Page 29 of Chasing Sunsets

“So do I, honey. So do I.”

They stood in silence for a moment, then she broke it by admitting, “I’m completely out of shape. I fear I won’t be able to move tomorrow.”

He didn’t speak, his expression expectant, as if he understood she wanted to say more. And of course, she did.

“The high blood pressure wasn’t simply because of nerves. I’m very anxious.” If she stopped talking now, it wouldn’t be fair to him or to their partnership in this contest. She watched raindrops plop into the puddle at her feet. “I think I’m having alcohol withdrawals.”

There, she’d said it. Shame and regret heated her downcast face.

He spoke not a word, and his feet didn’t move from her line of vision.

She finally lifted her head. Although the blue of his eyes wasn’t discernible, the concern on his face almost made her weep.

“What do you want to do, Sade?”

Sade. He was the only one who called her that, and she loved it. “I’m trying to go cold turkey, but I might need to wean off instead.”

“I’m fine with whatever you decide. You’re the one living with it.”

“No,we’reliving with it. Todaywewere late because of me.”

“We don’t know where we stand against everyone else and won’t until the last day, so don’t think about it.” His lips made a straight line. “I saw you shaking yesterday and today.”

“It’s horrible.”

“You’re the PA. What do you think is best?”

“My mind doesn’t want to drink. My body...” She hesitated, hating the weakness she’d let consume her life. “My head is splitting, and my muscles are tight.”

“I’ll support whatever you decide to do.”

Emotions, too many emotions, tore through her like a twister. Tears of exhaustion and poor decisions joined the rain pouring down her face. Her voice cracked on her next words. “You always have.”

He smiled. “No decision has to be made this instant. It’s not like we have alcohol here. You can decide at dinner. Let’s cleanup, which may take me hours with this fish stink.”

She appreciated him leaving the decision to her but doubted she was in the right frame of mind to make the correct call. “I won’t drink if you don’t agree I should.”

“I want you comfortable, so whatever you need to do is fine.”

How did the man always say the right thing? His faith in her never ceased to awe her. That instant, she made her decision. She wouldn’t take even the smallest sip of alcohol during the rest of the race. Zack’s trust would get her through.

Near the exit, he said, “Just so you know, I wasn’t waiting for you as long at the seafood warehouse as you might think.”

“What happened?”

“Dim lighting and fish with too many fucking colored spots.”

She hissed a breath in sympathy.

Once in the parking lot, they headed to the last unclaimed golf cart. Karen and Matt were the only ones still around. Karen hastily walked while Matt slowly steered a cart alongside her.

“Get in, Karen,” Matt hollered.

“I’d rather not,” Karen returned just as loudly.

“You’re acting like a child.”

Karen halted and turned toward Matt. “That’s all you’ve said to me since—” She stopped talking and shook her head.

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