Never Again(54)

“Almost three years ago, I was involved in the first more serious accident in this sport. I was too cocky, and not very careful, so I skidded off the track. I don’t exactly remember what was going on, and it all happened so fast.” He runs his fingers across his scar that is now barely visible, healed, and covered with a tattoo. “I was unconscious for three days, and the season was over for me. It took some time to sit on the bike again, but it was a good lesson for me. I learned never to underestimate my opponents, and to always use my head during the race, leaving cockiness behind. Even though I might still appear as an arrogant asshole on the track, this is just my mask. Yes, I’m confident, but just enough to perform well. And I respect the engine underneath me. That accident really opened my eyes, and showed me new possibilities.”

“Aren’t you afraid something like that might happen again? I’m so scared for you.”

“Every day. But I don’t think about it; I can’t let the fear win.” He lovingly caresses my shoulder.

“Ugh, sounds so easy coming from your mouth.”





Chapter Eleven



Jake





My team and I arrive at the airport. I’m holding Ella’s hand the whole time because we’re surrounded by the press the minute we step out of the car. They’re persistently posing questions, shoving their mics under Ella’s nose. I tighten my grip on her hand. We’re both wearing baseball caps, so we can protect ourselves from the annoying cameras at least a little. As soon as we enter the airport complex, the commotion dies down. We walk toward the terminal, and I turn to her so we’re looking each other in the eyes. Everything is ready for the takeoff. The private plane for the whole team is already here, and Mike, his wife, and part of my team have already boarded. I take Ella’s hands into mine, and raise them to my lips. I kiss her every knuckle and smile at her.

“I’ll miss you,” I tell her. I see tears starting to form in her eyes, and I wipe at the first tear that slides down her cheek with my thumb.

“I’ll miss you, too. So, so much.” She sniffs, and gives me the sweetest, softest kiss of my life. “Take care.”

I nod, and my coach interrupts us. “Jake, we have to go.” I nod to him, and press my forehead against hers, closing my eyes.

“Be careful,” she says, “and knock ‘em dead.” I laugh at her words.

“I plan to,” I wink, and take a step back. Our joined hands slowly let go, and the warmth of her palm is replaced by cold air. I turn around the last time. It hurts seeing her in tears. She’s looking at me with her big, sad eyes, and blows her nose into a tissue. I wave at her, and then I have to board the plane. I’m comforted by the fact that I’ll see her again soon.

I’m sitting on the plane, earphones in my ears, listening to my favorite band Imagine Dragons, and their song “Demons”. I usually listen to it before the race because it relaxes me. The first race of the season is around the corner, and I admit I’m a little nervous already. I tap my fingers on my knee, and bob my head to the rhythm of the melody.

We’re flying to Qatar, where the race is the only MotoGP event to be held at night. The whole experience of racing under the lights, and the atmosphere is really special. The track is surrounded by artificial glass to prevent the sand from reaching the track. The first time I was here, I could not believe how different this country is. Exotic culture, exotic food… I love it.

I feel someone nudge me, and I look back. Mike is standing next to me, smile on his face. Taking the earplugs out of my ears and putting them in my lap, I gesture to the empty seat next to me.

“Hey, mate,” he says, as he sits beside me. “What are you listening to?” I hand him the earphones, and he laughs. “How can you not get tired of listening to the same song all the time?” He shakes his head.

“What can I say? It calms me.” I shrug.

“Is something wrong? You seem tense lately. Is everything okay between Ella and you?”

“Yes,” I nod. “It couldn’t be better. She’s perfect.”

“So what’s bothering you then? The race? You know you’ll do great, you’re good at this.”

“Liz,” I let out a deep sigh. He’s the only friend who knows my history with Liz.

“What’s with her? Don’t tell me she came back, that bitch,” he spits out angrily.

“No, it’s not that. I haven’t told Ella about her yet. I don’t know. There was never the right moment, and…” Mike shifts in his seat, scratching his head.

“You have to tell her soon if you have serious intentions with her. You know how women are when you keep secrets from them…”