“Yeah,” I whisper, unable to produce a full-bodied sound.
“Ohmygod, son. I’ve missed you.”
I’m overwhelmed. There’s too much emotion to process. So, I stay quiet, allowing Connor to rescue me again.
“Mr. Montgomery, I think Vox would be open to hearing your side of the story, um, but we’re currently on the side of a mountain, and this close to the competition, we’re being monitored. If what you claim about Grey Patterson is true, it’s probably best we meet in person away from Ricochet Ridge. Perhaps we could all grab a beer over toward Rainersville in about three hours?”
“Yes. Yes, of course,” he agrees readily.
“Great. We’ll see you then.”
“Voxy?” the man says hesitantly into the phone.
“Yeah?”
“It’s good to hear your voice.”
After we hang up, Connor lets me have one more sip of bourbon before we strap back in.
“Let me go ahead of you this time. Just follow my track.”
I nod, understanding that this is the smartest choice for me right now.
It takes another hour and fifteen minutes to get the rest of the way down the mountain. When I turn to look back up at the terrain we just traversed together, it feels like a giant metaphor. Steep slope, rough patches, obstacles to dodge, unexpected ice, sharp turns when I thought we were on the right path…
“Hey, Connor?”
“Yeah, hotshot?”
“Will you take a selfie with me?”
“Of course.”
We take one with our arms around each other’s waists and then, before he can move, I cup his face, bring my lips to his, and snap another one.
“Send me those, okay?” he breathes against my lips, eyes still closed.
“Mmhmm.” I hum my agreement, and then we’re unclipping from our boards and beginning our walk back to base village.
We’re both frozen to the bone by the time we make it back into the main part of the resort. Our eyes dart around frantically for the rest of the team and coaches, but thankfully, we don’t run into anyone. There are still members of the security team posted near my fucking condo, so Connor and I can’t even shower together before we go.
“I could come to your place?” I suggest, not wanting to be alone.
“Vox, we both know Grey knows something’s up. My guess is he doesn’t want to make a scene and risk pissing you off this close to the event, and that’s the only reason he hasn’t sent me packing. Even still, waving it in his face isn’t a good idea, and I’m willing to bet he’s got security keeping an eye on my place now as well.”
“This is so fuckingstupid!” I yell in frustration.
“Just a couple more days, baby,” Connor soothes. “For now, let’s concentrate on this meeting with your dad, okay? Do you want to take your Jeep or the Volvo?”
“Let’s take the Jeep. I think having something to do with my hands will be helpful.” Plus, the Jeep is loud as fuck, and maybe the road noise will help keep my thoughts in check.
“Pick me up out front of the condos where you found me in the snow,” Connor says before adding, “It’s going to be okay.”
By the timewe park at the bar in Rainersville, I’m pretty sure I’m going to throw up. Gone is the arrogant boarder, usually so comfortable in his own skin. In his place is a cowering child, desperate for the approval of a parent he doesn’t know.
“Connor, I…” I trail off, not knowing what to say.Ihaveto do this. We just drove an hour to get here, and if I don’t go in, I’ll forever wonder what could have happened.
Connor twists in his seat to look at me, drawing my eyes to him.
