It’s been weeks since I’ve joined my rival team, and where I should be getting more comfortable with them, it’s only gotten worse.
Even after attending another Halston Sunday dinner, things are rocky.
But only at the office. At Vince and Rose’s house, sharing another heart-healthy meal consisting of fish and a green leafy salad, the Halston siblings are on their best behavior. Noah and Graham discuss strategies with me, Van pipes in when his daughter allows him to, and Beck looks me in the eye when speaking instead of off into the distance like before.
Then there’s Tessa.
She’s all sunshine and rainbows. She helps her mom in the kitchen, teams up with Van’s daughter on every subject, and makes sure the peace is kept while reminding her dad to take his medicine.
It’s all very conflicting, and I leave their home envious each time, just like I used to do when we were younger and our families were still affiliated with one another.
The Halston family split from Pierce Racing and continued on with their happily ever after, whereas I remained with my father and stepmother, who only showed me love when I won a race.
I climb out of my car with a horn sounding behind me.
Another horn echoes in the near distance, and a spark of excitement pulls on my attention.
I peek over my shoulder to look for Tessa.
I knew she couldn’t help but show up at the same time, just to further prove that she’s as hardworking as I am.
Except, her parking spot is empty, with another that’s taken.
My nostrils flare, and my fingers curl around the strap of my bag with tension.
He walks slow with purpose, clearly with the intent to intimidate me.
My heart beats right out of my chest, and as soon as he’s within distance, I speak up. “What are you doing here?”
My dad’s cheek lifts arrogantly with a smirk, and it’s clear the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
“Can’t avoid me if I show up to your new place of employment.” He cranes his neck to peer at the sleek Vanstone sign, nowhere near as flashy as the Pierce one on his building.
Modesty isn’t his vibe. My father has too much money for his own good, and he never misses an opportunity to flash his wealth, even down to the sign on his building.
There’s a hint of disgust lingering, and he gives me the same look I’ve seen each and every time I’ve disappointed him over the years. “Do you know how much shit you’ve stirred up?” he asks. “Do you know the rumors flying around because of your impulsive actions?”
I haul my bag up higher on my shoulder. “I don’t know why I’m surprised that you flew all the way to Vegas just to berate me.” I shake my head and sigh. “And I’ve read the rumors...”
There are speculations of something shady going on, and I can only hope the FIA doesn’t take them with a grain of salt.
“They’re not really rumors, though, are they?” I ask.
He acts quickly. His fingers wrap around my shirt, and I’m suddenly pulled toward him with force. I flex my jaw and attempt to lean out of his space so he doesn’t pull an old trick of his, like headbutting me.
“You won’t last long here.” His acrid coffee breath brushes against my face. “We’ll beat you in Bahrain, and the next race after that, and the one after that too. Pierce Racing wins races, with or without you, Rome.”
I look him square in the eye, shoving away any fear left inside my body that was purposefully put there when I was a young boy. “But is it really winning if you cheat your way to the finish line?”
The blue in his eye darkens. I prepare myself for the blow against my jaw, but nothing happens.
Instead, a hand lands on his chest.
Graham steps in between us, his glare steady on my father. “Leave, or I’ll get the FIA involved.”
My father, the arrogant bastard that he is, grins. He releases my shirt with a dark chuckle.
I take a step away, my anger following closely behind. I ache to hurt him, to make him bleed like he’s done to me a thousand times over again.
