Page 145 of Just Let Go

“Is something wrong?” Quinn jogged a few steps to catch up to him, and he ordered his heart to stop pounding. He’d seen the disapproval in his father’s eyes, clear as day. All these years, all these awards—heck, even his race today—had done nothing to sway the old man.

Grady would never be good enough to make up for what had happened on that mountain so long ago.

“No, I’m fine.” He was pretty sure she knew he was lying. “Just really wish I had a reason not to go to lunch.”

The coaches were huddled near the judges’ table, and since it was the last qualifying race of the season, everyone important was there. They’d all seen him ski. And he’d been flawless. He’d never felt so good up on the slopes in his life.

He’d let go of any delusion that he was in control, and before he took off, he handed the whole thing over to God. “You take control,” he’d whispered. And just like Jaden said, Grady felt like he was floating—flying.

Was it a coincidence that it seemed like someone else was skiing through him? He didn’t think so, not that he could ever articulate that feeling to anyone else. They’d think he was crazy.

“Great job today, Grady.” Brian left the huddle and shook Grady’s hand. “Real proud of how you turned everything around here lately.”

“Thank you, sir. I know we’ve had our differences, and I made a real mess of things, but I’m back, and I’m feeling better than ever. Hoping I can show you more of my best at the games next month.”

“I know you’re anxious for the results,” Brian said. “If I’m not making any objections, I don’t think anyone else will either. I can’t say this officially yet, but I think you pulled it off.”

Grady let out a relieved breath that mixed with laughter as he pumped Brian’s hand more enthusiastically than he’d meant to. “I will not let you down, Coach.”

Brian raised a brow. “You better not.” He glanced at Quinn and smiled. “Both hands.”

Grady watched as the coach walked back to the huddle. He turned to Quinn. “Did you hear that?”

Her face was glowing. “I heard.”

He scooped her up and spun her around, then drew her in for a much-needed kiss. “Man, I missed you.” He took her face in his hands and memorized the way she looked, wishing they could just stay there, basking in the glow of good news, a race that finally went his way, and the promise of more kisses to carry him through the evening.

But the thick, dark cloud that gathered overhead threatened to pull him in. The knowledge that his family was there, waiting for him—it turned him inside out.

He pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t want to go in there.”

“They’re your family. They seem nice.”

He pulled away and took her hand, leading her off in the direction of the resort. “Did you catch the death stare from my father?”

Quinn grimaced. “I feel like there’s a story there?”

“Let’s just say there’s a reason we don’t speak.” Grady pulled the door open and let Quinn go in first. “Listen, can I just offer a preemptive apology?”

She laughed. “For what?”

“For whatever happens,” Grady said. “It’s never good, and it’s usually embarrassing. Just consider yourself warned.”

“I don’t have to come along. I can go back to my room and read for a while or something.”

“Not a chance,” he said. “I need you.”

She softened at his words, and he realized he’d never said them to her before. He’d been holding back the truth of what he felt, but now didn’t seem like the best time to get into it.

Instead, he leaned down, kissed her forehead, and drew a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever came next.

He walked in and found his parents sitting at a large round table near the windows overlooking the mountains. Quinn squeezed his hand, and they approached the table. Grady sat next to Benji, and Quinn next to him, beside Grady’s mom.

How he would get through this lunch without a drink, he had no idea.

Commence small talk.

Grady had little use for small talk, but what other choice did they have? It wasn’t like they were going to delve into anything that really mattered.

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