Page 1 of Ride with Zane
Prologue
Ashley
I'm so sore and tired, all I want is to hide in my room and sleep for days. I love traveling, but I'm thrilled this season is almost over. With another first place under my belt, I'm just one victory away from qualifying for the Olympics. I've worked a lifetime to get here, and I can't wait to achieve my biggest dream ever. After saying goodbye to my coach, I collect my luggage and head out of the airport.
“Welcome back home, cupcake.” Dad's voice startles me, pulling me into a bear hug. “I missed you so much.”
“Thank you, Dad. I missed you too,” I reply, feeling like my two-year-old self again. “You shouldn't have come to pick me up; I could have just called for an Uber.”
“I know you're independent now, and you don't need your old father anymore,” he jokes, making me giggle.
Playfully, I nudge him. “That's not what I meant, Dad, but thank you.”
“I know, Ash. I wanted to be sure you're okay. I heard you got hurt this morning.”
“I'm okay, Dad. It's nothing I haven't experienced before,” I shrug, even though my back still hurts like hell.
“I'm so proud of you, baby. Jill would have been too.” He takes my luggage and places it in the trunk.
Mom was thrilled when I started skating. It was her passion, but she couldn't chase her dream. I promised her I'd do it for both of us. I just wish she could have been here to watch me win each time. I miss her every day.
“Thank you, Dad.” I sit in the shotgun and tug my seatbelt. “So, what's new?”
“What makes you believe there's something new?” His nervous voice rings a bell in my head, and I peer at him.
“I don't know, you tell me. It's two a.m., and you've never worked on Thursday evenings, but you're still awake. That means I'm either in trouble,” I hold up my index finger. “or you have something important to tell me.”
“True, but I wanted to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday.” He chuckles before opening the storage compartment and pointing at the red package. I take it out, smiling as he grabs a blue gift box from behind my seat. “You know I break yourno celebration and giftsrule each year, and these are yours.”
What's the point? Since mom left us, I can’t enjoy it. Or I don’t want to. But it seems Dad and Kelly work hard to make me change my mind and I give up every damn year. “Oh, Dad. Thank you.”
He squeezes my hand and pulls away from the parking lot. “Will you come over on Sunday?”
“Of course,” I scoff. I may live in my own house, but Sunday's lunch is a tradition. “I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world.” Truth is with the hectic life I have, I barely have time to spend with him and guilt eats me up. He knows I’m off on some competition or training and doesn’t complain. I know how proud he is of me and I want to see that look on his face forever.
He taps his fingers on the steering wheel, and he does it when is nervous. “Great, because I want to talk to you about something.”
Shifting in my seat, I turn to him. “Dad, what's up?”
“We'll talk about it on Sunday.” He squeezes my hand. “You need to rest after this stressful period.”
“Are you sure?” I don't know what he wants to discuss, but if he wants to wait until Sunday, I won't force him. If he doesn't feel the urge to tell me right away, it mustn’t be that urgent.
“Kelly has organized a party for tonight.” Oh, shit, not again. My bestie insists on planning a “surprise” party every year with Dad's help. I'm sure she hasn't figured out he spills the beans each time. “Enjoy it, cupcake, but don't drive if you drink.”
“Turning twenty-one today doesn't mean I've never touched alcohol before, Dad.” His glance makes me laugh.Oops. Maybe this is one of those things you shouldn't tell your parent, especially when he's the sheriff. “But I promise I won't drive.”
“Good girl.” He chuckles while parking in my driveway.
I pull out my keys and finally get inside.Home sweet home!Mom and Dad renovated it when I was still a baby, and I've never changed anything; I've just added a new showcase for all my trophies and medals in the living room and a shelf for my pictures. Other than that, it's still how Mom designed it. Her taste was sublime and found a perfect match between stylish and classic furniture. Being away from the chaotic city and near the lake, we used to use it as a vacation home, and now it’s the perfect place to live.
I switch on the lights, illuminating the hallway, living room, and kitchen. “Are you sure you live here? Everything looks perfect.” Dad chuckles.
“I was out of town for only two months, Dad. No one came over, not to mention my ghosts wouldn't allow anyone in,” I joke. Dad has always been easily spooked when it comes to ghosts.Unfortunately, I don't have any around, but I'd love to see one someday.
He comes closer and tickles me. “You're not funny, Ash.”
“Trust me, your face said more than you did.” I burst out laughing, while freeing myself from his grasp. “Sorry, Dad.”