Shit! Of course he saw it.
He wakes up with the chickens every day, a habit he’s always had, and he’s probably known for a couple of hours by now.
Before opening it, I skim the rest of the emails, seeing another one from my brother and a few containing the sports news. I open those first, reading the story and rolling my eyes at the photos. Typical gossipy bullshit.
“LucaDeMello- Keeping up with his reputation or just simply celebrating?He was seenout on the town Saturday night, mere hours after his first race on his new sponsorship team. He raced well and pulled in at third place. Not only did he celebrate with one beautiful model but a second one as well, both well-known in the fashion and entertainment industry. The question is, will he be able to celebrate his accomplishments without fans always speculating if he’s up to no good? Or is he really just up to no good? Read more below.”
I shake my head in disgust. Can’t he just lie low for once?
With a deep breath, I open my father’s email.Next time you’re in, please see me in the office.
I toss my phone down and wish I could go back in time and start over.
Guess I better get my ass in the office.
* * *
I letthe metal door slam behindme,the rumble echoing throughout the pits. Good, I hope everyone fucking heard it.
If my stomps weren’t loud enough, the door slam sure was. I crumple the newspaper into a ball and throw it into the trash can on my walk back to my car.
My blood suddenly ten degrees hotter, like mywhole bodyis on fire.
I’m so fucking pissed.
How dare he? How dare he act like it doesn’tfuckingmatter.Does his career not mean anything to him? And how am I going to explain that carefree don’t give two fucks attitude to my father?
I walk back and forth in front of my car at least a hundred times, or it seems like itanyway. My feet scream at me. These heels are not really made for walking.
Why didn’t I just stay home in bed? Why?
“There you are, Nev. Dad’s waiting for you,” AJ says, and I find him standing behind me with an odd look on his face. Like he’s judging me or something. What’s up with him?
“I know. I was heading there now.”
“You feeling better?”
I shake my head, not really in the mood to talk. Not really in the mood for anything. Usually, I love seeing my family, love chitchatting and being around people.
Now I just want to hide at home. After this meeting with my father is over, I’m doing just that. I’m already over this day, and it’s barely started.
“No. After I see Dad, I’m heading home.”
“You sure you’re okay, Nev? You missed the family dinner, and you never do.”
“I told you all I didn’t feel well, and I still don’t. I think it’s a stomach bug or something.”
“Ugh, that’s the worst. And now having to deal with this crap at work? I don’t want to say I told you so.”
“So then don’t.”
AJ holds his hands up in surrender and steps back, “Whoa, okay, then. Want me to walk you in?”
I stare at my brother as more anger sparks inside me. I know he wants to sayI told you soa thousand times over. I’m sure Dad is ready, secretly enjoying the fact I was wrong. Dammit, can’t they back off forjust a bit?
“No, I think I know where his office is.” Without waiting for a response, I stomp away, ignoring his calls telling me to wait. I need to get this meeting over with.Stat.
Without making eye contact with anyone, I don’t stop moving until I reach my father’s office door. I knock twice, and when heanswers,I burst inside, practically seething.