Page 66 of Just Shred

I nod, not really knowing what to say. “He talked about you,” Ben says while we both watch Jesse answer more questions.

“He did?”

“Yep,” he says, rubbing his hands together. “You’re different.”

I laugh. “You mean from the normal snow chasers.”

He grins. “Not that different. I recognized your last name,” he says, giving me a reassuring smile.

“My last name?” I ask, furrowing my brows. He points to my backstage pass with Kurton printed on there. Shit, I thought it was hidden behind my scarf.

“Your dad is a snowboard legend. Jesse only rides your father’s brand. Hell, Norman Kurton is the reason why I became a coach.”

Color creeps up my neck, and my mouth dries. I push my backstage pass deeper inside my jacket.

He goes on, “I knew your brother Ronnie back in the day. I’m sorry for what happened to him.”

“Thank you.” I swallow hard, trying to find my voice.

“Does Jesse know? About your family, I mean? The company is one of his head sponsors, as you know.”

I shake my head, and my stomach drops. Moment of truth.

Ben grimaces. “If he already knows, he didn’t mention anything to me,” he says.

“Can we keep this between us for now?” I ask.

He nods. “But remember, this is a small town, so people are going to find out sooner or later.”

“I know. I just need a little time.”

“I promise I won’t say anything.” With a reassuring smile, he walks over to Jesse and herds him back toward me. The fans protest and Jesse apologizes by cracking a joke. They all laugh and watch as he walks over to me. Some snap a picture, and other girls hug each other while showing off their autographs.

“You kids have fun at the party,” Ben tells us.

“You’re not coming?” Jesse asks, draping his arm over my shoulder.

“No, man, I’m getting too old for parties and shit. I’m heading to see a certain someone who is waiting for me at the bar. See you guys.”

“Later, Ben,” Jesse says. He takes my hand and pulls me away from the crowd. “Come on, let’s check out the party before I take you back to my place.”

The party is already in full swing once we get there, and we drop our jackets at the entrance.

“You don’t mind me showing you off to my friends?” Jesse drawls, while I take off my scarf and leave it with our jackets.

I shake my head, following him into the massive chalet. High ceilings with beautiful windows give a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding the house. Damn, I know this house. I’ve been here before with Ronnie when we were kids. Some girl he was dating at the time was renting it. Aspen money and fake people who only come here once a year to flaunt their shit with their private jets. A life I wanted to leave behind, and now I’m about to take a step right back into that life.

“You coming, or what?” Jesse asks. I didn’t know I stopped walking. He holds out his hand for me to take. “Come on, babe, I want to hold your sweaty hand,” he jokes.

“Shut up, snowboard guy,” I tease and link our fingers together. He introduces me to people he knows; some are snowboarders, other professional skiers, or hangers-on and girlfriends. Gibb runs up to us and takes us into a big hug.

“You fucker, you didn’t tell me you were coming,” he drunkenly says and slaps his brother on the back.

“I hear you found the bar already.” Jesse snickers.

“Man, everyone who’s someone is here at this party. Even—” I can’t make out what Gibb says over the noise of people talking, and the DJ spinning records in the corner of the living room.

Someone hugs me from behind. “What the fuck, sis?” an all too familiar voice says.

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