Alpha & Omega (Alpha's Rejects #4)

After several passes through the skate bowl at the skatepark, I tossed off my shirt. The day was hot as hell, and the sun shone bright without a cloud in the sky. With my exposed skin, the light breeze ghosted over the accumulating sweat, cooling me down, and then I went back at it.

The park was crowded since summer was almost here, being early June, but I dodged around the skaters, pushing my limits on speed and tricks.

I was so out of practice, messing up way too much. With work and trying to keep my bar alive, I was lucky to get out and skate once a month. If I were really lucky, I would get out here twice a month. For years, I was a pro at skating, winning several competitions. Now, I wouldn’t even make it through the first rounds, which was kind of depressing. Regardless, the choices I made benefitted not only me but those of my family.

When my legs started to burn from the exertion, I stopped and headed over to where my crew sat, drinking beer, smoking, and munching on snacks under a shade tree.