Sophie
People underestimate the beauty and rawness of Brazil. Even though I love Rio more than Sao Paulo, the electric feeling of the city brings a smile to my face and puts some pep in my step.
It’s hard to believe how fast time flies when on the road. There are only two races left before I go back home, which means there are two more before Liam decides where he wants to go. He keeps quiet on the matter, shutting down whenever I ask about it. I let it go because he probably feels nervous about his uncertain future and where he will end up.
I want to tell him I’ll be there for him no matter what—whether it’s a McCoy contract or not—but the words get stuck in my throat in fear of rejection. Call me a coward, I’m well aware. When he joked about me loving him when we went skydiving, I nearly confessed my feelings.
Liam and I completed almost every item on the list except for one. With only two more weeks together, I have no idea when or how it’ll happen. He took a liking to the list and prefers to plan everything under the guise of spontaneity.
I mull it over while drinking a cocktail. My seat occupies a corner of the bar at the gala with not a single person sitting next to me, probably sensing my mood. Fans keep Liam occupied while Maya busies herself with sucking Noah’s face off somewhere in secret.
I drain the contents of my tumbler, the mix of rum and coke not easing my sadness.
The clank of two shot glasses being placed in front of me draws my attention toward my new neighbor. I eye Rick suspiciously. His presence is a rarity since he never speaks to me, instead offering me a withheld sneer and a side-glance every time.
Rick motions for a bartender to pour us each a shot. “Just the person I was looking for.”
Amazing how seven words make my skin crawl. The bartender fills our shot glasses with a clear liquid I don’t dare ask about, instead choosing to focus on not throwing up at Rick’s obvious perusal.
“How can I help you?” I give him a dazzling fake smile.
“I love someone who’s willing.” Rick tests my gag reflex. “I want to check in with the woman who stirs up more trouble with her pinky than Claudia did with her pussy.”
I can’t tell if he means to insult or compliment me. Based on his cruel eyes, I’ll go with the first option.
“I’m doing great.” I pull out my phone. “Oh, wow. I hate to leave this conversation, but I didn’t realize the time.” My butt lifts off the stool before a cold hand clamps around my wrist. Rick doesn’t mean to cause pain, but his unsolicited touch makes my stomach roll all the same.
Did I mention I detest agents?
He continues, ignoring my discomfort. “I think you should stay. After all, don’t you want to hear about Liam’s predicament? He won’t tell you, but he has an important choice to make in the next two weeks.”
I say nothing as he reels me in like a nasty fisherman with old bait and a rusty hook. “See, McCoy offered Liam a contract deal despite how he fucked the owner’s niece. Can you imagine being that good at racing? Being so powerful that you can screw around with McCoy’s niece and still keep your job? Wow.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Anyway, only two other companies offered him a spot, but they’re the bottom two teams. The contracts are shit and Liam knows it. Those deals would ruin his career before he had a chance at another World Championship.”
“I fail to see what this has to do with me.” My patience wavers. I look around for a savior, but I find myself immersed in a wave of unfamiliar suits.
“Everything really. McCoy offered Liam twenty million dollars, but only if he cuts ties with you because of your connection to Bandini. Can you sleep at night knowing he gave up his dream to be your friend or your lover or whatever you kids call it nowadays? I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to. And Liam’s thinking about it. He’s actually considering giving up his best contract for a fling with a hot young thing. He won’t agree or disagree to the new contract, instead choosing to sit around with his dick in his hands, waiting for better deals that won’t come. His time is running out.”
My heart sinks into my stomach, rolling around with acid and alcohol. I want to run away from Rick and this secret Liam kept. But instead, my butt stays planted on the stool.
“People can negotiate deals and stupid conditions.” I straighten my spine because I can’t let Rick sense my fear. There have to be other options. Companies can’t act this way, right?
“Liam’s tried. I’ve tried. But a deal is a deal at the end of the day.”
I remain speechless while staring at the shot glass, wishing it could solve my problems.
“I’m telling you early enough to figure it out. To either decide if your relationship—” his eyes roam over me before he licks his lips “—or lack thereof, is really worth that much money. Not to mention his career. The clock is ticking. I wish you the best of luck with this difficult decision. For me, no pussy is worth that much. But hey, if I was as rich as Liam, I guess I’d have the luxury of choices too.” He knocks back his shot and tips the glass upside down, leaving me alone with a full glass.
Once he leaves, I swallow my shot despite my queasiness. The burn takes away from the sting in my eyes.
I leave the gala without a backward glance, not in the mood to pretend that Rick didn’t rip into my heart and steal a piece. I’m unsure of what to do and who to turn to.
I don’t know what to feel. Hurt Liam needs to think about cutting me out of his life? Happy he’s considering saying no in the first place? Confusion mixes with alcohol, my head swimming with doubt and insecurity, pain festering inside me like an infected wound.
I make it to my hotel room and land face-first in my bed, hoping alcohol knocks me out quickly.
* * *
“I’m concerned with how you’re stabbing your pancakes. Have any qualms to share?” My dad looks at me with questioning eyes.