Rosie
“Ican’t believe I’m in Austria for a grand prix weekend.” Sasha squeals as she and Tabi dance around the hotel bedroom.
“Your boyfriend didn’t need to bring us out to the grand prix,” Mum says.
“But we’re glad he did. It was incredibly kind of Niki to do this for us. He’s a good man,” Dad comments as a giggling Tabi jumps on the bed.
“He’s the best,” I reply before raising my voice. “Tabi, we don’t need any more damaged ankles.”
“Okay, Mummy.”
“Knock, knock.” Niki walks into the suite and kisses my cheek, while sweeping a giddy, open armed Tabi off the bed. They’re tactile with each other, but full-on cuddles are still rare. He kisses my cheek. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Denham. I’m sorry we’ve not met before now, but I enjoyed our chat.”
Tabi grabs sanitiser from my pocket while still hanging onto Niki and holds it out to my parents. “You need this,” she demands as Niki proffershis hand.
They apply it quickly as Tabi runs her fingers across Niki’s Belle bracelet.
“You’re a busy man,” Dad booms as he shakes Niki’s hand with the most energy he’s had in years. “And as I said on the phone, call me Dave.”
“You can call me Sue. It’s lovely to meet you in person,” Mum says, holding Niki’s hand. Sasha stares at me, her mouth agape. “I’m sorry I didn’t say much on the phone. I was in the middle of making jam.”
My dad stares at me in silent communication. He’s worked hard on talking Mum around, although Niki instigated it. I can’t blame her. She only wants the best for Tabi. Maybe she’s learning that there’s different ways to achieve that.
“I appreciated you taking the time to chat with us and explain the difference Rosie has made,” Mum says. “We miss her at our carpet company, but I’m glad she’s doing well.”
“Thanks, Mum,” I say, turning to Niki. “We watched qualifying from the stands. You were amazing. You’ll be starting the grid in sixth place?”
His blue eyes are bright as he talks about his challenges in qualifying. He reminds me of the Niki I saw when we raced. “I thought I was in trouble when my engineer told me Marco’s lap time. He may be getting close to retirement, but he’s got the skill of a man who’s seen it all. I took the last corner like it was the old days.”
He twists his hand through the air as he chatters. The excitement flowing through him is infectious, and my parents hang on to every word.
“How are you feeling about tomorrow’s race? You’re behind Billy Nister. He has a rep as a danger seeker for good reason. He thinks he’s invincible,” Dad says.
“When did your dad get into F1?” Sasha whispers.
“About the same time you started begging me to find you a racing driver,” I mumble, and she laughs.
“You’re right, Dave, but I reckon he’ll be so busy chasing first place he won’t realise I’m sneaking up on him until it’s too late.” Niki grins.
I want to get him alone and check on him properly. His health anxiety has been tested over the last few days. He may be rethinking his future. But my parents continue to ask him questions about everything, from his favourite driver to his racing diet.
I still can’t believe he asked Dad for a video from my rugby days. Watching it and reminiscing has renewed my drive to complete my master’s, even though I’m not sure if it’s feasible, especially with Niki’s racing future uncertain.
Tabi yawns as she plays with Niki’s bracelet.
“We should get you to bed, nugget. You’re already wearing your special pyjamas,” he says. My heart blooms whenever he cares for her needs. He grabs the bag he left by the door. “But before you clean your teeth, I have a present for you.”
“Thank you, Niki.” Tabi pulls out tissue paper, which she swiftly drops on the floor.
My mum picks it up and folds it, saying, “I can use this.”
Tabi gasps and squeals as she takes out a pair of ear defenders in Coulter turquoise with a tiara on the top band. “I love them. What are they?”
My smile is so broad it hurts.
“They’re special Tabi ear defenders for you to wear at the track. They have Princess Tabi written on the sides.”
Tabi turns them around. “They do,” she shouts when she spies the glittery silver font on the ear defenders. She traces her name. “And they have a tiara.”
