Page 109 of Riding the Curve

Lyla and her cookies.

Dinners with my family and the Lane boys.

Emerson.

I miss him most.

Though I know he’s probably still asleep, the need to just speak with him overpowers me. Not wanting to stir the sleep he needs for tomorrow’s race, I send him a text, so he’ll see it when he wakes.

ME: The night went perfect! You’d be proud. I think I just cooked the greatest meal of my life. Love you, and I can’t wait to see you win tomorrow!

EMERSON

Tossing the sheets off the mattress, I grab the water bottle on my side table and take a big swig. As I do, I stare at my phone. Swiping it open, I read Hen’s text once more. Releasing a heavy breath, I stand and head over to the hotel window to look out over Indianapolis.

The IMSA organization hosted an event for all of us tonight. I left early to get some good rest for tomorrow’s race. I was so exhausted I passed out immediately. Then, two hours later, my phone chimed with Henley’s text. Ever since then, I haven't been able to fall asleep again.

Back in Oakley Falls, I’d meant every word I said to her in the car on our way to the airport. I don’t care where we live, only that we do it together.

When I crossed the finish line for qualifiers earlier today, I was elated. It reminded me that I was still capable of doing what I love.

But since I’ve been back, I can’t help but feel like something is just . . . missing. I’ve felt unsettled. The one vibrant thrill just seemed dull in comparison to the last few months.

No laps around the track with my Dad’s laughter booming beside me.

No helping him around the ranch, or family dinners.

No Ryleigh to share a glass of whiskey with after long nights of work.

No late-night skinny dipping in the lake with Hen.

No Henley.

I lean my head against the cool glass of the window, and the answer becomes clear. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I dial. A groggy and slightly annoyed voice grumbles through the line.

“You alive?” Beau grunts.

I try to contain my chuckle. “Yes.”

“Fantastic. Then why are you waking my old ass up?” I hear more grumbling, and a rustling of what sounds like sheets. “Some of us need our beauty sleep, you know. Everyone can’t wake up to a glorious six pack and flawless skin like you.”

That makes me laugh out loud. Once I calmed down, took a deep breath and prepared myself to share what I’d decided. “We need to talk.”

HENLEY

“Flight 810 to Indianapolis, Group B, now boarding.”

Making my way over to the boarding line, I slip out my phone to pull out my ticket when it starts to vibrate in my palm.

Fate is calling, yet for some reason I’m finding myself incapable of answering.

Closing my eyes, I finally let out the air I’d been holding and answer the call.

“Hello, Seth.”

“Good morning, Henley. I’d like to discuss an offer with you.”

CHAPTER 40