Page 43 of Racking Up Penalties
“Absolutely breathtaking!” I call back, my heart soaring with the thrill of the descent.
I watch Liam and Ethan from the corner of my eye, each trying to outdo the other, their movements charged with a potent mix of rivalry and need for approval.
When we reach the bottom, we all come to a stop, our breaths visible in the chilly air. Ethan and Liam are already discussing another run, their conversation laced with competitive jabs. Tristan joins in, but his tone is light, an attempt to keep everything friendly. I smile at their banter, but inside, I’m torn.
“Hey, can we take five?” I suggest, feeling the need to address the tension before it escalates any further.
“Sure,” Tristan agrees easily. “Hot chocolate break?”
Ethan nods, though his gaze lingers on the slope, while Liam simply shrugs, as if he’s indifferent but clearly isn’t.
“Great idea,” Liam says, his gray eyes flickering to mine.
We find a nearby lodge and settle around a wooden table outside, the warmth from the steaming cups in our hands a stark contrast to the chill of the mountain air. I wait until Tristan and Liam head inside to grab some extra napkins before turning to Ethan.
“Ethan,” I begin, my voice low, “I know this trip is… a lot. But I really want you and Liam to try to get along. For me?”
He looks at me, brown eyes intense, studying my face as if he’s searching for something. “Tess, you know I’m here because of you, right? But it’s hard with him. It’s always been a competition.”
I reach out, placing my hand on his arm. “I get it, I do. But let’s make this trip about more than that, okay?”
Ethan’s expression softens, and he covers my hand with his own. “For you, Tess, I’ll try.”
“Thank you, Ethan. That means a lot. Will you tell me why you two hate each other?”
Ethan looks away. “Maybe one day.”
I give him a soft smile. “I can wait.”
As he nods, I turn to find Liam watching us, his expression unreadable. I excuse myself from Ethan and walk over to Liam, who’s leaning against the railing, looking out at the slopes.
“Liam,” I say, touching his arm to get his attention.
He turns to me, and there’s a vulnerability in his eyes. “What’s up, Tessa?”
“I just spoke with Ethan. I’d really love it if you two could put the rivalry aside for the rest of the trip. We’re here to have fun, remember?”
Liam runs a hand through his tousled blond hair, exhaling slowly. “You know I can’t back down when he starts, but… for you, Tessa, I’ll try to keep the peace.”
“Thank you, Liam. It means so much to me,” I say, giving him a grateful smile.
“Anything for you,” he replies, and there’s sincerity in his voice that warms me more than the hot chocolate ever could.
Tristan returns then, and we all gather once more, the mood lighter somehow. As we sip our drinks and laugh at Tristan’s jokes, I allow myself to relax, hoping that this fragile truce will hold. Because as confusing as my feelings might be, I know one thing for sure. I want us all to enjoy this time together.
As we begin our next descent, I can’t help but notice the way they both push off with a little less force than usual, giving each other space. Their usual race down the mountain transforms into something akin to a shared experience, their laughter reaching me even as I glide behind them with Tristan by my side.
“Looks like they might just survive being civil after all,” Tristan chuckles softly, the sound carrying over the rush of wind and snow beneath our skis. His presence is grounding, and I find myself leaning into it, grateful for his easy companionship.
Chapter 20
The crisp air bites at my cheeks as I step out of the ski lodge, feeling the familiar crunch of snow under my boots. I adjust my jacket and watch as Ethan clips into his board with a practiced ease that speaks volumes about his life of privilege on the slopes. My hands fumble slightly with my own bindings, a subtle reminder of the different worlds we come from.
My gear has seen better days but at least I had some so I could come on this trip. Growing up with rich hockey player friends is paying off. They used to take me with them sometimes.
“Ready, Liam?” Tessa’s voice sings out, her hazel eyes sparkling with unbridled enthusiasm. She’s already geared up, looking like she was born to dash down mountainsides.
“In a sec,” I call back, securing the last strap with a click that feels louder than it should. Tristan gives me an encouraging nod.
