Page 26 of The Big Race
I considered his proposal, remembering Dr. Lieber’s advice about the race being a classroom. “Okay. I’m in.”
Ray stood up and offered his hand. He pulled me to my feet so we were standing face to face.
“Whatever happens,” he said softly, “I want you to know that the best adventure of my life has been being your husband.”
The sincerity in his eyes made my chest ache. “Even better than climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?”
A small smile curved his lips. “Even better than that.”
Chapter 12
Won’t Let Me Fall
The three of us ate breakfast together, protein-packed oatmeal, and then Leo left to return to college. We hadn’t been told when to expect our driver, so we wandered around the house, trying to kill time. Ray checked his bags, I tried to focus on answering emails, and we were both edgy.
Finally my cell phone rang shortly after noon. “It’s the gatehouse,” I said. Ray answered while I held my breath.
“Thank you. You can let him in.” He hung up and turned to me, his eyes bright with a mixture of excitement and nerves. “Our driver is here.”
This was it. No more time for doubts or second-guessing. Whatever lay ahead—for the race and for us—the starting line was waiting.
We shouldered our backpacks and walked down the driveway. A black town car pulled up and we put our bags in the trunk. The driver handed us each a folder containing release forms and last-minute instructions, along with security badges on lanyards marked “CONTESTANT.”
As we drove through our neighborhood, Ray reached for my hand, interlacing our fingers. “Nervous?” he asked quietly.
“Terrified,” I admitted. “But ready.”
We watched closely as the driver took us out to US 1, and then on a winding path that didn’t seem to make any sense. “I think they’re deliberately trying to confuse us,” I said. “If a team is being picked up at the airport and then driven to this hotel, they could memorize the route back.”
Ray nodded. “They haven’t counted on us knowing the area.”
Eventually, after more twists and turns, we ended up at a hotel in Aventura, on the north side of Miami.
“What do you think?” Ray whispered to me. “Ancient Spanish Monastery? That’s the closest landmark.”
“Even if it’s not, we know this neighborhood.”
The Aventura Hotel appeared ahead, its modern glass façade gleaming in the early afternoon sun. As we stepped out of the car, the Florida heat hit me with familiar intensity, but for once I didn’t mind the instant bead of sweat forming at my temples. After twenty-five years in this climate, I was acclimatized in a way many of our competitors wouldn’t be. Another small advantage.
A security guard checked our credentials before waving us through to a secluded entrance away from the main lobby. Zoe met us, with multiple lanyards and radios. “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you both in person.” We shook hands.
“We’re keeping all contestants separated from regular guests,” Zoe continued. “You’ll be using private elevators and a dedicated floor. Dinner is at seven in the Henderson Room, where you’ll meet the other teams and receive your official welcome.”
Zoe led us through a side door and down a series of hallways to an elevator requiring keycard access. The production team had transformed this section of the hotel into what felt like a covert operation.
“Here are your room keys,” she said, handing us each a card. “You’re in room 1742. The production team will collect you fordinner at 6:45. Until then, you’re asked to remain in your room. There’s a welcome packet on the desk with more information.”
The elevator doors opened on the 17th floor, where two security guards stood at attention. They nodded as we passed, checking our contestant badges.
Our room was spacious with a stunning view of the intracoastal waterway. As soon as the door closed behind us, Ray dropped onto the edge of the bed, running his hands through his hair in a gesture I recognized as his way of processing overwhelming situations.
“Are you ready?” I asked, the question carrying weight beyond the race itself.
Ray looked at me, his hazel eyes serious. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Then he smiled, that familiar crooked smile that had first caught my attention all those years ago. “Besides, you’ve been training me for weeks. I think I can handle whatever they throw at us.”
“Even the dancing challenges?” I teased, referring to his notorious two left feet.
“Especially those.” He bumped his shoulder against mine. “I’ve got a secret weapon now.”
