Page 6 of Kiss Me

“Alone. I just need a little bit of space,” I tell her with as much patience as possible. It’s not Liza’s fault that I’m a liar who can’t even look a little girl in her face. “I’ll return soon.”

I don’t give her time to question where I’m going or exactly when I’ll be back as I head for the exit, crutch under my arm while making sure to not lean too much weight on my right ankle.

Liza’s watching me and she’ll have a fit if I do anything to make it seem as if I’m worsening my injury.

Only once I know I’m out of her sight do I take a deep breath. My mind races with thoughts. This was supposed to be a relaxing week to rest and recover before the frenzy begins after the New Year.

Yet, it feels like everything’s getting turned upside down.

Of course, at this moment is when my phone buzzes. My shoulders slump as I see the word “Dad-Ager” on the screen.

“Hey, Daddy,” I answer because I know he’ll continue calling if I don’t answer.

“How’s my Ace?” he answers. “Resting that ankle, I hope.”

I peer down at my booted feet. “Sure am.”

“Great. Liza told me the shoot went well this morning. We should get the untouched photos in a day or two. Then we can decide what looks good,” he says as I hear papers rustling in the background.

“We don’t have to rush on the photos,” I remind him. “Christmas is in a week.”

“Which is why we need the photos back soon. You know how many people like to take off during this time of year. And if we’re going to hit the ground running once your ankle heals, we need to make sure all is in order.”

I bite my tongue. My father is always two steps ahead when it comes to business. No, make that three. He likely has my schedule planned out through the end of 2026. With contingency plans to boot.

“Right. I was just thinking that the photographer or some of his staff have families they want to spend some time with duringthis time. It was already a big ask of them to come up here on such short notice.”

My father makes a noise at the back of his throat. “They were happy to do it. Especially once they heard about your ankle. Hell, I would’ve been there myself if I wasn’t in the middle of negotiations for Carl and Thomas for next season.”

My father run his own sports agency. While I’m the only athlete he manages full-time, he still handles some agent responsibilities for three of his other top athletes.

“But you don’t worry about a thing, Ace. Your job is to rest up and mentally prepare for January. I have to go, but I’ll call you in a day or two.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you more, Ace,” he replies before hanging up.

I remember I used to love that nickname that only he calls me. He’s called me it since the moment I took my first steps at eight months old.

Years later, though, it now feels a little more like a curse than a gift to be his Ace.

“Merry Christmas to you, too,” I mumble before shaking off whatever this nostalgic feeling is that’s overcome me and head aimlessly in one direction.

Thankfully, I grabbed my pair of large sun goggles and winter hat before leaving. Though it’s not too cold, I wear the hat pulled low on my forehead and slide the goggles over my eyes. I hope in this get up no one will recognize me.

Although, my signature long, colorful braids might give me away. And this stupid crutch I have to carry around with me.

I walk aimlessly for a bit, not thinking of where I’ll end up. All I know is that I want to get away for a while. The crunch of the snow beneath my boots drowns out my thoughts. A small smile touches my lips when I come to a stream that cuts through a part of the wooded area, off of the main slopes of the resort.

After a while I look up to spot one of the lifts that carries skiers and snowboarders from this side of the mountain to the other, and I start in that direction.

I might not be able to actually get on a board, but being on the snow—even in just my boots—calms me down.

“Thank you,” I tell the attendee as he lifts the bar for me to take my seat on the lift.

I sit, adjust the crutch so it isn’t in the way of the bar, and get comfortable. The resort worker begins to lower the security bar, but he’s stopped when a man slips into the spot next to me.

His movement is so fast, I don’t have time to react.

---