Brazen Tricks - Ali Dean Page 0,61
do. I’ve spent more time thinking about it than I like to admit, mapping out routes to the coolest skateparks and destinations around the States and Canada. I don’t know that Jordan’s thought through the idea of the van – and me – being her only real home base, but she seems excited about the idea.
She’s tracing her finger along my thigh, deep in thought after I’ve gone over the big picture. “What is it?”
“I guess it feels a little indulgent, you know? Traveling around doing what I love with the guy I love. It feels like I need to suffer more.” She turns her head back to look at me and laughs a little. “Well, not suffer, but work, deal with the mundane. All this we’re talking about would be living a dream. Who am I to get to do that?”
“I hear you. But Jordan, first of all, it’s not like we’ll be staying at luxury hotels. You’ll be using public restrooms, peeing in random parking lots at night, and washing yourself off in lakes or streams most of the time.”
She laughs in earnest at that. “You know what I mean. What am I doing to contribute to society?” And then she rolls her eyes at herself. “That sounds so dumb.”
“You want to get into a philosophical discussion about it? I’m down. First of all, we’ll be taking photos, documenting our travels for our followers and sponsors. It’s inspiring to people, helps them dream and get ideas for their next vacation, stuff like that. Competing in skateboarding is the same thing. It inspires people. Entertainment is important. Lots of people have careers in entertainment, Jordan. But also, you’re nineteen, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
“What about if we teamed up with Whitney’s foundation? Could we help with the expansion of her programs around the country? Make appearances at some of the camps, talk to the kids and spend time coaching and connecting with the staff? That could be helpful, right? Like to legitimize the programs. Let them know they’re supported by the pro skateboarding community on a personal level?” Whitney’s foundation is about providing outreach and support to underprivileged kids, specifically through skateboarding. It provides a safe place for lessons and community after school, and in the summer.
My arms go back around her and this time I pull her to my lap. “That’s an incredible idea. Perfect.” This time when I lean down to kiss her, she lets me. But I’m the one to pull away first. “You will always amaze me,” I tell her.
Jordan looks over my shoulder when we hear voices, and when I see her expression, my body tenses. “What is it?”
She swallows and squints, like she needs to verify what she’s seeing before articulating it. “It’s Camila.” Her eyes finally find mine. “And your dad.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Jordan
Beck doesn’t say a word about his dad over the next three days of competition. I don’t think either of us knows what to make of it, seeing Camila with Scott, Beck’s dad. They’re together, staying at our hotel, and Scott’s been around the arena watching the event. He’s tried to approach Beck, and I’ve seen he’s been trying to reach him on his phone too, but Beck’s been stoically ignoring all attempts at contact. I don’t blame him. He’s trying to focus on competing, and doesn’t need this right now.
The Friday practice session in the big air park is staggered, which means it’s not as crowded as it was Thursday night. I’m not sure what compels me, but I decide to practice the 720 after all. I don’t want to wing it this time, and the pressure isn’t getting to me like I expected, like it used to. I don’t know when that changed, maybe once I accepted this isn’t a short-term thing. I’m here for the long game. If this event doesn’t pan out the way I want, there will be plenty more.
There are five of us nearly tied in the top spots as I go into my last of five runs of the evening. Sarah is one of them of course, along with world champion Aya Nomura, Lennon, and a Brazilian skater who has been one of the top-ranked in the world for years.
The scores will be based on the top three of our five runs. I fell attempting the 720 on my first run, and that ended up being my worst score. I’m up next, and I still can’t decide whether to give the 720