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“I love the people, yes,” I answer as honestly as I can.
I do love Lake Starlight, and at first it was an adjustment, getting used to running into people, most of whom were Palmer’s relatives, everywhere I went. But Adley changed my life, and I can’t imagine not living wherever Palmer is. I get that Matt doesn’t see much value in that, but maybe when he’s done setting records and claiming gold medals, he’ll feel differently.
“I love my mom, but I wanted the hell out of my hometown.”
Not wanting to continue this conversation, I bring it back to the reason we’re here. “Let’s get you in line for the halfpipe.”
We wait since we can’t reserve it especially for Matt, even though he’s an icon in the sport. Anyway, it will be good to go over his tricks before he does his run again.
“I’ve set up a friend to videotape, so I want you to do whatever you want, then I’ll give you my thoughts.”
“Perfect.” He walks over to some kids probably twenty years his junior, and most of them know who he is, giving him high fives and fist bumps.
I sit back and wait, but I don’t have to wait too long because each kid in line allows Matt to go in front. Matt, being Matt, takes the opportunity they’re giving him.
His first run is good but not great. Right off, it’s clear he isn’t getting the height he needs to do the big tricks this sport demands nowadays. Every year the tricks get scarier, athletes doing the unthinkable when one false move could kill them.
I didn’t tell Matt, but seeing Adley grow up is dream number one for me now. I just can’t put my life at risk the way he does, knowing it would be my fault if I left her without a dad because I’m an adrenaline junkie.
When he’s back up the mountain, he walks over to me, shaking his head. “Fuck, you don’t have to tell me. I barely got enough air on the first trick.” His goggles rest on his helmet, and he looks at me for advice.
Sometimes I wonder why he sought me out after all these years when half of my day is spent teaching families and kids who have never skied how to use the pizza method to control their speed. We chat about the changes he can make and go through a few more runs, his improvement showing by the third time.
After his last run, I snowboard to the bottom to meet him, and someone calls my name. I turn to find Palmer’s cousin Harper.
The entire Bailey clan can ski or snowboard like champs, which I guess happens when you grow up in Alaska. Ironically, Palmer can’t. She always refused to learn for some reason, but at least she trusts me on the slopes with Adley.
“Hey, Harper,” I say when she comes over with some of her friends. All their attention is on Matt instead of me.
“Do you know Matt Peterson?” I ask them.
As a group, they say yes and nod, a few of them giggling. Harper shakes her head at them. She’s been around me when I’ve had some other professional athletes come to me for training and tips.
“Hey, girls,” Matt says.
“Hi,” they say in unison with the typical flirty girl voices I’m sure Matt expects.
I introduce Matt to Harper, and she says each of her friend’s names, each one unable to take their eyes off Matt.
When was the last time I was looked at like they wanted to tie me up naked and explore my entire body twice?
My phone rings in my pocket, so I grab it to see it’s the school.
“Excuse me,” I say and walk a few steps away while swiping my phone. “Hello?”
“Hi, this is Marcie again.”
“What did she do?” I ask, knowing Adley couldn’t keep her hands to herself.
“Adley chased another student around the playground, asking him to kiss her.”
I blow out a breath.
“Mr. Grier would like for you and Miss Bailey to come in again and have another conversation.”
“Do I need to pick her up right now?” I can’t cancel my lessons for the day again. This is Palmer’s job today, her day with Adley. “Did you try to call Palmer?”
“We did, but we didn’t get an answer. No need to get Adley, though. Mr. Grier assured me we’d figure this out during the conference. Get in touch with Miss Ferguson and let me know a good time for the two of you to come in.” There’s a trace of humor in Marcie’s voice, suggesting she finds this whole thing funny. My three-year-old chasing boys around asking them to kiss her? Not funny at all.
