Minutes later, I’m seated next to Drake in front of a slew of sports reporters, asking the same question over and over from slightly different angles. It’s tedious as hell and the urge to lash out and let them know I have a family at home comes close to taking over.
Yet, Alyssia’s words right before I left stay with me throughout the duration of tis press conference.
“Do not get yourself fired. I’m not marrying an unemployed baby daddy.”
I firm my lips together to stifle my grin. She’s so damn cute.
“Who will be the number two driver for Team Amato for the remainder of the season?”
The reporter’s question brings me back to the present. Drake informs them that one of the alternative drivers Amato keeps has already been informed he’ll be taking Skyland’s place.
“And will he go on to compete for Amato next season?”
I barely pay attention to her follow-up question, but it’s the expression on Drake’s face that gives me pause. I’d assumed thatthe alternate driver they chose, if he performs well, will be in the lineup for next season.
Drake’s brief hesitation in answering is what tells me that might not be the case. Drake Horner isn’t a man who hesitates. Not in press conferences.
“We’ll take things one step at a time,” he finally says.
Interesting.
“Travis, this must be a difficult situation finding out your teammate was the one behind setting you up and spreading false information. Can you tell us how you’re taking this?”
I clear my throat and glance around the room until my eyes land on Norm. He’s the only person I brought here with me today. I look back at the reporter who just asked the question.
“In all honesty, it’s been a whirlwind few days that I’m still processing. But I came here to make one thing clear: my priorities have shifted. While I will always give one hundred percent while I’m on the track, I have a new number one in my life—my family.
“Nothing comes before that. Ever.” I look over at Norm, glaring more like it.
His head dips an almost imperceptible amount, but I see it. He understands I’m talking to him. Do not ask me to choose between my family and my career. My family will always come out on top in that war.
“Alright, I think it’s about time to wrap this up,” Drake tells the crowd.
A reporter raises his hand.
“One final question. Travis, given all of the upheaval you’ve had so far this season, what do you make of your championship title prospects?”
The question doesn’t instantly conjure up images of champagne splashing while I stand at the top of the podium holding a trophy over my head.
What comes to mind instead if my smiling fiancée in the hospital bed, looking beautiful as she holds our newborn son.
I lean into the microphone.
“I’ve already won.”
CHAPTER 51
Alyssia
A giddy sensation rushes down my spine as Kandace lifts the teal and pink flower crown with a lace veil attached to place over my head. The veil streams down my back, blending in the with the delicate lace of my sleeveless wedding dress that extends all of the way to the floor.
I look down at my rose tattoo prominently displayed and smile.
“There you go,” Kandace sighs, taking a step back, a sheen of water covering her eyes.
“Don’t you dare start that right now,” I warn her, my own vision turning blurry.
She laughs at the same time my phone beeps.
