“Hey man,” he said, finally acknowledging my presence. I could see the video he was studying. A rider on the track. A rider on the track with a ponytail full of hair hanging out the back of her helmet.
“She’s coming in too high on the turns,” I said. If he wasn’t going to talk until he figured out what she was doing wrong, then I’d help him out. “And she’s too far back on the bike. Girl needs to saddle up on that tank and slow her ass down.”
“Shit I’ve been telling her for weeks,” he said, turning it off. “I was starting to think I was the crazy one,” he reached out his hand. “Good thing you clarified.”
“Oh you’re crazy,” I joked, grabbing his hand with mine and pulling him in for a hug. I patted him on the back as we backed apart. “Crazy for thinking that girl wants to be tamed. I can tell by the way she full throttles into those turns that she has zero fucks to give about what anyone else thinks.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Hoyt replied. His shoulders slumped and he sighed as he let his head fall. Hoyt and Reid were two different people. One fast and fearless. The other careful and meticulous. The one thing they had in common though, was a steady flow of Travers’ determination. Hoyt seemed to be losing his.
“Don’t worry, buddy,” I told him. “I’m here now. Sally will help you get through to her.” I laughed when I finally saw him smile. I was glad my friend was here. I knew I had a lot of training ahead of me and with him being around I knew that I’d have the best set of eyes on me in the business to figure out what I needed to work on. I think he was relieved to see me too.
“I’ll take all the help I can get.”
“When do I get to meet this wild child?” I asked. I didn’t hear any dirt bikes firing in the distance, but it was pretty early in the day.
“Oh, she’s sleeping off whatever cask of liquor she consumed last night, I’m sure.” He shook his head. “She’ll roll in about noon... if we’re lucky.”
“Doesn’t she know how lucky she is to be here?” It wasn’t like Throttled Energy was giving out opportunities like they gave her every day. They’d pulled her off an amateur circuit and offered her a shot at a professional riding career. I knew riders that would give their first born for an opportunity like that. She’d be stupid to not take advantage of what they’d offered her. Not only was it a shot at the pro-circuit, it was the help of a riding coach who knew exactly what it took to get to the top and practicing on the same track as legends... like me. Chayse McCade needed a reality check and fast.
“I think she knows,” he hesitated. “I hope she does. She could be one of the best,” he admitted. “And I don’t just mean for a girl. She could hang with Reid if she’d get her mind right. She’s just…I don’t know, man. It’s like she’s trying to outrun something, but hell if I know what.”
“We’ll work on her,” I promised. “Maybe she needs some perspective from the best,” I added with a smirk.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said crossing his arms over his chest. “Nick called me last night and told me that on top of trying to wrangle Chayse, I’m now responsible for getting your crippled ass ready for an exhibition next month. Throttled is looking to partner with another company.”
“Next month?” I asked, shocked that Pilsner had scheduled something so fast. “Okay. Better show me where my bike is then.” I’d had it shipped from Halstead after Dr. Forlani released me to ride. I knew that if it was near me, I’d be tempted to ride it. The last thing I needed to do was hurt myself riding across the ground that was freezing there.
“Right this way,” Hoyt laughed, extending his arm to point at one of the sheds across the property. “We saved a handicapped parking space just for you.”
“I’ll show you handicapped,” I said, jumping against his back as I ran past him. “I’ll have you know, I’m in the best shape of my life,” I continued as we pulled open the shed doors.
“Is that what Georgia’s been filling your head with?” he teased.
“She knows I’m in good shape.” I flexed my arms.
“I’ll take your word for it.” He rolled his eyes. “Things good between you two?”
“Fan-fucking-tastic.” I was glad he asked about her. I liked talking about her.
“I still can’t believe that you’ve got a girlfriend.”
“Me either,” I agreed. “But I fucking love it. I should have got one a long time ago.” I paused. “Actually, no. The one I’ve got now is perfect.”
“Aww, Sally. You’re so stinking cute when you’re in love.” He tossed me my gear bag and went over to check the fuel tank on my bike. “For real, dude, I’m happy that you’re happy. Georgia’s great.”
“Thanks,” I said. “And don’t worry. You won’t be single forever. We’ll find you someone willing to put up with your lame ass.” I waited for him to dish the shit I was giving him back to me, but he didn’t answer. I looked up to find him staring out the door at the woman walking toward us.
Her dark hair was as wild as the look in her eyes when she stomped toward us. Hoyt couldn’t take his eyes off of her. His throat seemed tight as he swallowed.
Well, well, well... maybe he’s already found a girl.
This should be some interesting shit right here.
I watched as she entered the shed and walked straight up to Hoyt. Whatever had this girl up so early, also had her pissed off.
“I cannot believe you told Pilsner I needed to be drug tested,” she said, poking him in the chest with her finger.
“Yeah, well, lucky for you it won’t start until next week,” Hoyt fired back. “You’ll have plenty of time to get your system clean.”
“You’re a real son of a bitch, you know that?” The fire in that girl’s eye was something to witness. Even though I kind of felt like I was witnessing a moment that I wasn’t supposed to. “You have no right—”
“I have every right,” he told her. “It’s my job on the line here, too, you know.”
“Uh…so I’m gonna go ride,” I said, breaking the stare off between them. Both of their heads snapped in my direction. As soon as I fired up my bike, the two of them went back to yelling at one another.
Poor Hoyt really did have his hands full. All I could think in that moment was how lucky I was to have a girl whose only vice was soda.
Brett: How was class?
A week had passed. Seven days that I’d spent the majority of filling my free time with anything I could to keep from missing him. The life we’d started in Halstead had now went digital. Calls, texts, Snapchatting, FaceTime. We were using every viable option to stay connected.
Me: Long. I’m exhausted. How was your day?
My phone rang and I knew it was him. He was silly to think that texting was going to be enough that night.
“Hey there,” I cooed into the phone. I could hear the weariness in my voice and I was sure he could too.