Page 20 of Chasing Sunsets

She knew exactly why her shaking stopped.

“What you do when no one is watching is what separates a champion from everyone else.” ~ Unknown

Chapter Seven

Shit. Shit. Shit.

The shot, the alcohol, had stopped her trembling.

Sadie tried to remember the last time she’d gone through a whole day without drinking until she passed out.

Two months? Three? Four?

Well, she’d made sure she didn’t pass out last night, wanting to wake on time this morning so she didn’t miss her ride, but she did order three glasses of wine with room service.

Shit.

Her mother had suggested Sadie might be using liquor too much.

She spun toward Zack, wondering if her mother told him about her suspicions.

He raised his brows.

Sadie assumed she could stop whenever she wished. If that wasn’t true, it’d affect her ability to race. Was she going to experience annoying, painful shudders without drinking? There might be days when alcohol wouldn’t be available on this adventure.

Shit.

“Excuse me.” She got up, threw her crown onto the bar, and hurried to the restroom. The doors hung open on the stalls, so she was alone. She went to the sink, started the cold water, and splashed some on her face.

Would the tremors start again if she didn’t drink more alcohol tonight?

Disgusted with herself, tears welled in her eyes. When she numbed herself with liquor, it helped her get from one day to the next. Except it’d become a habit. An awful habit.

She stared at her wet face in the mirror. “No more. Not during the competition.”

There were no paper towels, only those blower things. She crouched for the vent to hit her in the face.

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