"No.We can't."
"Why not?"
"You've got globes to chase," I say with a sigh."You don't want the mess of a relationship."
"Doesn't have to be serious.Could just be fun."
I'm too drunk for this conversation.And honestly, I'm running out of reasons.
WhyamI fighting this?
I could have him — even just for a while.A fling.A secret affair.He clearly wants it.
But no affair is worth what I'd become in the eyes of the ski world.
"Come on, guys!"Niko bursts in."I was giving you some privacy, but this is taking too long."
He pulls up a chair and plops down between us, slinging an arm around Thomas.
"If I'm not getting laid tonight, neither are you, buddy."
"The blond didn't appreciate your French?"I ask.
"She didn't," he groans."And her bull of a boyfriend almost bit my head off.So I'm staying right here."
"Thanks, buddy," Thomas says, patting him on the back a little too hard.
"You're a real friend."
Niko winks at me — and I know how true that is.
Because tonight, his timing just saved me from myself.
***
Thomas
I'm in the back of the van, forehead pressed lightly to the window, watching the French Alps flicker past.Snow-coated roofs.Fir trees.That early-morning blue that's too cold to be pretty.
My head hurts a little, but it's the emotional hangover that bites harder.I was too blunt last night.Not just with words.My hands didn't exactly get the memo either.Too much beer, too little self-control.Still, I don't regret saying any of it.
Not really.
Roman's driving.The other tech guys and Niko are half-asleep behind us, slouched like kids on a school trip.It's weirdly quiet, even with the radio on.Everyone's tired.Hungover.Trying to switch to a focused mode for the next race.
My phone buzzes in my lap.
Kat: "How's the van ride?"
I stare at the screen.She must be standing at the slalom start already.Back in work mode, phone in hand, charming the sponsors, gathering quotes.But I doubt she feels any better than we do here.
I can picture her — shades hiding her hangover, coffee in hand.Pretending everything's normal.
Me: "Quiet.Niko's not singing yet.The Alps look fake."
Me: "You?"
She replies quickly.
