He looks at me and slides his arm around my shoulders. “Who would have thought it, eh? Our Jack?”
I grin back at him. “Is it your turn next, Den?”
He stiffens but then relaxes, “I’m happy as I am, thank you.”
Denny is such a good friend. There has never been, or ever will be, anything romantic between us. Jack is the same, a good friend, and that's all he's ever been. Thank God I never went there with Jack. He slept with half of Badger’s Mount before he met Robyn, and I have to work with the guy.
I scan around, and my body jolts as I see familiar dark eyes looking back at me. Oh my God, I haven't seen him in forever. Declan. He hasn't been to any of Jack’s races lately that I've seen.
It’s been over two years since that night. I never heard anything from him, so that confirmed that he didn't remember talking to me. I do feel awful about the note I left him - I probably shouldn't have done that. I was drunk and felt like making a point - still, it was out of order.
I did see him around six months ago at a race, but he was spectating in the crowd, not with our team in the pit. I look away from his intense gaze. Jeez, why is he staring at me like that? Does he remember something?
I turn my attention back to Jack and Robyn, who now have their arms around each other. I cheer and clap along with everyone else, so happy for them.
Mia grabs me. “Come on, let's congratulate them.”
Robyn and I are close. A few months ago, she moved back here with her gorgeous son, Eli. When she began working at the track, I took her under my wing - she started to spend time with me and my friends, so now all my friends are her friends. We’ve all been through this roller coaster of a romance with her and Jack.
“Ahhh! Oh my God!” I scream at Robyn. With the look on her face, she can't quite believe it. “You're engaged...to Jack!”
“You knew!” She narrows her eyes at me while not being able to take the big smile off her face. “Jack told me, you knew, and you didn't tell me!”
“Of course I didn't - he would have killed me - and it’s much better finding out from him, don't you think?”
There are tears in her eyes. “I can't believe it - I'm getting married!”
I laugh. “You definitely are.” I hug her, followed by Mia and the rest of the girls.
Jack is grinning.
“How's it feel? To be tied down...tethered, no longer free to shag half of Badger’s Mount?” I joke.
He laughs. “Honestly? It feels fucking awesome.”
I lean in and kiss his cheek. “I’m so happy that you have this, Jack. You’re perfect together. You need someone to keep you on your toes, and she’ll do that for sure.”
“Thanks Soph, couldn't be happier.” His eyes are filled with happiness. I’m so proud that he’s gotten to this point. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.
Someone clears their throat behind me.
Jack looks over my shoulder. “Dec! What do you think of your little brother becoming respectable?”
I look behind me – it’s the crumpled man from two years ago - but today he seems anything but. He is carrying himself in a totally different manner.
In control, but still unapproachable and intimidating.
He glances down at me. “Hi. Sophie, right?”
I nod. “Yeah, hi. You're Jack’s brother. We've met before, haven’t we?
He looks at me for a moment. Is he going to remember?
He nods. “Yeah, I've seen you at one of Jack’s races.”
“One where I won, right?” Jack asks, smiling. Bighead. That’s because he wins most races.
I roll my eyes at Jack. “Yes, Jack, you won.”
