Some, like Alex, were there alone, and they formed their own family unit, hanging out together at a table, laughing and eating.
“Does it bother you to be here without your family?” she asked as they stood in line waiting to get something to eat.
“No. I mean, when I was younger and on the circuit my parents traveled a lot to these things. Now it’s kind of old hat for them. They’ll come to some of them, but they’ve got their own lives to live, ya know?”
“So they won’t be coming to this event?”
“Nah. They’re taking the RV up the coast for the holidays. They’re kind of into camping and all that. But they have a satellite dish on the camper. They’ll catch my event that way.” He grinned.
She smiled. “I’m glad they’ll be able to watch you. As far as the camping part? That sounds fun. In no way at all.”
He gave her a feigned look of shock. “What? You’re not a roughing-it kind of woman?”
“Not in the least.”
He put his arm around her. “Anyway, everyone here is my family. Some of the other guys’ families have adopted me. I’m never alone.”
“It seems like you’re all close.”
“We are. We support each other and root for each other in the heats. Unless we’re competing against each other. Out there it’s every man for himself.”
“I understand that. I have a couple agents I’m very friendly with, but we’re very competitive with each other, too.”
“Yeah, it’s exactly like that. You can be friends with people you compete with. That’s how it is here.”
They got food and made their way to a long table where some of his friends were already gathered, including his ex, Heather, who was friendly enough, but her gaze continued to stray toward Alex. Obviously Heather had residual feelings for Alex.
Which wasn’t Tori’s problem, but she wasn’t in the mood to deal with some young girl’s jealousy issue. She was way past that at this stage in her life. If it was going to be a problem, she’d back away now. She was here to relax, not deal with tension.
“Hey, girl.”
She turned around when Whitney slid in next to her at the table. “Hi, Whitney. I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
“Cade brought me.” She motioned to her right, where a very attractive surfer grinned at her. “Cade, this is Tori.”
“Nice to meet you, Cade.”
“Likewise. You with Alex?”
“I am.”
Cade shared a grin with Alex.
“No studying tonight?” Tori smiled at Whitney.
“I’m on break right now, which is perfect. I wouldn’t miss a minute of the competition, including the partying.”
Tori laughed. “This does seem like it’s going to be a wild night.”
“Well, it doesn’t get too wild. The surfers have to keep their heads in the game. But everyone likes to have a good time. And there are a lot of hookups.” Whitney kept her gaze on Cade, who’d moved over to talk with Alex.
“And Cade is someone you want to hook up with?”
Whitney laughed. “Maybe. I’ve had my eye on him since last season. He texts me all the time.”
“He’s very good-looking.” Tall and well built, with a surfer’s shaggy dark hair and amazing blue eyes, Tori could see why Whitney would find him attractive.
“I know nothing will come of it. He likely hooks up with a different girl in every place he competes. I’m a realist about that kind of thing. I’ve got my career and life plan in mind. In the meantime, I just want to have some fun.”
Whitney reminded her of herself many years ago. And maybe today, too. Victoria had never been serious over a man, never wanted one to interfere with her career. Letting one get in the way of her number-one love—her job—had never been an option. Marriage and kids had never been part of her life plan, and she was perfectly content with that choice.
Which was why someone like Alex was perfect for her.
After dinner the music started up and everyone gathered in a circle near the bonfire to dance. She saw Whitney dancing with Cade. Heather was dancing with some guy, and for once wasn’t watching them.
Alex took her by the hand and they danced together.
“You’ve got some rhythm,” he said.
“Hey, I live in a city with the best nightclubs in the world.”
He laughed. “So, you’re telling me you get out a lot.”
“I get out plenty.”