by Paige Steele
“Maddie…”
Nothing.
“Kenna, Josie, are you girls in there?”
Nothing.
I stand, taking a deep breath, a hand on each side of the door with my head hanging low. I’m just about to walk away when the door opens up. There stands Kenna. She closes the door enough to block my view from seeing inside.
“Kenna, is Maddie in there?”
“She is but she doesn’t want to talk right now.”
“Why is she running? Did I do something?”
She raises her eyebrows at me like I should know.
“What? I don’t understand what the hell happened.”
“Jesse, just give her a little time, okay?”
“Give her time for what? Kenna come on, give a guy a break and tell me? What’d I do?”
“All I’m going to say is think about your shoot?”
“My shoot? The photoshoot? From today?”
“Yes. Now I’m going back in. Jesse, just give her some space.” And she walks away.
Now my mind is racing, replaying everything that happened once we got to the track. What am I missing?
I went to bed last night ready to punch a hole in the wall and slightly drunk as I ordered dinner in, as well as a bottle of Jack. This morning I’m still just as pissed, but now I have a headache to join in my agony.
Today I have a couple promotional appearances to go to for Yamaha, so I’ll been gone all day. It’s tough to seem happy when you’re anything but that. As I enter the hotel, I don’t see the girls anywhere…yes, I looked because come on; enough is enough, right? Maddie is avoiding me and the girls are helping her.
I shoot the guys a text to see if they want to grab dinner. They both agree.
The steakhouse, that Ryan said was good, is right down the road from the hotel, so I decide to walk. Maybe it’ll clear my mind. This weekend is not going as planned at all. As I open the door, I see both of them already sitting at a table, so I don’t wait for anyone to direct me, I make my way in their direction.
“About time.” Cooper glances up and says.
“Screw you.”
“Someone’s testy,” Ryan states.
“You would be too, if you’re girl has been playing a disappearing act on you, and you have no fucking idea why.”
“Yeah about that. Mine has been consumed with whatever the hell is going on, so figure it out soon, will ya?”
“I’d love to, so get Kenna to tell you.”
Signaling for the waitress, she walks over, and I order myself a beer while the boys drink their Cokes. They have a race to focus on tomorrow, so I’ll be the only one tipping a bottle back tonight.
“I already asked after she didn’t sleep in my bed last night. Apparently she was with Maddie in Josie’s room. I was told they needed a girls’ night since Maddie was crying.”
“Dude, really if I could figure it out, I would. Fuck, she’s driving me crazy.”
They both chuckle at me when I chug the rest of my beer and wave the bottle in the air at the waitress, so she knows I’m in desperate need of another one.
“Keep laughing, guys. I think the both of you have been in my place, a time or two before. Remember, Cooper, when you thought Ansley was screwing around with Ryan and how pissed you got? Or how about you, Ryan? I think you and Kenna went through a couple bumps in the road, too. So you both can kiss my ass.”
“I must say I’ve never seen you like this, bro. Damn you’ve really fallen for her. Haven’t you?”
Cooper and I had gotten close when we both lived under same roof with the rest of the Yamaha team. So honestly, it doesn’t surprise me that he notices.
“I agree with, Cooper, you’re a mess man.”
“Again, fuck you both.”
“Dude, we aren’t faulting you, but you need to start groveling or something, because Kenna’s ass better be back in my bed soon.”
“If she’d just talk to me…”
We order our food and let our topic of conversation switch to the race tomorrow. They both talk smack to each other, while we finish up eating our steaks. After I drink another beer, we head out and walk back to the hotel.
I don’t even bother going back to Josie’s room. I’m at the point where I’m frustrated more than before, and I come to the conclusion that she needs to come to me to talk, or we aren’t ever going to solve this. Clearly my phone calls, texts, and trying to see her haven’t worked, now it’s her turn. If she thinks I know what is going on here, she’s wrong.
I wake up in the morning, order room service, and then jump in the shower. I want today to be a fresh start, so I also need to believe that she’ll come to me soon. I pull out my Yamaha team t-shirt and throw it on with a pair of black Fox shorts.
It’s twenty after nine when I finish breakfast and decide to head down to the lobby to meet the others. While putting on my sneakers, I can’t help but to wonder what today will bring. I won’t make it awkward in front of our friends, but I will make a point to corner her at some point, if the opportunity arises.
All the Hyped Energy Girls had already headed to the track by the time I got down there. I can’t help but to wonder if it was done intentionally. Meaning, did they hurry up and go over so Maddie didn’t run into me? I jump in the truck with the rest of the riders from Yamaha. There are four of us: two race the West Coast and two race the East Coast.
Once we park, we directly go to the pits. The large banner stands ten feet tall. They are larger than life-sized posters of each rider. The fans love to stand next to them for a selfie with their favorite rider before meeting the real thing. Each stand is next to the tent and trailer of the racer. It never gets old seeing people come together for a sport that we all love.
MADDIE
I’ve been dreading today since Thursday. That was the day I witnessed Jesse’s hands wrapped around someone else’s waist. Now I sit under the Hyped Energy tent, watching people come and go, and I could care less. I’ve been smiling for pictures, acting like I’m paying attention, but in all reality, I can’t concentrate. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw him for the first time in more than twenty-four hours.
“You could end this by just going over and talking to him, Mads.” Josie smiles over at me trying to get me to cheer up.
“Why bother? They’re all the same.”
“Maddie, you don’t even know what happened. Maybe it was nothing.”
“Kenna, when was the last time you ever called, a guy holding on to a girl, while her boobs were pressed against his chest…nothing?”
“I’m just saying, you won’t know unless you talk to him. Ryan and Cooper said he’s been going crazy, trying to figure what is going on with you.”
“With ME!…Oh, I’ll tell him what’s going on with me alright!” I start to storm off when I hear Josie yell over the crowd to me.
“Go tell him, girl!”
As I make my way over there, I’m not exactly sure what I’m even going to say. I walk around the corner and the sight before me makes me want to throw up. That same girl is under his tent, talking to him. He’s smiling, shaking his head side to side. My feet are planted in one spot, not letting me walk away. I feel like they just poured concrete around my boots to keep me from moving. As I watch the two of them, I’m thinking my world was so perfect seventy-two hours before today. I can’t believe this. The little bitch then reaches up and hugs him, and he once again puts his hands on her. I can’t watch anymore. I need to get out of here.
Walking under the Hyped Energy tent has me going straight into the trailer. Heading to the bathroom, I shut the door behind me, slide down the door and cry. I cry like a baby. How could this have happen to me again? Do I have a screw over Maddie sign on my back, so that all guys cheat on me? I don’t get it. I thought Jesse was different.
There’s a knock on the door, and I stop sobbing long enough to hear it’s Kenna and Josie.
“Honey, open up,” Josie pleads.
“I’m fine really,
I just need a moment.”
“Mads, it’s Kenna. What happened?”
“I’ll be out in a minute.”
“You can either open it up or I’ll have to kick it in.” Kenna starts making karate noises. I know she’s trying to make me smile.
I turn the lock, crack the door open, and they both immediately push their way into the two by two space. There’s no moving.
“Okay this wasn’t a smart idea,” Josie giggles, which causes us all to start.
“Come on, girl.” Kenna grabs my hand and takes me out to the bench seat we have in the trailer. The three of us sit together with me in the middle.
“Spill it,” Josie says, very seriously.
“I don’t know what the hell is going on. He asked me to move in before we left, and then he’s all over some girl, when he knows damn well I’m here,” I sob. I can’t help it.
“Wait, what happened when you went over there?” Josie questions me.
“I didn’t even get to the tent when I see the same new girl Ansley hired, all over him again. He had his hands wrapped around her…AGAIN!”
“Did he see you?” Kenna asks.
“No, but I sure saw him.”
“Maybe you should have gone under the tent and spoke to him,” Kenna tells me.
I pull it together long enough to question, “And say what exactly…I’m sorry to interrupt, but could you get your filthy hands off my boyfriend?” And then I break down again.
“I can kick his ass for ya, if you want.” Josie flexes her bicep in front of me. I know it’s her way of trying to make me smile, but I don’t know if I have it in me to do it.
“I miss him. God, when did I become one of those girls?”
“One of what girls? You’ve lost me.” Josie giggles again.
“You know the whiney, crying kind.”
“It happens when you fall in love.”
I glance over at Kenna like she’s crazy, and more tears start to pour down my face. “Oh God, I’m in love with him. Aren’t I?”
“I think so, sweetie,” Kenna says, while rubbing my back then she pulls me into a hug.
“Now what do I do?”
“We get through today’s race then comes tomorrow, it’s a new day. You both need to find the time to sit and talk.”
“Thanks, Ken.” I lean in to her.
“Hey, what am I chopped liver? I was ready to kick his ass for ya.” A shocked look spreads across her face before all three of us come together in a giant hug, followed by small laugh.
“Okay, this face needs some work before I strut my stuff at the starting line.”
Putting myself back together, I walk out just at dusk, as we are supposed to head to the track. I’m grateful that the sun has set so my slightly puffy eyes aren’t so noticeable.
One race after another takes place before we call it a night. All three of us cheered on Ryan and Cooper during their race, as well as Jesse’s teammates. Overall it was a good night, and as much as I need to talk to the man that has stolen my heart, I need a very large drink of courage…possibly several of them. The girls and I head back to the hotel just before eleven.
As we walk in, we are immediately greeted by several of the riders, including Ryan and Cooper. We are informed that there’s Karaoke at the bar tonight, and that’s all I need to hear. I’m in! I love a good song and drink combo. I’m first to walk through the entrance while we all make our way to the bar. One by one, we order our drinks and I make mine a double Malibu and cranberry. Before we walk toward the DJ, there is a line of shots being poured. Kenna decided we needed them and I gladly accept mine. I see Jesse walk in with his team manager, just as I tip back the first one. Before Josie can reach for the one in front of her, I shoot it back too. Jesse’s eyes connect with mine for a minute until I pull mine away.
“What the hell, that was mine,” she squeals.
“I need it more than you do, trust me.”
“Then you owe me a drink,” she says, sticking her tongue out at me.
“I’ll buy you one.” I look over my shoulder to see Adam, Cole, and Trey standing there. Adam pulls out a twenty and lays it on the bar.
“Thanks, gorgeous, order me whatever you’re having. Us ladies have a song to pick out.”
Locking arms with me, I pick up my drink, and all three of us walk to the corner where the DJ booth is. There is a small stage with a TV set up on a table off to one side. We pick up the book of songs to look at, and I see one that would be perfect to sing right about now. I glance at each of girls, and they both nod their heads yes and smile widely at me. Oh, this is going to be fun. We have to wait our turn so I drink until then, in fact we all do. Two doubles later has me feeling mighty fine, and Josie and Kenna are right behind me. To hell with what happens tomorrow, I’m going to have fun tonight.
“Okay, we’d like to welcome Maddie, Josie, and Kenna to the stage,” the DJ shouts out to the crowd. A round of applause starts up as well as a dozen or more whistles. I can’t help but giggle…I’m sure the two shots and two drinks I’ve just finished has helped me with any courage I’m lacking. I take a big swallow of my third before I’m dragged behind the girls.
I pick up a microphone and stand in the middle of my friends. Once the song begins, I look directly at Jesse. I’m pissed and he’ll know it by the time this song finishes. “No” by Meghan Trainor comes through the speakers and appears on the screen in front of us.
I start singing the words, all three of us belt out the chorus. Then the next versus starts up and see him smirking. Does he think this is freaking funny?
Deciding I’ll show him, I step off the stage, walking directly in front of him to sing. After I finish, I turn around and shake my ass all the way back to the stage, making sure he gets an eyeful. The song continues and we get into a dance routine that we clearly think is amazing, though I’m sure we look like a hot mess. We continue to sing it all the way to the very end, then we take our bow.
All three of us drop the microphones and walk down the stairs, acting as if we’re bad asses. As we go directly to the bar, I see three drinks already set up. The bartender says, “These three are on the house, that was great, ladies.” We all giggle. We are more than half in the bag tonight, and it’s numbing my pain nicely. I turn to see who’s singing the next song. “Drunk On Your Love,” by Brett Eldredge comes through the speakers, and I’m surprised to see Jesse standing there. I’m not sure he can sing, but it seems the beer in his hand is giving him the same liquid courage I got from the alcohol. Word after word is sang in my direction, while I roll my eyes the entire time.
A few other songs are played and sang by others. I start scanning the book for one more that I really want to sing to that jerk. He’ll regret ever screwing with me when I show everyone what kind of guy he is. I find a song that is perfect. And, yes, I clearly have lost my mind.
Grabbing Kenna and Josie’s hands, I drag them to the stage once again.
“What the hell are we doing now?” Josie has now gotten a bit more intoxicated than she probably should be, but she’s funny this way and between the two of us, we are continuing to giggle as the song starts.
“Oh my God, I love this song,” Kenna shouts in the microphone, “sorry, Ry, I love you.”
Ryan laughs and shouts back “I love you too, baby.”
“Gag me,” comes out of my mouth before I can stop myself, and Kenna punches me in the arm.
“Zip it, girl, and sing.”
Josie snorts a laugh out which gains around of laughter from the crowd. She throws her hand over her face as she is slightly embarrassed. I think alcohol is helping all three of us show another side that we don’t let out to often.
“Jesse, where everrrrr you are, this onessss for youuuuu.” I drag out the words as I cup one of my hands over my eye to find him. The lights were blinding me, not allowing me to see into the crowd anymore. I’m not sure exactly where he’s sitting, so it’s going to be hard directing the words to him, so instead I have fun
singing it with the girls.
I’m not sure what we are doing is called singing, but we start to shout “Messin’ Around,” through the microphones again. I throw my thumb out to Josie, in a hitchhiker way then point to Kenna every time I sing the word friend. We continued our assault on the song and I change the words to fit my mood. The fun-loving Maddie is gone and the pissed Maddie is here. Drunk or sober, I can’t forget what the hell I saw Jesse doing.
We scream out words as we kick a leg in the air, showing off the thigh-high, spiked heels we still have on. “You like these right, Jesse?” I might have added that part, too. I see him start to come out from the back and slowly stalk toward the stage as we all giggle out the next line.
Before I can sing another word, I’m scooped up and thrown over his shoulder. “What? You don’t like the song or is it Pitbull that you have a problem with? Oh, oh, oh, I know, I know, it’s Enrique, you don’t like him, huh?” I giggle out at him.
“Cupcake, you’ve pushed me so…NOW we talk.” Once his arms have secured me in place, he walks us right out of the bar.
“Put me down, right now, I have a song to finish. Plus I don’t want to talk to you…you…you, cheater.” I slap his ass as hard as I can, but as drunk as I am I’m thinking I barely tap him.
“Cheater?”
“Yeah, you heard me, cheater. Like cheater, cheater pumpkin eater, had a wife and couldn’t keep her. You’re that kind of cheater.”
“Okay, I’ll bite. What are you talking about? I’m not a cheater, Cupcake.”
“Oh really, now you’re going to bite me?”
“Is that really all you got out of what I just said?”
“Well, you said it, so duhhhhhh, of course, I did.”
“This is going to be a long night with you.”
“Not if you just tell me why you cheated.”
“Cupcake…I have never cheated on you.” Jesse takes a deep breath after he finishes speaking.
He walks off the elevator until we are in front of his room. Opening the door, he kicks it with his foot so it swings wider, before dropping me on the bed. When I say drop, I mean drop. The bed bounces me and I can’t help but giggle. After the door shuts, he then stands in front of it so I can’t leave.
