I smile, knowing I look guilty as fuck. “Yeaaaahh, that’s probably what tipped Grey off about us.”
“It doesn’t bother you that I’m with a man?” Vox asks his dad. It sucks that he feels like hehasto ask, but I get it. Better to face the reaction upfront.
Turner chuckles. “Voxy, I don’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to judging any of your choices. My only concern is that you end up with someone who treats you right, and based on his reaction earlier this morning, it’s obvious that Connor does.” Turning to look at me, Turner quirks a brow. “The fact that he’s with you now tells me it must be serious.”
“More serious than I’ve been about anything in a long time,” I admit.
Turner nods, and his gaze intensifies. “So, what do you say, Connor? Will you race for Fall Line Boards?”
I already know I’m going to do it, but I take a quick moment to sit with that knowledge before finally offering an answer.
“It’d be an honor.” Looking at Vox, I ask. “You’re sure this is what you want?”
“For you to have a job in the sport you love? To finally get the chance to race you? To know you’re safe from Grey’s reach? To reconnect with my dad?” he asks, attempting to paint the picture of how happy he is by being a smartass.I fucking love him.“Yeah, baby. I’m sure.”
Across the table from us, Turner begins setting the plan in motion.
“I know you’re probably contract-shy right now, not to mention your current one most likely states that you can’t accept jobs from competitors while working for Patterson. Grey made it pretty clear that you’re in breach of your current contract simply by being with my son, and since we don’t know if he’s going to retaliate, it’s best not to add more offenses. To protect you, why don’t we keep this plan quiet until race day? The big reveal can be with the media afterward, when you and Vox stand on the podium together.”
My palms begin to sweat when I think about the actual race.
“What if it’s supposed to be this big comeback and I choke?” I ask, panic rising in my voice.
Vox’s hand flies to my shoulder as the waitress comes to ask if we’d like another round. I desperately want one, but if I’m in race mode, I need every brain cell on board. Vox also declines. This meeting is producing far more potential for positive outcomes than either of us was anticipating.
“That’s why this is perfect,” Vox says. “No one will know it’s you until the end. No one will recognize the brand.AndI’ll be with you the whole time. Just stick with me.”
I can’t help the taunt that leaves my lips.
“It’s hard to stick with you if you can’t keep up.”
Vox purses his lips. “Here I am, trying to console you and build you up, and you go straight for my heart. Some boyfriend you are.”
Laughing, I wrap my arms around his torso and awkwardly bury my face in his neck the best I can since I’m sitting next to him in the booth. “I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.”
“No, you dick…take your pity hugs somewhere else,” he says, now joining me in laughter.
Finally, Turner’s voice reaches our ears.
“I have one more thing I’d like you both to consider.” Immediately, he has our attention. “I want youbothon my team. Racing, development, marketing, whatever you want. Working with partners, especially when the relationship is this new, can be challenging, but I’d love for you guys to consider relocating to Telluride—home. Build this with me.” His eyes boring into Vox, he adds, “Let’s make up for lost time. I know you’re committed to Patterson, but given the history, we can probably get you out of that contract. I’m not asking for an answer right now. You’ve already given me so much just by coming here today. I just want you to know your options. Connor, I’ll take care of getting you added to the competition. Do you have a board you want to use? I’d love for you to take ours for a spin, but your first competition back, I’m happy for you to use what’s comfortable.”
My board.
Myboard.
One more race.
Redemption for us both. For us all.
“I have a board I’d like to use for this race, and then I’ll happily ride Fall Line with pride.” As an afterthought, I say, “I love the company name, by the way.”
Turner’s cheeks flush pink.
“Thanks. I noticed early on that it’s Vox’s specialty, basically diving right for it every chance he gets, whether it’s the safest route or not. It’s clear he enjoys the thrill of dominating the steepest terrain. I know snowboard cross is a new event for you, but your racing style is designed for it.”
“You named your boarding company after me?” Vox asks next to me.
“The snowboard division, yes. The surf and skate brand is different. People don’t trust a company that dips its toes in toomany different areas, so the companies are separate to maintain their specialties.”
