“You wanted to feel alive. There’s nothing like taking a bike down a mountain.”
My heart rate picked up speed. We were going to take these bikes down that windy road in full dark?
He looked me in the eyes. “Remember, you’re in control. Check your brakes before you pick up too much speed.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to follow behind you, so if you get scared, just stop.”
“I’m not scared.” I was terrified. But I wouldn’t let Calder know that.
“There’s no shame in fear. It’s how you tackle it that counts.”
I met his gaze. “Let’s go.”
He grinned. “Lead the way, Little Daredevil.”
I guided my bike towards the start of the road. Giving myself a few good peddles, I checked my brakes as Calder had instructed. They were nice and strong.
I gave a few more rotations, and the bike picked up speed. The wind made my hair whip out behind me, and my adrenaline cranked up a notch.
“That’s it,” Calder called.
I grinned into the night and went faster. I leaned into one turn after the other. It was as if I were made for this. My body instinctively knew what to do.
The wind stung my eyes and cheeks, but I didn’t care. My heart pounded in my chest, but for once, it wasn’t because I was angry at having to sit yet something else out. It was because I was alive and truly living.
The light from the stars blurred overhead as I went even faster. The trees beside me lost their shape. I was flying.
For the first time in forever, I felt completely free.
1
Hadley
PRESENT
I liftedmy mountain bike onto the rack on the back of my SUV. As I tightened the straps holding it in place, my phone buzzed in my back pocket. I slid it out and unlocked the screen.
Mom:Will you be at dinner tomorrow?
There was nothing especially unique about the text. Nothing rude or harsh. But I could feel the silent pressure of the words. The weight of the judgment I’d face if I went. I should’ve done what my eldest brother, Beckett, had. Run. Escaped to some far-off country without cell service. Of course, Mom always welcomed him home with open arms. I doubted I’d get the same treatment.
My fingers hovered over the screen before I typed out a response.
Me:Sorry, I have a shift.
I waited, knowing it wouldn’t be long.
Mom:I don’t ask you for much, Hadley. But I’d like my family together for Sunday night dinners.
I didn’t begrudge her that. Yet, if Hayes had a shift at the sheriff’s department, or Shiloh took off on another of hertrips,they wouldn’t get chewed out. I was the only one who was a massive disappointment. There was nothing I could say. Instead, I powered off the phone and climbed into my SUV.
Tossing the device into the cupholder, I started the engine. That telltale itch started at the back of my neck. Soon, my skin would feel too tight for my body. I needed to move. To feel that hit of adrenaline. The rush that reminded me I was free, and no one could steal that freedom from me.
I started down my dirt drive and headed for national forest land. The trip didn’t take long, less than thirty minutes. But by the time I pulled into the makeshift lot, my hands were trembling. I shook them out, hoping it would make them stop. I needed every ounce of control I could find if I were to pull this off.
I turned off my SUV and climbed out. A whistle sounded from my left. “Easton,” Toby called.