Page 12 of Chasing Sunsets

Zack powered down his cell and stepped closer to Sadie, who still spoke into her phone. Discussing money with Dre brought him back to why they needed to win this competition. He didn’t want to forget what brought him here, never wanted to forget, he merely didn’t need it to consume his every thought.

He’d fake a smile for the next two weeks as if nothing were wrong.

Meanwhile, his memories and the reality of what happened six months ago would continue to eat at his insides. He doubted Sadie would ever forgive him for the decision he’d made.

And he couldn’t blame her.

“The person who starts the race is not the person who ends the race.” ~ Unknown

Chapter Four

“Igotta go, Mom,” Sadiesaid.

“You two belong together, honey.”

“Things change,” she replied although she didn’t believe her own words. Zack was her person for life. It was just...

She wouldn’t think about that.

“I’ll talk to you in a few days. Love you.” She hung up and spun toward Zack. “Mom claims she didn’t contact the show. To her credit, she sounded shocked when I explained we were partners. Still, I wouldn’t put it past her or your mom.”

He bobbed his head.

One last couple walked into the room. Jessie reentered behind them with a handful of heavy-duty envelopes. “Keep your driver’s license on your person and place your phones, wallets, purses, or anything else you might want on the day off during the race, into these envelopes. Sign, seal, and set them in the clear container near the door. Our staff will be here soon to place microphones on everyone. Be sure to introduce yourselves to each other.”

After they secured their belongings, Zack motioned for her to lead the way. He introduced her to some of the men he’d already met, and they shook hands with all the couples, wishing them luck. Sadie didn’t feel obligated to be social and only said her name. Zack laughed with most of the others, making her jealous she didn’t feel his ease.

Two workers approached them. The young girl smiled, her round face widening as she did. “Now you’ll understand why we give you clothes to wear. The side pocket on the shorts will hold this.” She held up a black rectangular transmitter with wires. “The mic clips to the neck of your shirt.”

The young man helped Zack, and the girl helped Sadie. The wires slithering against her skin would take getting used to as much as the cameras.

Gemini arrived and didn’t waste time. “We invited eleven couples. Two chose not to join us, so nine are competing.”

The two women she saw in an argument at the hotel were nowhere in sight. They must’ve been one of the couples who didn’t wish to participate.

“There are no eliminations in this contest. Each day you will accumulate time depending on how long it takes you both to get from the start to the finish. On the last day, the team with the least time wins. Easy enough, right?”

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