Page 103 of Just Let Go

Happy.

Grady texted him back:I’m up, drill sergeant.

Good. Don’t phone it in. Visualize the moment you’re back on that team.

Grady tapped out the words:I’ll do you one better. I’m visualizing that gold medal around my neck.

LOL. One thing at a time, my man, but I like your enthusiasm. Go get ’em and call me later. I’m going back to bed.

He pulled on his gray hoodie, brushed his teeth, and splashed some water on his face, making a mental note to go to bed earlier tonight. He couldn’t stay up late watching old race videos if he was going to get up at this hour.

He trudged downstairs, the smell of coffee a welcome distraction. He’d set the automatic timer to start brewing so he could have at least half a cup before heading out.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. One glance at the clock—5a.m.—told him his training partner was right on time.

Impressive.

He pulled the door open and found a sleepy Jaden standing on the porch. “I don’t think I’ve ever been up this early.”

Grady laughed. “This is the life, kid. This is what it really takes.”

How had Grady forgotten? How had he gotten so sidetracked—so arrogant—that he let himself believe he didn’t need the same hard-core training his competitors were putting in?

“I’m not goin’ easy on you, either. You said you wanted to compete, so you’re gonna get the real picture,” Grady said as he grabbed his phone and keys. “Wait. How did you get over here?”

“I jogged,” Jaden said.

Grady gave the kid a nod. “Wow.”

“I’m tired.”

“Yeah, yeah, let’s hit the weight room.” They started off in the direction of the Cedar Grove clubhouse, which Ryan had told him offered a state-of-the-art gym that was open twenty-four hours a day.

“We’re gonna do this every day?” Jaden asked.

“If you wanna be the best, you have to work for it,” Grady said, sounding like every coach he’d ever had.

“Wow, you’re like a fortune cookie.” Jaden tossed him a quick grin.

“Some overused advice is actually helpful,” Grady said. “Listen, I’ve been way off track since I got here. Since before I got here, really. So don’t go throwing what I do back in my face. Everything changes as of this moment right here. You got it?”

“I got it, old man,” Jaden said. “But I’ve got my eye on you.”

Grady frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you can train me, but if you’re not working hard enough, I’m calling you out on it.”

Grady stuck his hands on his hips and watched the kid’s reaction. When Jaden didn’t back down, he shook his head. “Fine, but if you get too annoying, I’m kicking you out.”

He laid out the plan for the kid—the basic training plan Happy had given him back when his body worked a little more like Jaden’s.

“That’s a lot.” Jaden groaned.

“I told you it’s not going to be easy.” Grady pulled out his phone and found the workout plan Happy had given him. It was designed to build power in his legs, something he’d always come by naturally.

“You expect me to do all this yoga stuff?” Jaden stared at the paper Grady had handed him.

“Skiing is about more than speed and power, dude,” Grady said, hopping on the treadmill. “It’s about balance and agility. At least I’m not making you take a ballet class.”

---