“Let’s just say that I go by DJ for a reason.”

“A name you don’t like, then? If I guess, will you tell me?”

“You won’t guess.”

“Dwayne?”

“Did someone tell you?”

“No. Is that it? Did I really guess it on the first try?”

“Someone told you.”

“No, I swear.”

He shook his head with a smile. “You’re just good at everything you do, huh?”

The ice didn’t keep my cheeks from blushing.

“It’s my father’s name and his father’s.”

“And what about the J?”

“I’m sure you already know that one too.”

“I don’t,” I said.

“Jeremy.”

“Dwayne Jeremy. It kind of rolls off the tongue.”

He laughed. “Right? It really doesn’t. That’s why I’ve gone by DJ forever.”

“Well, your secret is safe with me.”

He held my eyes for a moment, like I’d said something significant. Had I?

His gaze dropped to the floor, and he changed the subject. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you as wound up before a race as you were a few minutes ago.”

“Just a little distracted.” And I thought I’d be less distracted away from everything, but back here I was worried I’d miss the race. “I better get out there.”

We walked side by side to the pool. My gaze immediately went to the stands. Not only was Jackson still sitting by my dad, who was laughing, but on his other side was my mom. I thought she’d left after my first two races but she was back in her seat, no phone in sight, full attention on Jackson. They looked like a perfect little family. It was like I’d been transported back twenty years and was getting a glimpse of exactly what it had been like. What they’d lost.

“You okay?”

I was gripping DJ’s arm. He might’ve been the only thing keeping me upright. “I’m fine. Good. Perfect.”

Where was Amelia? I needed Amelia. I scanned the deck and saw her sitting on the side, staring at me . . . and DJ. I dropped his arm. “Thanks for the ice,” I said, then made my way to her, weaving through Speedo-clad guys and coaches holding clipboards. When I reached her, I sat down with a sigh.

“I didn’t realize your shoulders were bothering you.”

“Yeah.”

She poked at the ice. “Or did you just need an excuse to see DJ?”

“What? No. I needed to get out of here. Do you see my parents?”

She looked. “What about them?”

“That’s Jackson.”

“Oh yeah. It is. Weird.”

“What if my dad tells him about my brother? The truck?”

She shrugged. “Then you wouldn’t have to.”

“Don’t you think my parents look happy up there?”

“Your parents always look happy.”