Frank stood and threw a hand to Nix’s chest.
“Shit,”Lihamuttered but I was already rushing over as Nix pushed Frank back.
“Woah!” I shouted, hands between them both as they glared at each other.
“Was an accident,” Nix said through gritted teeth.
“It didn’t fucking look like one,” Frank snapped, stepping back only when a member of staff came to clear the mess.
“I’m so sorry,” Nix said to the waitress.
“No, you’re not,” Frank said.
Behind us, the noise of the restaurant continued, but there were glances our way. “Gentlemen, we are causing a scene here,” I told them, glancing back and forth, gripping Nix’s arm.
“Don’t care,” Nix said, glaring at Frank.
“I do,” I reminded him, standing between them.
He glanced down at me, then back to Frank before sighing, eyes on mine. “I’m going for a smoke.”
“Good,” Frank spat before sitting back down.
My seat drenched, I took Nix’s for the moment he was gone.
I hardly ate, only drank my water and spoke toLihaand Abbe.
These men could swing their dicks as much as they liked in the paddock but not here out in public. There was no use crying over spilt guavacolada.
Frank remained on edge but sent weak smiles across the table to me.
Done with my water, I went to the bar with Abbe to get a drink. My tea before bed. He groaned when I told him as we walked over.
“You not coming with us to the club?” Abbe asked, leaning over the bar as our party were too loud for us to hear eachother.
“I think my next destination is bed,” I told him, trying not to look at Nix who settled on the bar stool next to me. “Early night for me.”
“No fun,” Abbe grumbled, downing his drink. “You’ve got to celebrate Nix’s first win of the season with us!”
“I’m sure there will be plenty more to celebrate,” I reassured him and pulled my room key out of my bag. “Hopefully, when I’m less jet-lagged.”
I slapped Nix’s leg with my hand enthusiastically, leaving it there for a second to steady the card. “Well done again,Armas! Nice job.”
He covered it with his hand, our fingers overlapping as he discretely took the key. “Thanks, Livid. Sweet dreams.”
In my hotel room, I quickly brushed my teeth and mouth-washed before running my hands through my hair to give it a touch more volume.
Sweet dreams.That signalled he wasn’t coming. That wasgood night. Final.
It had been at least ten minutes since I left.
Maybe he would pop by after his night out. I was silly to think he’d spend the night with me instead of celebrating. Oh god, how embarrassing.
Taking a makeup wipe, I sat at the desk and scrubbed off my mascara and lipstick.
He wasn’t going to come.
LIVIE: Don’t worry.
