“Fancy reserve driver doesn’t want to share a bus with stinky ole mechanics.”
Crab laughs as Julien turns, wiping himself down and righting his clothes. Great. Now he looks allunkempt. What a perfect way to make a first impression.
Terry blows a raspberry. “If I made twenty quid more than I do, I’d also pay for a cab and get as far away from you as possible.”
“Not a cab,” Julien says. “And I’d lick Crab’s armpits if it meant avoiding tonight.”
“Ew. Don’t do that.” Crab grabs his armpits, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Meeting the family, huh?”
Julien nods with a grimace. “Rafael said they’d love me, but—” But he can count on one finger how many of his partners’ families he’s met.
It’s his middle finger.
“Well, good luck. Whenever they’re in the garage, they’re loud but nice enough.”
“Rafael’s sister is super hot. Give her my number.”
Yeah, pass. “I don’t think handing out phone numbers to Rafael’s siblings would go well for me.”
A yellow Ferraro with green accents pulls up. The engine roars proudly before parking along the curb. The mechanics whistle and holler with appreciation as Julien’s entire body tenses.
“Need someone to join y’all?”
“You don’t wanna be doing what they’re doing.”
“I’ve done worse for less.”
“None of you are invited.” Julien hoists his carry-on bag up as Rafael unfolds himself from the driver’s seat and rounds the back.
“How was your flight?”
“It was fine.”
Super cars aren’t exactly built for airport pickup, but Rafael manages to coerce the small bag into the limited trunk space.
There’s no way Julien’s backpack will fit there as well, so he waves at the team before falling into the passenger seat and cradling the bag on his lap.
Once Rafael closes his door, he turns to Julien with a tut. “You should fly with us.”
Not this again. “I already told you?—”
“Hierarchy, yeah, I know.” Then why bring it up? “There has to be an exception for partners, though.”
“Is there? How often does Sam fly with you?”
“Don’t even suggest it.”
Rafael revs his engine and grins when he checks the rearview mirror. Show off. Before they leave, he leans over the slim center console and kisses Julien. “I missed you.”
“It hasn’t even been a full day.” Still, Julien eagerly returns the kiss. It has been far too long.
Maybe heshouldtake the private charter. It’s practically the same thing as a specialized airport pick-up. The team would understand.
“Is my stupid brother in there?!” Thomas bangs on Rafael’s driver’s room, uncharacteristically staying on the outside of it.
Maybe Rafael found a way to lock the door. That’d be a relief.
