Page 141 of Just Let Go

SATURDAY. RACE DAY.Nerves bounced around in Grady’s stomach as he woke up early, got dressed, and did something he had never done before a race his entire life.

He prayed.

The past two weeks had been lonely ones, and while he called Jaden regularly for updates on Harbor Pointe, being separated from Quinn was harder than he thought it would be. Happy had helped him harness his disappointment, turning it into something that drove him forward, made him push harder, but he’d already decided that once the race was over, he was going straight back to Michigan to get Quinn back.

She’d taught him to fight for what he wanted. Well, he wanted her.

And so he’d fight.

But first, he had to secure his spot on the team.

He arrived early and warmed up, staying focused and keeping his goal right in front of him.

That goal? To win.

He could come in first, second, or third and be eligible for the US ski team, but first place would go a longer way with the coaches and the committee. He’d made a decent impression, but if he didn’t back up his change in attitude with a stellar performance today, he could forget about the Olympics.

He could forget about the gold medal.

He stuck his earbuds in and flipped on his music—anything to tune out the crowd. He’d run the course so many times the last two weeks, he knew it by heart. He supposed he should thank Quinn for kicking him out of Harbor Pointe early—it had been good for him.

And yet, he couldn’t be completely glad he’d had the extra time, not when it meant he’d missed out on days with her.

“You eat this morning?” It was Happy, checking in as usual. Grady hadn’t heard him over his music, but he’d read his lips.

He tugged the earbuds out of his ears. “I ate. I stretched. I ran the course in my mind.”

“So you’re ready.”

“I hope so.” Grady let out a sigh.

“That didn’t sound too convincing.” The voice came from behind him. He spun around and found Quinn standing there, wearing the poofy white ski coat and a bright-turquoise stocking cap, looking every bit as beautiful as he remembered.

He blinked for several speechless seconds—was she really right in front of him? Finally, he found his voice.

“What are you doing here?”

Her eyes widened. “Should I not have come? I don’t want to mess you up.”

“Are you kidding? No, of course you should’ve come. I’m just—”Floored? Ecstatic? Surprised? All of the above.“Did you drive?”

“I flew.” She looked proud of herself.

“You flew?” He shook his head, drinking her in. She flew—to be there with him?

At his side, Happy cleared his throat.

“Oh, sorry. Quinn, this is my trainer, Happy.”

Quinn smiled—that perfect, warm smile—and shook Happy’s outstretched hand.

“I guess we have you to thank for whipping our boy into shape?” Happy asked.

Grady scoffed. “He’s just kidding.”

“No, he’s right. You do have me to thank.” She grinned. “I’m very bossy.”

“It’s good to meet you, Quinn. I’m going to go take a look at the lineup, Grady. I’ll see you in a little bit.” Happy walked off, leaving him standing there, still in disbelief.

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