Page 8 of Ride with Zane
“Yes, but the guy is jealous as fuck.” My eyes move toward the VIP area for a brief second. “Is he the reason you wanted to quit?”
“He's my ex.” I admit.
“Oh, he's such an idiot.” His statement hits me but at the same time the venom in his voice sends a shiver down my spine.
Flopping my head back, I let out a heartfelt laugh. “Thank you, I really needed it.”
“My pleasure, Princess,” he bends down. I can feel his breath on my neck making my pulse skyrocket. “enjoy your night.” Is he about to kiss my neck? Time seems to stand still as I wait. He doesn't. Instead, he steps back and moves away until he disappears behind the red door.
Well… maybe it wasn't a bad idea coming here after all.
Heading back to the VIP area, I spot Kelly near the bar talking with the bartender.
I join my friend with a smile I can’t hide. Usually I don't have much time for them during the week between my training routine and all the competitions my coach schedules. When the second Saturday comes, we all meet at mine for a great BBQ, gossip and spend time together. It's great to have them around and I feel lucky. With some of them like Luke, Gerry and Kelly, we know each other since we have memories. Levy and Irene moved to Newtok in middle school and they've become part of our family. Lex and Jessica are the new entries even though we were senior year.
“Who's going to bake for the next week?” asks Lilly, one of the newest girls in our entourage.
“It's Kelly's turn,” I say, playing with my straw. “Levy is going to bring his potato salad, Gerry his spicy ribs, Irene some corn, Luke will be our DJ and I think Jessica is for the movie. Drinks are on me, and I'll have a surprise too.”
“You go, girl! It's amazing having you back so we can have our Satfam.”
“It's great to be back,” I admit. “Wait, what's a Satfam?”
“A Saturday family.”
“For God's sake, Lilly, no more alcohol for you.” I pretend to snatch her drink, but she pulls it to her chest.
“What, I just shortened it,” she confesses in such an innocent voice that makes us laugh. Lilly is a lazy ass. She loves to come up with words that sometimes make no sense.
“So when is the next competition?” Luke asks, elbowing me.
“In a few weeks.”
He sips his cocktail with a nod. “And after that?”
“Hopefully I'll have access to the Olympics.” I admit in a nervous voice. It's a dream I've chased since I was little, and now that I'm almost there I'm literally freaking out.
“Holy crap, Ash, that's fantastic! I know you'll get there,” says Levy in such an excited voice it makes me feel like I am on a pedestal.
“Fingers crossed. I hope so.”
“Which means intensive training, strict diet and gym. Your boyfriend won’t be that happy.” Blake tries to ruin my mood.
“Rock’s good with it,” I admit while his smirk changes in a tight line.
“Isn’t he too old for you?”
Luke cuts me off. “The older the wiser and experienced.” He winks at me.
Blake is fuming while Amanda and Kelly come back. He pulls her in a passionate kiss. And for the first time I feel nothing.
“Get a room!” shouts Gerry, making everyone laugh. I can’t help but join them and then sip my drink.
After a small talk and a couple of drinks we head to the dance floor. The music is so good, and I start to dance, feeling so free like when I’m on the rink. It's my night, and after the last year I deserve to have some fun. I have the feeling he's watching me, or that's what my naughty side wants to imagine. I move my hips and keep dancing.
The last guy I danced with was funny, but I didn't like having his hands on me. He clearly got the message since he walked away fast.
Approaching the bar I could sense Rock's burning eyes on me.