Page 7 of Down & Dirty

“I’m happy for Ronnie. It’s all he’s been working at for years. With a strong, well-funded organization behind him, he can climb the ranks.”

“Sure,” she nodded, pausing on the side of the path, out ofearshot of anyone else. “But that’s going to mean a lot more work for you. And...” She trailed off, hesitating to bring up our favorite sensitive subject. Finally, with a sigh, she finished, “and it means you’ll have even less time to take classes on the side.”

It had always been my plan to continue going to school from the road. I’d managed to take a few classes when I first started out, but it hadn’t taken long for the workload to become too much. Taking care of Micah and Ronnie were each full-time jobs, and I’d felt guilty pulling my attention from either of them to try and continue my psychology degree. Ultimately, I’d put all that on hold. But I’d never stopped thinking about it.

“I know. But I can’t get distracted now. We’ve worked too hard for this.” I shrugged, but tried to muster a little energy. “And the increase in pay will go a long way toward me saving up for when Icango back.”

My friend gave me a sweet smile, her eyes crinkling at the edges. “And you will go back. Once you get Ronnie in the groove for a couple of seasons, he’ll be ready to fly on his own.”

I huffed out a laugh, the image hard to conjure. “Maybe. One season at a time.”

The sound of a crowd drew our attention back toward the finish line of the course, and even from there we could make out the swarm of women and press surrounding the top three finishers. Kip Waters, Reston Green, and of course, Cory Ellis.

Elle’s easy smile turned back to me and then she laughed outright at whatever she read on my face. “You really can’t stand him, huh?”

I shook my head, looking away from the scene. “He’s an arrogant ass who almost cost Ronnie his shot at OTM. I don’t know if they’d have signed him if he’d gone off course or gotten penalized today. The guy is only in it for himself and he makes plays that are dangerous and could get someone hurt.”

She looked back at the crowd, nodding. “He’s always been like that.”

“I know. Which is why I hate that he’s on the OTM team now. It was bad enough dealing with him on race days.”

“Well, considering all of his endorsements, maybe he’ll be so busy at photo shoots you’ll never see him?” She looked at me optimistically, but there wasn’t much conviction behind it.

“If I could only be so lucky.”

CHAPTER 5

CORY

MotoMadness Courseside Interview Transcript

Motocross stalwart Cory Ellis to join OTM race team for new combo season. We caught up with him after the last race to discuss the change up.

MotoMadness: “Considering your long career, you’ve had plenty of time to join a true factory team before. Why now?”

Cory: “Honestly, Mike, it’s about timing more than anything. Being a privateer out on my own, or on the sponsored teams, I’ve had a good run. But OTM has a great vision for next season, and I’m amped to be a part of it.”

MotoMadness: “Are you at all nervous about being overshadowed by the other riders they’ve signed on?”

Cory: “You mean because I’m the old man on the crew?”

MotoMadness: “Hey man, you said it.”

Cory (laughing): “I did. And it’s ok. The answer is no. I did my share of winning last season, so I think the aim is for each of us to ride flat out and go for the top.”

MotoMadness: “Speaking of last season. How are you feeling after that spill in the second-to-last race? That was a hard hit on the bottom of the whoops.”

Cory: “Those little mounds pack a punch if you don’t hit them right, that’s for sure. But I’m fine. Nothing a tall beer and a pretty girl couldn’t fix.”

MotoMadness: “Sounds like the remedy to anything. Thanks for your time.”

Cory: “Cheers mate, see you in Anaheim.”

When I got to the conference room, most of the other riders were already there. They sat at the table with the OTM team management, while their agents and assistants gathered on the other side of the room. I’d told my agent, Bruce, to sit this one out. The deal was inked, his work was done. I didn’t like feeling like a dog on a leash, and he knew better than to crowd me.

“Cory,” Ezra Thorun said, coming around the end of the table and extending his hand. He was the team’s general manager, and had been one hell of a racer in his day.

Giving his hand a hearty shake, I held his gaze. “It’s good to see you, sir.”

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