Page 17 of Ride with Zane

Icylight is still closed but not for me since I've booked it for the entire year in the morning and late afternoon. That way I can train without prying eyes on me and can focus and adjust whatever it needs.Like your brain?

Skating around the rink, I warm up and stretch a little before starting the session. Rave won’t be here today, but I can do it myself. I've promised to take it easy and then head to the gym. Not sure it'll be a good idea since I'm still sore, but I need to be in shape. Gaining weight is a hard no and after all the cake we've eaten this weekend I may have gained a few pounds. Truth is Pamela is a sublime cook. Her food is delicious, and her cakes are the ones you’d die for. I like her and her sweetness with Dad left me speechless. I can see why dad fell for her and I’m sure they’ll be together forever. He deserves it.

With a smile on my face, I press play, and focus on the rhythm of the song. Each note kicks in rushing through my veins. The toe loop is clean and stable, followed by a sit to an upright spin. I skate to the edge doing a death drop ending with a rokers. Follows the Ina Bawer and ends with a hydroblading falling.

I'm not happy at all, it feels wonky and not smooth as it should be. I do it again, and again, and again. After three hours I want to scream. Frustration rushes over me as I have fallen more than I usually do, and I leave the Icylight because I need a fucking break. Rave was right, when I'm not hundred percent focused, I can easily get hurt. I already am.

I head to Boxe, one of our local gyms. I have been a member since Vin, dad's friend, has opened and Rave made sure to let him know what I can't touch even if I beg him to.

“Hey, Ashley, you ready?” The personal trainer Rave was talking about, and to whom I said I don't need one, approaches me with a smile plastered on his face.

“Finn, let me guess, you should keep an eye on me.”

“Hey, I do what I'm told.” He nonchalantly shrugs. “Vin would kill me if you get hurt because of me.”

“I don't need a personal trainer.” I sigh in frustration.Nor a babysitter.

“I know, I'll just let you do whatever you want but still keep an eye on you, how does it sound?”

“Deal, thanks Finn.” He nods and moves away. I go to the treadmill wearing my buds and listen to some music while running. I need to be sure my muscles are ready for my next competition. I can’t lose it. The Olympics are in sight, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let this opportunity slip away.

Legs, abs and arms… Not sure in which order I'll start but whatever keeps my mind busy I'm all in.

After two hours, I'm worn out.

“Nice train, you're stronger than you look,” a guy says, standing next to me. I haven’t even noticed there are a few more people in the gym. I was so focused on Finn and my own exercises that everything else disappeared.

While damping my sweat off my neck, I peer at him. “I'll take it as a compliment.”

“It is; I'm Drew by the way.” He extends his hand.

“Ashley,” I say, shaking it. “Nice tattoo.” And it really is. It's fascinating but intricate at the same time.

“Thank you, love them. Do you have any?”

“Not yet,” I reply, while seeing Finn beckon me. “sorry I have to go.”

“It was a pleasure, Ashley.” He grins as I walk by.

After planning better the new sessions with Finn, eventually I head out, while calling Kelly. Maybe she's up for a girlie night. I need a distraction!

“See you around, Ashley.” Drew's voice startles me, making me lose the grip on my phone. “Fuck, I'm sorry.”

“It's okay, I didn't see you coming.”

He walks with me toward the parking lot. “Do you need a lift?”

“Nope, I'm okay,” I wave him goodbye as I get into my car.

Zane

Reorganizing my garage was something I've pushed back so many times but today the cleaning time has come.

Keeping my mind busy works but once I'm alone the only thing I want to do is go to her. Ashley marked me and not only on my skin. Seeing her scratches on my shoulders still makes me smile.

I miss her.

Fuck me, I haven't missed anyone so much but I'm darn sure she doesn't want to hear from me. I've called her so many times that I lost count. Even though I see her every morning at the Icylight it’s not enough. This morning was tough not going to hug her but the scream she made after the last fell made me feel all her frustration and I left. Because I know it's my fault if she's not focused and I can't be a distraction for her.

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