Page 76 of Rise After Fall

She turns back to her friend. “She pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when she was only sixteen years old.”

All their eyes come to me.

“That was a good day,” I declare.

“You’re so badass. Can I get your autograph?” she asks.

“Sure, but only after you do a run with me,” I say.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She looks at her friends and does a little jumping dance. “I can’t believe I get to ski with Zoey Phillips!”

“Guess our wager will have to wait,” Dad says.

“Sorry, but look at her. She’s so excited.”

He kisses my cheek. “Have fun. I’ll go find your mother.”

He waves to the girls. “Thank you for saving me from total embarrassment, ladies.”

I snap a few photos with the girls and their families, sign autographs, and wish them a happy Thanksgiving before returning to Mom and Dad, who have been joined by Tobias.

“The public still adores you,” Tobias says.

“Yes, you should have seen that girl’s face when she recognized her,” Dad agrees.

“Lunch?” Mom asks, trying to change the subject.

“I have a lesson in fifteen minutes. You guys go ahead,” I say.

Mom’s brows furrow. “Shouldn’t you eat something first?”

“I have some protein bars in my backpack. Besides, I want to save all those calories for the Thanksgiving feast tonight.”

Tobias clicks his tongue. “I taught you better than that, Zoey. You have to keep your nutrition at an optimal level. Protein bars and heavy dinners are no way for an athlete to treat their body,” he scolds.

I turn to him and plant a tight smile on my face. “Lucky for me, I’m no longer an athlete. I’m just a lowly grunt, working at an East Coast ski school.”

“Zoey,” Mom mutters.

“It’s true, Mom. I have to work on my beer gut if I plan to fit in.”

“That’s enough,” Dad barks.

“What’s gotten into you? Apologize,” Mom whispers.

“No. I have to go. I’ll see you guys at five,” I say before heading to the locker room.

As I’m walking away, I hear my father apologize to Tobias for me acting like a child.

I run into Langford on the walkway.

“I saw you on the slopes with your dad. You two looked like you were having fun,” he says.

“We were, but I wouldn’t bring it up to him if I were you. I beat him twice.”

He laughs.