Away from the man I love with all my heart. A man who doesn’t even know how much I love him.
The drive to the airport is ridiculously short, not giving me enough time to pull myself together enough to actually get on the plane. In my current state, I’m pretty sure security will look at me and put me on the no-fly list.
“Are you coming back?” James asks while we wait in the drop-off line.
I shake my head, biting my tongue so I can maybe just stop crying already.
“It’s for the best.”
His frown is so fierce I have to look away. James is one of the people closest to Nicky. Surely, he can see how much easier things will be when he doesn’t have to worry about me.
No more distractions.
“Just look after him for me, okay?” I say when Rob pulls up to the curb in front of the departure terminal.
James nods once and follows me out of the car. I don’t bother arguing as he waits with me to check in and walks me up to thesecurity area. We walk together and I’m so deep in self-pity and self-recriminations that I can’t even take in the amazingness of Changi Airport.
“You have to leave me here,” I tell him in a quivering voice, suddenly desperate for him to not leave me ever. He’s my last piece of Nicky.
James surprises me by pulling me into a big bear hug. “He needs you; you know?” he whispers gruffly into my ear. “More than racing. More than anything.”
He pulls away and I stumble through the gates, not risking a final look back. Because if I do, I know I’ll be following him back out of here, into the car and back up to that hotel room.
Back to Nicky, who I love more than anything.
More than even myself.
• • • • •
Cherry
Congrats on the win.
Your first win in the US.
I’m so happy for you.
Nicky
Nicky is typing...
Nicky is typing...
Nickyis typing...
Thanks.
• • • • •
Cherry
Congrats on the win. Mexico! Very exciting!
World Championship not far away.
Nicky
Nicky is typing...
