Gage by Paula Ridge

Author:Paula Ridge [Ridge, Paula]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paula Ridge
Published: 2020-08-03T16:00:00+00:00

Ch 5 – April

I didn’t mean to drop that bombshell in his lap last night, but there was no easy way to tell him. The rest is up to him. I have to think about my baby boy. My heart breaks thinking that it might be the deal-breaker between us, but maybe it is for the best.

It doesn’t help that I have a competition this morning and sitting here on the board with thoughts of him running around in my head isn’t healthy. There is some stiff competition out here, but younger doesn’t always mean better. With age comes wisdom, and the ability to pull back when it’s necessary. That is my advantage over these wet behind the ears kids, who have no idea what life is about to throw at them.

I have already weathered three different competitors with varying degrees of strengths and weaknesses. It makes me remember the good old days. This competition is about serving them a good dose of reality. It’s also about proving that I still have it after all these years.

I hit the waves hard, with my eyes looking directly at my competition. It feels good to dust off the old skills, finding a rhythm and moving seamlessly through the water with that certain something in the air. It’s magical and something I can’t find anywhere else.

The wave goes over me and I come through on the other side with my hair dripping but still with a smile on my face. Waiting for the right moment is something that can only be taught through experience.

It’s a timeless tradition and I’m grateful for my chance in the sun again. The numbers dwindle until there are only three of us left. The other two think they have my number, but I know certain tricks they haven’t even learned yet.

I see Alex out in the water; he is waiting for the men’s competition to start after we are done.

“Don’t go easy on those two. You need to teach these young bucks something about this sport. I do want to talk about Gage, though. He hasn’t been the same since you walked away from him on the beach.” Alex is trying to get through to me before I get back to the competition.

“I give you credit for standing up for your friend, but...” I poke his chest with my feet dangling in the water when he motions for me to look over my shoulder.

I see Gage. He still looks so damn good with his shirt wide open and wearing those khaki cargo shorts. I wasn’t expecting him to show up. It’s a surprise but a welcome one.

“I just want you to be happy,” he says as we see a huge ten-foot wave coming in on the horizon.

I’m temporarily blinded by seeing Gage again and I’m a few strokes behind the wave, but I catch up quickly with my strong arms pushing me beyond my boundaries. It’s exhausting but worth the effort to challenge myself again.

I’m using Gage to push me past the pain.

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