Page 82 of Falling Fast
‘First, because I need to make sure you’re OK after what happened to Gio in the crash. Second, because I have a question and I need you to be completely honest with me.’
‘That’s so sweet of you.’ I can hear the smile in her voice. ‘I was a bit shaken at first, but he called me and we’re both fine. And I promise to be honest.’
‘Thank you.’ I take a deep breath. ‘Is Leif going to Fraser?’
There’s a long, telling moment of silence.
‘Maisie?’ My limbs feel heavy all of a sudden. ‘Are you still there?’
‘I’m here.’
‘Is it true?’
‘Honestly … I’m not sure. All I know is that Hayden Quaid’s contract isn’t being renewed and Gio’s been pushing for Leif. They’ve had a few meetings.’
‘When?’
‘Over the last month. Gio said he and Leif had a long talk about it in Austin.’
‘That was two weeks ago! Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I couldn’t! It was all confidential. Plus, I figured it was up to Leif to tell you himself.’
‘He told me he was staying at Rask,’ I say bitterly.
She pauses. ‘Well, look, as far as I know, nothing’s definite yet. Maybe he really is staying.’
‘Is it true he had dinner with Gio and Mark Haddon last night?’
‘Ava …’
‘Did he?’
She sighs. ‘I think so, yes.’
‘Right.’ I swallow heavily, feeling numb all over. ‘I have to go.’
‘Are you OK?’
‘I will be. I just need to get out of here.’
‘Text me. As soon as you get home. I’ll come round with anything you need. Ice cream, chicken-noodle soup, gin, whatever. I’ll bring it.’
‘Thanks.’ I end the call, grab my bag and hurry out of the motorhome into the night air. I can’t believe it. Leif said he was staying at Rask. He was so definite. How could he have changed his mind and not told me?
Because you haven’t been answering his calls, my brain taunts me.Or his messages…Maybe you’re the reason he’s leaving.
‘Ava?’ A man’s voice makes me jump.
‘Yes?’ I whip my head round and gasp. I hadn’t even noticed I was passing the Quezada motorhome, but there’s a man sitting outside. ‘Jasper!’ I drag my scattered thoughts back together. ‘I mean, Mr Ramirez. How nice to see you.’
‘Jasper is fine. And it’s good to see you too. Congratulations on today.’
‘Thanks. I’m so sorry about what happened to your cars.’
‘Me too, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.’ He smiles. ‘You must be on your way to celebrate, so I won’t hold you up. I just wanted to tell you to keep an eye on your inbox.’
‘My inbox?’
