Page 26 of Just Let Go

Grady turned back to Betsy. “I could eat.”

“Great. I’ll introduce you to Ryan, and then you can take a look at the menu.”

Seconds later, they were standing beside the table where Ryan and a dark-haired woman sat across from each other.

“Brooks, this is Grady Benson,” Betsy said. “Grady, this is Ryan Brooks and Lane Kelley. They’re the ones responsible for the cottage you’re staying in.”

Ryan stood and extended a hand. “How’s your cottage? I think we put you in Lois?”

Grady shook his hand. “It’s great. If I have to be stranded somewhere, I’m glad it’s with Lois.” Each of the cottages at Cedar Grove had been given a woman’s name. Lois, as his was called, was a small white house with a cherry-red mailbox and a large, dark-gray porch with two Adirondack chairs off to one side. He’d later discovered that the back of the cottage faced the lake, and in the distance he could see a lighthouse the same color as the mailbox. Some people might find the place charming. To him, it felt like a prison.

He’d spent the evening flipping through the same four channels on TV, catching hints of terribly produced local news, reruns of old sitcoms he hadn’t watched the first time around, and the clear knowledge that he wasn’t going to last five seconds in this town, let alone five weeks.

Qualifying races were going to go on without him, makingit harder and harder for him to secure his spot on the Olympic team—especially since training here was going to be impossible. He’d looked up the nearby ski lodge, and while he couldn’t be sure, judging by its website, they weren’t even close to the kind of slopes he needed. A knot tied itself in the center of his stomach.

How was he going to get through this?

Grady reminded himself to be polite. It wasn’t this guy’s fault he was there. It was that pompous judge’s.

“Sorry for the mess,” Grady mumbled.

“I imagine you are.” Ryan’s eyes flickered. “Getting stuck in a place like this—for someone like you? Has to be tricky.”

“I’ll be fine.” Grady wasn’t here to make friends. He’d do what he was told—for today—and then he’d get back on the phone with Pete.

“We’ve made some great progress already.” Ryan glanced off to the damaged side. “Course we left some of it just for you.”

“Great.”

“Once we finish here, I’ll sign off on your paperwork, and you can get your next assignment. Do you know what else they’ve got you doing?”

Grady shook his head. He hadn’t really been listening that closely when the judge handed out his laundry list of community service tasks. Mostly he’d been certain it would never come down to him actually reporting to any of them... but here he was.

Grady felt someone at his side, turned, and found a young, lanky kid staring at him.

“Jaden,” Betsy said, “aren’t you supposed to be at school?”

The kid either didn’t hear her or had no problem ignoring her. He didn’t respond. Instead, he continued staring.

“Seriously, Jaden, you’re going to be late for school.” Betsy gave him a push.

“Mr. Benson.” Jaden reached for Grady’s hand. “I’m a huge fan.” The kid stood there for an awkward second, looking at Grady, waiting for a response.

“Do you ski?”

“Yes. Every chance I get. I have a pass at Avalanche Mountain—was just there last weekend. But the best skiing is up north a little ways. Even an hour makes a huge difference.”

Good to know. “Do you get up there often?”

“Nah, not really. I can get to Avalanche on the bus, but I’ve only got a local pass. It’s okay, though. I’m getting myself in shape. Took some lessons and everything. My dream’s to compete—like you.”

“That right?”

“I like how you do things your own way. You don’t let anyone tell you what to do.” Jaden grinned. “I’ve already got that part down.”

“That’s not going to get you very far.” The voice was familiar, but not one he’d expected. They all turned and found Quinn standing beside her table, purse slung over her shoulder and a scowl on her face.

“Gothimthis far, didn’t it?” Jaden lifted his chin.

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