“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Chapter 52
Nevaeh
LeonardandIhavebeen getting along really well. He enjoys it whenever I let him take the pictures and answers any question happily. At one point on Friday, he even shared a story about his first F1 race with me. He wasn’t as talkative today, but I don’t blame him.
Qualifying was brutal. The sun was burning hot in Barcelona today, and all the drivers were battling with the heat throughout the preparations and Qualifying itself. Adrian took pole with Lincoln in second, Gabriel in third, Val in fucking fourth, which I already hugged her for, James in fifth, Kyle in seventh, and Leonard in eighth, followed by the rest of the drivers.
I’m sitting on the bed in my hotel room as a text lights up my screen. Adrian’s with his team and told me he’d see me tomorrow so I’m not surprised to see Val's name appear instead.
Val: I have a little surprise for you. Meet me at the track in half an hour.
I smile to myself before assuring her I will be there. My feet bring me into the bathroom where I look at myself in the mirror. My fingers wrap around the bracelet Adrian gave me, my chest tight with anxiety. Today is a very difficult day, especially because there’s no trigger, no attack. It’s justthere, in my chest, making me feel heavy and unmotivated. I feel like crying and sleeping, but I’m too on edge to do either of these things.
Maybe being around Val and seeing the surprise she has for me will cheer me up.
I’m about to leave when my phone rings.
“Hello?” I ask as I answer my boss’ call.
“Hi, Nevaeh, I know it’s late, but I have some great news. After this season, I would like to offer you the opportunity to work with the tennis department, if you’re still interested,” Ms. Martin says, surprise spreading through me.
“Yes! I’m very interested,” I say.
“Great, because I looked over the client list you gave us, and you were right. Some of them came toGriffin Sportsbecause of you. They want you to interview the players and write similar articles like the ones you write for the drivers,” she explains, but I can’t believe what she’s saying.
This was my dream job.
She’s handing me my dream job.
“Thank you for calling me,” I say, hearing her chuckle through the phone.
“My pleasure. Finish out the season, keep doing the good job you are, and I promise you’ll be in the tennis department by next year,” she replies, and my knees go a little weak. I hold onto the sink in my hotel bathroom, doing my best not to burst into tears.
She hangs up without another word, leaving me to cover my mouth and happiness to spread through my chest. I try to linger on it, to remind myself this is the job of my dreams, that I did it.
But something in my chest revolts against the thought of switching departments.
Something that’s grown attached to everyone I’ve been working with. To the sport I never thought I’d fall in love with.
My heart.
My heart is begging me not to take this job, to stay in the world of Formula One because I didn’t just find the man I care for here. I found a family. I found people who care for me unconditionally. I found friends who don’t use me but listen to me and allow me to comfort them in return. I’ve found a love for racing, for the excitement of the sport.
Then I think of Adrian and how we’ll never be able to be together as long as I’m working in Formula One.
My head hurts. My heart is all over the place. My anxiety returns tenfold.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
Half an hour later, I arrive at the track and make my way to the Velocità Rossa garage where Valentina is leaning against a stunning red Velocità Rossa. An easy smile lingers on her lips as she speaks to James and Gabriel. Out of habit, I scan my surroundings to look for Adrian, but he isn’t here, and a little disappointment shoots through me at that realization.
Val beams at me when I reach her before flinging her arms around my neck.
“Thank you for coming, Nevs!” she says, opening the door and reaching inside the car to grab a helmet. It’s one of hers, except nothing is covering the face.
“What’s this for?” I ask as I take it from her. Happiness spreads all over her features, and even Gabriel and James are smiling at me.
