is racing as it always does with him so close, but my breath is even.
I still feel pulled towards him, and struggle to keep my distance, but the awkwardness is gone.
And I feel relaxed with him next to me, comforted even, just like the warmth of the fireplace stroking my arms.
Eventually, he drains his cup and stands.His leaving my side makes my place a little colder, emptier, lonelier.
I watch him go and shake my head, just a little.
I'd been hoping to find a single character flaw, one habit, one tic, anything that might irritate me.
But no.That hope is gone.
He's a golden boy through and through.
Staying professional is harder than I thought.
And the smile spreading across my face says it all.
I like being around him.The flirting, sure.But it's the quiet moments that get me the most.
***
Thomas
The Lake Louise finish zone is colder than I remember.Or maybe that's just me.Steam is rising from my mouth, and every inbreath stings in my nostrils.
Second place in the downhill.Clean run.No huge mistakes.But Bellini found something I didn't on the final flats, and now he's grinning for cameras like he's just rewritten the sport.
Matteo Bellini, the Italian downhill miracle, they called him.The speed Crystal Globes used to be there for his taking, every season, until I showed up.Now, we chase each other like mad dogs, but without the bites.Just a half-friendly snarl and an occasional bet over a beer.He's a solid guy.Losing to him doesn't sting much—well, maybe a little.
I've done this long enough to know what a second place means.It means you did everything right, except for winning.
The media pen is buzzing with headphones, cameras, and questions I've heard a hundred times before.
"Talk us through the top section.Matteo looked like a rocket start."
