My phone buzzes with a message that Koby has made lunch, if I am feeling better.Or he can bring it up to me.
Setting the phone down on the flat surface, I rise to push the solid wingback chair back away from the desk to leave the refuge of my room.
Descending the steps, Koby comes further into my view.Filling the kitchen with his broad shoulders.His large hands gripping the elongated neck of the glass water bottle that lives in the fridge, transporting it gently to the dining table, where he has set up a salad and some leftover quiche for us both.
He sees me hit the bottom step.“Hey, feeling a little better?”
“Yeah, I am, thanks.I think not enough water and too much sun.”
“Need anything in particular?”He flourishes his hands around the kitchen.
“This will do.”I wave him off as I approach the table.He pulls out my chair and steps out of the way, so I can tuck myself into the table.
He follows suit, sitting opposite me, and I’m back to staring into those bright azure eyes.
“Aria phoned about an hour ago.She would love to be here for Christmas and thanks you for the invite.She’ll see if she can stay at Court’s house, just to be one less body crowding in the house.”
“We would love to have her here if she wants to split her time between the two houses.”
“Thanks.”He shoots me a carefree smile.
My heart skips and a throb thrums downwards.Distraction needed.I start eating and mention, “Brax is due to pop in here for a season recap and planning for next season in a few days.Might need your help over in rally.”
“Aren’t I still dealing with your last on-track favour?”He smirks.
He is referring to me poaching two of his mechanical crew members two seasons ago.
“Yes, I know.But I have two members taking time off for parental leave next year, and Louie has only one in the team who would be suitable to step up, but two spots.”
“You’re wondering if someone might have another perspective coming across from sportsbikes to rally?”
“Am I that predictable?”
“Yes, but in a good way.”
“I also want to think about maybe hiring or promoting someone to job-share Brax’s role next year.His mum’s not been doing well, and I want him to take some time to be with her and not worry about the season.”
“That’s fair.”
“This has happened really suddenly for him, and I don’t want him to feel more pressure.We can support him.”
He rolls his eyes playfully.“No wonder no one ever wants to leave your teams.You look after them so well.”
I shrug.“It’s the least I can do for them.They dedicate so much of their time away from their families and not having a life for a good chunk of the year.Gotta look after them like they are family.”
He floors me with another smile.“How long has his mum not been well?”
“She was first diagnosed with dementia three years ago.She has been doing okay, but she recently had a bad fall.Obviously, he wasn’t home to help, and he felt awful.Very lucky one of the neighbours called in to check on her and found she had a broken wrist but was sitting in her chair just nursing it.Apparently, she has been getting worse over the last month.He wouldn’t leave the season though.I told him to go be with her whenever he needed, but I think he didn't do it as much as he wanted to.I did what I could.Called around to people I knew in health care, asked their assistance where possible.Recommendations for the best facilities.I just want to have the option available to him if he wants to take it.Split his time between the circuit and her whenever he needs.”
“Might need to have a brainstorm with Louie too?See who would be a good fit.There are great talents across the sports.I’m sure we can find the right people.”
Nodding, and taking my last mouthful of food.
Koby rises and starts picking up the empty plates and used cutlery.
I start to help, but he waves me off.“Stop.I can handle this.Sit down and relax.”
“Thanks.Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”
