In the Fast Lane (Fast Series Book 1) Read Free Page A

best for everyone—to get me back into swimming?”
    “You hate this job!”
    “It’s my job. And my life, damn it. You don’t get to decide how I live it.”
    “If we don’t do something, they are going to turn this into a hero versus villain story. They’re going to paint you in some skewed light—”
    “Note: They already have.” There was venom in his voice. Dalton was a hard man. He knew that about himself. However, to say that he was edgy in regards to reporters didn’t come anywhere near explaining what he felt toward the media and their relentless efforts to ruin his life.
    “—and it’s not true.”
    Well, his rage aside... “It’s kinda true, Sawyer...”
    “ No, it fucking isn’t!”
    Oh, boy... Golden Boy was getting emotional. That never boded well. It was time to step in. Dalton sucked up as much anger as he could and looked Sawyer in the eye. “Sawyer, man, it isn’t your job to save me.”
    “Fine. Then consider this saving me.”
    “What?”
    “This story is just part of it. The committee is trying to control my life. They’ve always controlled my image. I want some say in how my story is told. Yeah, you and I fought. No, we didn’t like each other. But we pushed each other. I won at the Olympics, but you won at other meets. When you weren’t swimming at a meet, I wasn’t training hard. When you swept the medals at trials, I was scared shitless. Without you, Dalton, there was no me.”
    “Are you saying I complete you? ‘Cause I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of relationship yet.”
    “Fuck you.” Sawyer pushed him.
    Dalton laughed and gathered himself. Humor was his go-to when he was pissed. It was either that or hit something. The latter seemed to upset Sawyer more than the former. “Okay. I’ll be serious. Thank you. You were the ying to my yang too. But I really don’t see how anything you’ve just suggested could possibly justify the unparalleled disaster that would be the result of putting me and Jessi Pruitt in the same room.”
    “I want to show them how you and I work together. How without one you can’t have the other. The media always wants a friend or enemy story. We’ve got something way better than that. And I need you. Jessi aside, this coaching stuff... Man, I could use you. I seriously don’t know what I’m doing.”
    “Yes, you do.” Dalton rolled his eyes. Sawyer was always taking shit way too seriously.
    “I need you, man. Yeah, Jessi’s not the only flyer on the team. And yes, there are other coaches out there. But you are the only one good enough to coach her. Plus, if you don’t do this, they’re going to run your name through the mud. You’ll be the villain of U.S. Swimming for the rest of your life, and as much as you say you don’t care, I know you do. Come on, man, rewrite your story.”
    Amazingly, Dalton found himself thinking about Sawyer’s stupid proposal. He knew he was taking too long though. When Dalton started thinking about things too hard, he started to wander.
    “Do you take medication?” Sawyer’s words brought him out of his mind’s tangle of thoughts.
    “What?”
    “I’m the head of U.S. Swimming now. I’ve seen your files. So yeah, I know about the ADHD. I always assumed you were just an asshole who never cared what anybody was saying. Then the coach’s notes told me if it looks like you aren’t paying attention, it’s because you’re worrying about a question that’s popped into your head. Swimming kept you focused, but God knows you aren’t doing that anymore. So, I’ll ask again, are you taking medication?”
    “No, you nosey fuck. I am not. I don’t need it.”
    “Yeah, you do. Go to the doctor, figure out what will work best for you, and get a prescription. Then get your ass to the Olympic training center. I’ve got a new team, and I need you. But I need you focused.”
    Dalton closed his eyes and gave his all toward concentrating. God, he did not want to do this. He didn’t know if