Chapter 36
Connor
Two days later, emotions are running high. The team is excited and nervous, and I can’t help but notice Vox is pulling back from them. It’s hard being a champion and a team player. Plus, I know he’s got a lot on his mind.
I get it.
I’m on my way to base village, gearing up for our last practice run before the big event, when I’m approached by a man in khaki cargo pants and a button-down.
He looks like a cross between a boarder and a businessman.
Something about him feels familiar. The way he’s eyeing my Patterson Performance jacket warily makes it click.
It’s the same man I saw standing just outside the media tent on the day of the time trials. The man who was watching Grey and Vox.
He offers me a nervous smile as he casually asks what slope the team is practicing on today.
I know the second this man opens his mouth that he’s Vox’s dad. He has the same voice, just a little more gravelly from age and probably smoking a few things over the years.
Instantly, I’m on high alert. I think about calling Grey, but I can’t help my curiosity, and I’m still not convinced Grey isn’t shady as fuck when it comes to Vox. Perhaps I can learn why this man is choosing now to disrupt his son’s life.
“It’s a closed course,” is all I say, waiting for him to give me more.
“Do you know if they’ll be running any more open courses before the event?”
“Today’s their last practice.”
He pulls a business card from his wallet, looking defeated.
“Okay, well, I’m new to the ski and snowboard scene, but I own a board shop in SoCal.
Mostly surfboards and skateboards, but I’m expanding into snow sports.
I’d love to have a conversation about sponsorships sometime, and maybe talk with some of your athletes if any are available for additional sponsorship. ”
Some of our athletes? Or one in particular? I silently wonder.
“I think you probably need to talk to Grey Patterson about that,” I reply, taking the card from him. “I’ll see that he gets this.”
The man clenches his jaw before relaxing his features, but I saw it, the flash of anger he couldn’t mask.
“Please don’t bother Mr. Patterson. I’ve not had much luck with him in the past.”
“So, why reach out again?” I ask. Oddly, I don’t get the impression this man’s here to hurt Vox or ask him for money.
His eyes shift to the side, clearly trying to decide how much to tell me and if I can be trusted.
Finally, choosing a guarded version of the truth, he answers, “Mr. Patterson has something of mine. I’ve been trying to get it back for quite some time, but he refuses to even entertain a conversation about it. ”
“And what would that be?” I press.
He pauses, shifting his full attention to me before saying, “My son.”
Leaning in close, I channel all my protective fury onto the man in front of me.
“Look, Mr. Montgomery.” The man doesn’t seem at all surprised that I know who he is.
“Vox is doing just fine. In fact, he’s better than fine.
Your being here could distract him to the point of getting killed.
The Winter Classic will provide challenges that require his full attention.
If you want what’s best for your son, you need to leave.
” And because I’m mad that he’s interrupting Vox’s life, I add, “Just like you did the first time.”
“I’m not here to cause trouble,” he says emphatically.
“Whatever Grey told you about me is probably a lie.” His eyes dart around nervously as if by mentioning him by name, Grey might appear.
I suppose the paranoia isn’t completely unwarranted, though.
Lord knows the man seems to have a sixth sense about things when it comes to Vox.
“It doesn’t matter what Grey told me. I know what Vox told me. He may pretend like he doesn’t care that you’re here, but—”
“He knows I’m here?” the man asks, sounding hopeful.
I figure there’s no harm in telling him this part. “He overheard Grey telling me you’ve been sniffing around. Vox may act like he doesn’t care about you, but you being here will only hurt him more, because I’m sure you don’t plan to stick around. And I’ll die before I let you hurt him again.”
“You obviously care about my son,” he deduces. Interestingly, there’s no judgment in his tone, and it’s because of that I continue, spilling a truth I haven’t even told Vox yet. As far as Vox knows, I’m on my way there, but in this moment, I know for certain I’ve already arrived.
“Care about him?” I snarl, stepping closer. “I’m in fucking love with him, and I’ll protect him from anyone and anything that tries to take him from me.”
Swallowing hard, the man totally glosses over the fact that I just basically outed his son to him and says, “Then keep both eyes on Grey Patterson. Because that’s who took him from me, and he won’t hesitate to rip Vox away from you, too.
” It’s hard not to believe there’s at least a shred of truth in what he’s saying since I’ve had my own suspicions about Grey for a while now.
The man holds his hand out as an introduction and a peace offering. “Turner Montgomery.”
“Connor Lang.”
“I know who you are, Mr. Lang. I’m no stranger to snowboarding. Who do you think taught Vox to strap in?” he asks with a broken smile.
“I don’t understand. If you’re that invested in talking to Vox, why not just do it? Send him a message on social media, or do a meet and greet, or hell, you know he’s here. Catch him on the mountain.”
“I’ve tried. Patterson blocks my access at every turn.”
“Why?”
“You’d have to ask him. I’ve been trying to get in touch with Vox for seven years.
” My phone rings, and Grey’s name appears on the screen, visible to Turner.
“That’s my cue to get the hell out of Dodge before his goons chase me off again, but please, please tell Vox I’d love the chance to talk to him…
and I know he probably won’t believe it, but could you let him know I’m proud of him?
He can reach me at the number on the card.
” Pointing to my still-ringing phone, he says, “You’d better answer that. ” Then he turns and walks away.
Stunned speechless, I slide the button to answer the call, but don’t say anything as I hold the phone to my ear.
“Connor?” Grey says into the phone. “Connor, are you there?”
“Uh, yeah. What’s up?”
“We’ve all gathered for tea and were wondering if you’d like to join us,” he says sarcastically. “What do you mean ‘what’s up?’ You’re late for practice. Where the hell are you?”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Pocketing my phone, I readjust the board under my arm and continue making my way toward Grey, the team, and Vox.
“Connor, so nice of you to join us,” Grey says when I arrive. I’m eight minutes late for our last run before the event. Hardly cause for all the ire he’s throwing my way.
Vox raises a brow at me in question, clearly wondering what’s going on, but I shake my head. It’s not like I can tell him anything here.
“We need everyone locked in, ready to go,” Grey says as his eyes drift toward Vox.
“Everyone will be getting individualized attention today to work on their weakest areas. Today’s lessons are not to exceed two hours.
Once today’s lesson is over, you all are to rest and take it easy until you’re in the competition chutes.
Tasha, you’re working with Connor on your switchbacks; I’m still concerned they aren’t tight enough.
Vox, I’ve asked Montoya to run full-speed drills with you today. ”
Immediately, Vox’s hand shoots in the air like he’s in elementary school.
Coach Patterson looks at him, already exasperated. “Yeah, Vox? What is it?”
“I don’t mean to sound like an arrogant asshole, sir,” he starts, and behind him I hear three or four of his teammates snicker.
One of them even says, ‘yeah, right.’ “But if you want me to run full-speed drills, I’m gonna need to do it with Coach Lang.
He’s the only one who can challenge my top speed.
” Quickly, he adds, “No disrespect to the others, though,” and my heart damn near leaps out of my chest.
Grey chews the inside of his cheek and looks like he’s going to argue, but then his eyes roam around the group, and he must realize Vox is right because he finally nods.
“Yeah, sure. You two go get started.” He throws a thumb over his shoulder before looking at me. “But Lang?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t forget the rules. I’d hate to see you trapped behind a desk again.”
Grey and I embark on a stare-down after his blatant threat, and it’s Vox who shakes us loose.
Tapping me with his board, he says loudly, “Come on, Lang, get a move on. I’ve got a mountain to dominate, and it’s time I kicked your ass once and for all.”
He’s much better at playing it cool than I am. The ease with which he falls into his expected personality seems to throw Grey off my scent, because he turns back to address the rest of the team.
Vox and I board away as quickly as we can before Grey assigns someone else to me. Not sure who it would be, though, since no one can keep up with Vox and me.
I feel intense relief as soon as we’re on the lift, being carried up the mountain, in our own little world.
“The fuck was that all about?” Vox asks as soon as he deems it safe.
I won’t keep things from him the way Grey does, but my timing to tell the truth needs to be decent, and right before we take a couple of competition-level runs isn’t it.
“Just Grey not-so-subtly reminding me that he’s keeping an eye on me…on us. I’m not doing a great job of hiding my feelings for you, Vox. I’m honestly surprised he let me ride with you today.”
“Hmm,” Vox hums. I’m curious about what it means, but I let it go, tabling it until the rest of that conversation can happen.
“What runs do you want to hit?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’m a little tired of people, so I was thinking of somewhere way less crowded.” With a mischievous grin, he asks, “You ever gone off the backside?”