“We’re not saying anything. We’re merely asking if you’ve considered how having a child and potential relationship is going to complicate your life?” Mom says. “Up until now, racing has been your number one priority.”
“I’ve always been able to maintain the most important relationships in my life,” I counter.
“That’s becausewe’vemade concessions to be there for you, Trav,” Dad says.
“And we’ve always been happy to do it,” my mom quickly adds.
“Absolutely,” my father agrees. “Hell, your sister even decided to work as your assistant.”
I press my lips firmly together. Annalise is literally my right hand when it comes to everything off of the track. Norm might be my agent, but Annalise is who I often bounce ideas off of when it comes to life outside of racing.
She’s knowledgeable enough to be a sports agent herself, but she’s never shown interest in it.
“What we’re getting at is that you take some time to consider how much time you have to these new roles you’re taking on in your life,” Mom says. “We’ll always be there for you and our grandbaby, and by extension, their mother. You know that.”
Her words should bring me a sense of comfort.
They don’t.
Is this how Alyssia feels? Are they right? Just weeks ago, I was telling a crowd of people that my entire focus in life was winning a championship. That’s all I want—wanted.
But a flashback of Alyssia’s face passes through my mind and that urge to take care of her overcomes me again. It edges on crowding out the fire that’s always burned inside of me to win.
CHAPTER 18
Alyssia
I struggle to stuff my gratitude notebook into my leather shoulder handbag. In the confusion and bustle of all of the rest of the passengers stepping off of the metro, I’m unable to fully snap the second flap but it’s not a big deal.
Today’s my first day at the office and I’ve taken an early train in to give myself time to walk around a little before arriving.
While I’m considering which shop to stop in to grab a cup of tea, I feel a presence come up beside me. For a second, I clutch my purse tighter to my side.
“You’re early.”
My shoulders lose their tension from the sound of Travis’ voice.
His smile is easy, and I have to make myself not stare at his lips.
“Sorry, I hope I didn’t scare you,” he apologizes, but the smile still plays at the corners of his mouth.
I glance around the metro station full of people commuting into Monte-Carlo. “Were you waiting for me?”
“It’s your first day and this metro station can be confusing.” He waves a hand around.
This subway and train station is kind of notorious for turning people around, especially those not used to public transportation.
“I made it fine,” I say instead of indulging in the softness that tries to overtake the center of my chest.
“I see.” He extends an arm holding a coffee cup. “Lemon-ginger tea,” he informs me. “There are some conflicting reports on whether caffeine is actually safe during pregnancy. Limited amounts seem to be okay, but well, considering, I thought tea would be better over coffee.” He shrugs. “Also, you had lemon-ginger tea at your place in New York.”
“You remember that?”
His eyes sparkle with something I can’t put into words.
“Thank you,” I say just above a whisper while taking the hot cup of tea from him.
“I’ve got honey, too. The fake sugar isn’t good for you.”
