Page 58 of Falling Fast
‘Are you sure? I could arrange a driver.’
‘There’ll be literally thousands of people around. I’ll be fine.’ I’m touched by his concern. ‘You can come and meet me once you’ve finished debriefing.’
‘I’ll let you know as soon as I can get away.’ He throws a quick look around and then moves a step closer. ‘Is there anywhere you particularly want to visit?’
‘I don’t know yet. I meant to do some research, but I ran out of time.’
‘Good.’ His lips curve. ‘In that case, meet me in the Esplanade Place Ville Marie. It’s downtown.’
‘Esplanade Place Ville Marie,’ I repeat. ‘Any particular reason?’
‘You’ll see.’
‘I can’t wait.’ I can’t resist nudging his arm again. ‘And good luck today.’
‘Thanks.’ His gaze drops to my mouth. ‘You’ve no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.’
My body floods with heat because I want to kiss him too. Standing so close to him, I tingle all over, like my bloodis rushing a little faster through my veins. But we couldn’t exactly be any more public. There are at least two camera crews heading in our direction right now.
‘Later.’ I force myself to step away from him. ‘Just concentrate on driving for now.’
‘I’ll try.’ He gives me an intense look a split second before one of the camera crew steps between us.
‘Wow, youreallylike him, don’t you?’ Maisie whispers as we move away.
‘What do you mean?’ I swing towards her in panic. ‘Is it obvious?’
‘Only to me. I’ve never seen you look at anyone like that before.’
‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.’ I toss my hair and smile as we carry on towards the front of the grid. For once there’s a Gold Dart in pole, but Jaxon’s Quezada car is next, followed by Gio’s for Team Fraser. Maisie hurries off to wish him luck, but I stop because out of the corner of my eye I’ve just caught a glimpse of a familiar face. It’s Leif’s manager, Nathan, and, from the look of it, he’s deep in discussion with Emiliano Romero, team principal of Quezada. If I’m not mistaken, he’s also gesturing in Leif’s direction.
This day is getting better and better.
INCREDIBLE. I TIP MY head back, staring up at the thirty-metre-wide, stainless-steel ring that hangs suspended between two buildings. I guess this is what Leif wanted me to see. According to the travel guide on my phone it represents the past, present and future of the city, as well as its connection with visitors, all unified into a symbolic whole. There’s something pure and powerful about its simplicity. I love it.
I’ve been wandering around downtown for a while because there’s no sign of Leif yet. He messaged a little over an hour ago to say he was finished with meetings, but I told him to stay and enjoy the party for as long as he wanted because after coming fifth, with a spectacular overtake on lap twenty-three, he deserves to celebrate. I’m also happy to be on my own for a while, listening to all the different street musicians, eating poutine and admiring the architecture.
Having fun?I look down at my phone to find a message from Dan.
Yes! Montreal is my new favourite city.
Good. Just so you know, I’ve made a lunch reservation for after your graduation. Anything you’d like as a present?
You fixing my light fitting.
Shit. I forgot. I’ll come by one evening soon. I promise.
Thank you!
‘Sorry I kept you waiting,’ a voice calls the moment I tuck my phone away.
I spin around and laugh. The man standing next to me looks like a tourist trying to evade arrest, with a giant Canada baseball cap, a pair of oversized sunglasses, even though it’s getting dark, and a lightweight jacket with the collar turned up. ‘Leif?’
‘Shhh.’ He lifts a finger to his mouth. ‘This place is crawling with F1 fans. I want to spend an evening with you, not them.’
‘Oops.’ I bite my lip. ‘So this is your clever disguise?’
‘Yes. Tonight you can call me Axel.’ He lowers his sunglasses, just enough to peer over the top. ‘It’s a popular name in Norway.’
