Page 59 of Ride with Zane

There’s no hesitation in his voice. “You know you can count on us, Rock. We’ll have your back, no matter what.”

I had no doubt, but I never give things granted especially now that his daughter is involved.

We exchange goodbyes feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. Harrison’s support means everything, especially in times like these.

With Ashley’s name now permanently etched into my skin and Harrison backing us up, I feel a renewed sense of determination.

After sending a text to Denise, I ride to Icylight. I need to see her. It’s an urge I can’t push back.

The security nods at me, as I walk through the door and go straight to the rink.

“Come on Ashley, speed up!” Raven, her coach shouts. She does it and the jump makes her fly.God, she’s so beautiful.As if she can sense me, she looks around but I move backward. She needs to be focused on her training.

“Di, eyes on her.” I demand as guilt washes over me for not staying longer.

“We’ll go back to the hood, Prez.”

“Thank you.” I murmur glancing on the ice rink again.Love you Princess.

Ashley

I’m on the ice, gliding through my routine, my body moving in harmony with the music playing in the background. Raven, watches me closely, offering occasional pointers and I swear Godthe more she yells, the more I want to punch something. She’s been acting weird lately and the text message I spotted on her screen left me a bit skeptical even though she said it’s for another skater she’s training. Her bullshit though, was a red flag for me and I talked to dad about it. The intensity of the training leaves me breathless, but I push myself harder, determined to master every move, every jump, and every spin. And I fucking can’t!

Hours pass in a blur of repetitive figures and exhausting drills. My body aches, and fatigue threatens to overwhelm me, but I keep going. I’m here, alone, chasing perfection on the ice until my muscles protest with exhaustion. The ice is my canvas to paint the emotions I cannot express otherwise.

After a much-needed shower, I move to the cafeteria with Denise for a hot chocolate. I’m not in the mood but Di claims I need it since I burned tons of calories and skipped lunch because I had a call with my uncle. A sudden murmur catches my attention. People are exchanging worried glances, and somehow, I turn to look at Denise. “What’s going on?”

“Have no idea.” She shrugs as the guy hands us our hot beverages.

“Hey Al,” I turn toward one of the hockey team players, “what’s going on?”

“You don’t know?” he leans closer. “There was a mess outside of town. I bet the new prospects were exercising. It seemed to be in the far west.” He peers at Denise.

“We don’t do it here.” She cuts him off with a scoff.

Panic shoots through me, and I fumble for my phone. I dial my dad’s number first, hoping for some reassurance, but there’s no answer. My heart races as I try Rock next, but again, there’s no response. Fear grips me, a chilling sense of dread clawing at my insides.

“Ash, you okay?”

I blink a few times while looking at her. “They don’t answer.” My hands shake as I grab my bag and pull out the keys.

“There’s no need to worry Princess.”

“Call Mac, Blue, Doc, call everyone. I need to know he’s fine.” My voice is gruff. I dial dad’s office and the rings seem endless. I push the doors and step in the foyer.

“Newtok district… “

“Dave, thank goodness, where’s dad?” My voice comes out in a hurry.

“Fuck, where?” Denise's voice makes me pull my phone off and focus on her. Seeing her go pale makes my heart stop. “Sure. Got it.”

“Ashley, are you still there?” Dave’s voice startles me.

“Yeah, so?” My eyes are glued to Denise, but still I need to know what Dave has to say.

“Last time I heard from him was in a meeting.” Liar! What the hell is going on?

“Thanks, Dave.” I hang up while piercing Denise in place. “No lies, Di.”

---