Page 21 of Just Let Go

Now it was Grady’s turn to pause—mostly because he was trying to process exactly what his manager had said. He had to be kidding. Where was planB?

“These small towns are particular. I spoke with your lawyer, and he said it’s the judge’s decision. We can appeal it, but by the time we got any movement on the case, your community service would be finished.”

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”

“I know it’s not ideal.”

“Not ideal? I don’t have that many chances left to qualify, Pete.” He hoped his manager didn’t hear the subtext of that sentence:I need every chance I can get.

“You’re going to miss a few key races, yes, but there are still a few left in January.”

“There’s one, Pete. Five weeks go by, and I’m left with exactly one shot.”

That shut his manager up.

“How am I going to train here? Do you know where I am?” Grady looked out the window, quaint little cottages dotting either side of the quiet street.

“There’s a ski lodge just outside of town. The lawyer said the judge is allowing you to go there.”

“This is the Midwest. I can’t ski in a cornfield.”

Pete sighed. “Look, I hate this as much as you do, but you might not have a choice.”

“I expect you to take care of this kind of thing for me. Come out here, pay the judge off, whatever it takes—”

“I can’t do that, Grady.”

“You can’t or you won’t?”

“I can’t. You don’t have the funds.”

Grady’s heart dropped. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been looking at your statements. Looks like you were pretty busy last month.”

“It’s almost Christmas.”

“You spent more money than some people make in a year. The endorsement offers aren’t coming in like they used to. You can’t live your life the way you have been—if you do, you’re not going to have anything left. And Benji—”

“What about Benji?”

“He’s covered for this month. Maybe next month. But that’s it, Grady. You’ve got to make some changes.”

Grady rubbed his temples. This could not be happening.

The door of Gus’s cottage opened, and Quinn stepped out onto the porch. She hugged her dad, waved good-bye, and turned toward a black Volkswagen Jetta parked across the street. He watched as she set a box (probably leftover cake?) on the backseat of the car, thengot in and started the engine. She stared at the cottage for several seconds before finally pulling away, thankfully oblivious that he hadn’t left yet.

“Do you hear me, Grady?”

“Yeah, I hear you.” He hung up the phone and tossed it on the seat next to him.

How the heck was he going to get out of this one?

CHAPTER

6

THE MORNING SUN POURED THROUGH THE WINDOWSin the loft above the flower shop, drawing Quinn from sleep.

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