‘Butwe werespotted.Here.’
Why did we go out in public? That was so stupid! People know he visits this town, and he races for Italy’s biggest motorsport team. What naïve idiots. There are tons of staff who work here; how difficult is it to send someone out for provisions? The consequences if we’re caught are too steep to think about.
‘Don’t worry,’ he says. ‘The comments suspect you’re a model. I think it’s quite a good picture. Maybe we should frame it.’
I whack his arm. ‘I’m not kidding! If I turned ninety degrees either way a second before, my career’s down the toilet.’
‘Let’s not be dramatic.’ He flops down on the couch beside me. ‘Even if you were papped dead-on, between your hat and specs, all they’d see is your chin. Also, there’s no story. We weren’t kissing or hugging or anything. You could be my cousin. It’ll blow over in an hour.’
He kind of has a point. I settle back against the cushions, still staring at it. I do look quite chic, if you ignore the tote bag with lettuce poking out the top. Big hat, flowing sundress, Forte dei Marmi in the background – very Sophia Loren indeed.
I nurse my forehead. ‘That was way too close. We need to be more careful in future.’
He crawls over so his head’s in my lap. ‘Are you going to whinge all night or can we go back to watchingJust Friends?’
‘Fine. I’m done. You can press play – but I mean it. Wehaveto be more careful.’
Chapter 34
MINNIE
HOLLAND
My amazing holiday with Jack feels like way more than three weeks ago as Étienne brings over a tray laden with drinks. Kurt’s ogling the stunning dancers in black and red skin-tight race suits on stage, their hair in matching black braids down their backs. For a Grand Prix that plays Ibiza club music from start to finish, this afterparty's no different.
‘They don’t serve genuine champagne, only foreign shit,’ Étienne moans in French, depositing his tray on the little table I’ve commandeered.
‘Then you’ll have to venture out of your comfort zone,’ I say with forced enthusiasm.
These parties used to be fun but I’m quickly falling out of love with them. It’s been a long day on top of a long weekend on top of a long season, and heavy dance music in a fetid club filled with too many people all pushing and shoving isn’t how I’d like to wind down. I’d rather be snuggling with Jack in his hotel room, watching trashy TV and chatting shit.
Speak of the devil, I spot him and Georgie making their way through the crowd – slowly, because he won by a landslide today. I turn back to Étienne so it doesn’t look like I’m waiting,who’s so busy frowning into his glass that he wouldn’t notice anyway.
‘Congrats on today, pal,’ Jack shouts over a thumping remix of ‘Dirty Cash’. Étienne looks up and does a stuttered double take. ‘You had an unlucky race and deserved a spot on that podium.’
Étienne extends his hand. ‘And to you. It was a great win, mate.’
‘Lemme buy you a drink. I’m sure they have some champagne in the back.’
Étienne lights up like a child who’s been given a trip to Disneyland.‘Yes! Thank you!’
As Étienne turns to Kurt, Jack winks at me before vanishing into the crowd. Alarmingly, Georgie stays.
I’ve never spoken to her alone before and panic rises like a tsunami. Everything I’ve heard paints her as a she-bear, fiercely protective and resolutely loyal. Jack puts her on a pedestal – therapist, assistant, personal trainer, masseuse, nutritionist, cook, surrogate mother, and best friend. He’s probably told her everything about me. I mean, hopefully noteverything. I’m so glad it’s dark in here, my face is probably deep maroon.
‘Hi,’ I offer feebly.
Her smile’s polite but not quite warm. ‘Hi, Minnie.’
She has the most beautiful afro curls I’ve ever seen, big and full and not like she has to sleep in a curling rod to force some volume into her hair. Huge dark eyelashes too, the kind you’d take a picture of to your technician.
‘Great race, hm?’ I add.
‘For sure.’
I get the feeling she’s sizing me up and I don’t know how to stop it.
‘I want you to know I’m on your team,’ Georgie says out of nowhere.
