“Technically yes, but not on a trampoline. As we left, he fell down some stairs because he hadn’t tied his laces. I told him I’d treat him to a slushy, and he got so excited he tripped.”
“Oh Connor.”
“I love that man, but he’s a liability sometimes. My liability. He’s broken his ankle. He’ll be out the next three races but should be okay by the end of summer break. You know what that means as our reserve driver?”
“You need me for Austria, Silverstone, and Hungary,” Niki replies. He’s shaking but grinning, too.
“Yep. Is that good for you? Think about what we can do to support you. Rosie, it might be helpful to fly you out as well.”
I suck my lips into my mouth. I can’t do this with Tabi.
“That would be great. I’ll need her there,” Niki replies without consulting me.
“Good. You’ve got to be in Austria in three days. I’ll meet you in the office tomorrow to discuss strategy and preparation. What a day.”
Niki hangs up. He beams at me, and I offer him a fake one in return. I can’t upend my life. I must be here for Tabi. This might be a one-off, but it could be his future.
It can’t be mine.
CHAPTER 65
Niki
Tabi climbs out of my indoor pool and rushes to Rosie, who waits with a towel. Graham follows her, his stubby tail wagging and his tongue lolling out of his mouth. One of them is always following the other.
This house looks right with Rosie and Tabi in it. Hope blooms in my chest that I could have a future where these two are permanently here. It’s a long way off, but Tabi’s giggles as Graham attempts to lick her wet feet make this house feel like a home in a way my interior designer never could.
Rosie sees me staring and gives me a brief smile. It doesn’t reach her eyes.
She’s been like this since we learned about Connor’s accident and our trip to Austria two days ago. She organised for Sasha to join us to sit Tabi as soon as we learned about it, and I’ve since spoken to her parents to get their help as well, but nothing seems to relax her tense shoulders.
I pass Tabi her squash bottle, and we reconvene in the snug room that adjoins the pool room. Tabi nestles into the sofa with Graham at her feet.
“What do you say?” Rosie asks her as I hand Tabi crayons and a colouring book.
“Thank you, Niki,” she sings. Graham’s already snoring as Tabi points out the unicorn she’ll colour and asks him which colours she should use. “Pink is my favourite as well, Graham.”
Her nose scrunches as she picks up the crayons and scratches them across the paper.
I sit on another sofa and beckon Rosie to join me.
“You okay?” I ask even though I know the answer.
She nods. “I’ll get used to visiting your home eventually. I’m always worried Tabi or I will make a mess. She dropped her sandwich on the kitchen floor earlier, but I’ve cleaned it up. Should I put her towel in the wash now? There are wet marks on the carpet.”
I gently touch Rosie’s arm.
“This place always looks worse after Connor has visited, so don’t worry. You two have nothing on him, and I’m happy to clean, and I have a cleaner. What’s really wrong?” I ask.
“You’ll have less time to clear up messes once you’re racing. You’re flying to Austria tomorrow for nearly five days. You can’t be looking after us. Are you packed? Are you anxious?”
“Are you? Sit closer.” Her shoulders are tight, and I run my thumb across her wrist.
“It’s good that Sasha is coming to Austria to look after Tabi. I’m not sure if she’ll get bored. And thank you for speaking to my dad and mum yesterday about them joining us. You didn’t need to. I could have done it. I should have done it. I?—”
“Rosie, breathe,” I instruct. “I wanted to do it, and it’s time I chatted to my girlfriend’s parents. I should have done it in person, but with my training, it’s been tricky. I was able to tell them how awesome an assistant you are.”
She raises her eyebrows.
